A letter home

Dearest Family and Friends,
More than a year ago, we set sail to the world claiming, “We will go, where ever the wind blows us.” In that year, the wind blew us through Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India and Kenya. The year has been more than full and we are more than satisfied with our achievements. Our regrets were only when we wanted to do more for people, and for time lost with family and friends who were left at home. We leave Africa in a couple weeks and look forward to some rest and reflective time in Thailand before continuing our volunteer tour.

We look at what we have done knowing that we have sacrificed everything we knew, just to find something different. Has it been worth it? We hope so, but some needs remain unfulfilled when away from home for so long. It is a constant emotional battle to justify the neglect our own family feels, while we are filling the needs of strangers. We ache to see our children, and regret missing an entire year of our grandchild’s life. Our shoulders have been a continent away from our sick and anguishing friends and family. We have had to convey our encouragement for their joys and success over a distant computer and random phone call. We have lost loved ones and grieved alone, feeling the solitude of a big world.
While overextending ourselves in every stretch of the meaning, we have reshaped our values. We are choosing different paths and are coming out with a different outlook on life, love and our pursuit of happiness. We knew this trip would change us, but didn’t know how. We still have another year to endure, and we are taking a hard look at ourselves, while re-evaluating our motives.

You may ask which experiences have changed us the most, or what will be different when we come home? Besides some physical changes, we are more patient and compassionate people. Having conquered giant obstacles, we have gained an immense amount of confidence while looking to the future with uncertainty. Heart wrenching circumstances have made us more sensitive and at the same time, more calloused people. We are more focused even though it appears we are living on the edge. We have gained a new respect and compassion for people of a different knowing while struggling with antipathy for those who won’t help themselves.
We are still growing, learning and don’t know what the meaning of life really is. But we’re having an amazing time trying to figure it out.

I do know that when we had sacrificed the most and gained the least, we learned to look at life differently. First we had to look within to find our strengths, and admit our weaknesses. Then we looked to each other for support and validation; and finally looked to our environment to find a purpose. We found that we gained a first rate education, from third world countries. We have come to understand ourselves by living with, listening to and sharing with people who are vastly different than us. These people have taught us a new meaning of happiness which excludes monetary possessions and instead puts value in everyday relationships.

We have learned to treasure our friends, loved ones and even the common stranger. We all have a role to fill when we come in contact with each other, whether it is at home or in a foreign country. Each of us determines the future of our life when making daily decisions to engage or disengage with people, projects and careers. There are doors opening and paths to choose every minute of the day. Everyone you meet, greet and share yourself with; will change you and your life.

People make the world go around. I challenge you to see your neighbor, coworker, in-law and stranger in a different light. “Your family will love you, your friends will know you, but a stranger will change you.” Explore life, love and the pursuit of YOUR happiness. Each day, each person, each path, will lead to a different destiny.
Challenging our values and motives, meeting new people, and change has been extremely good for us. Don’t be afraid of change. It is just a part of growing into yourself.

We can not express enough, how grateful we are to those who have sent love, strength and encouragement from home. You have been our life-line to survival. When we couldn’t see it, you have renewed our faith to continue on.
We send an extra special thank you to those who saw and fulfilled our vision to help with deserving projects, and responded with your benevolent support.
We will carry your wish to make a difference in this world. It is your Mission Accomplished!
We keep, keepin’ on… in the pursuit of life, love and happiness

Love to each of you every day,
Brian and Brenda