I recently heard a excerpt from the “I Am” documentary trailer. The speaker spoke to the emerging scientific confirmations that we are more hardwired for connection and compassion than previously thought. I believe that to be so true!

I am concerned that in today’s world of technological advances, we will become electronically connected to the people we can’t see at the expense of connecting with those right in front of us. As our own children delve deeper into their media outlets of interest we have to continue to safeguard times of true, interactive connectedness, face-to-face, person to person. This trip is the realization of our five year dream to do just that!

I look ahead with joy and excitement for both the planned and the unknown adventures that will come our way. I am eager to embrace the gift of time in true togetherness with each other and our brothers and sisters along the way! I look forward to speaking out about kidney health and doing intentional service in the communities we visit.

Bono was quoted with the following words on Desmond and Mpho Tutu, “At the end of even the very worst day, it’s in our DNA to look out for our bothers and sisters.” May God enlighten and bless our journey as we do just that!

They say that it’s the journey, not the trip. And as my family and I embark on our carefully planned trip across these great states that fill the culture of our nation, we gladly accept the unknowns of the journey that come hand in hand with us along the way.

I can remember years ago, while I was still in elementary school, when I was in third grade or even beyond. My mom had always talked about going as a family on a year-long trip around the country. It was an exciting thought, to travel the country together in an RV for a year. And all through fourth and fifth grade I still heard my mom talking about this grand trip we would go on. Last year, in sixth grade, my mom knew that she only had a few years to actually make it happen. We knew that I wouldn’t be able to make our dream a reality when I climbed up the ladder into high school. This year, my mom told me, sometime in the winter, that we were going on a three month trip around the country. That it was actually going to happen. We may not be going for a whole year, and we aren’t going in an RV, but I accept the opportunity none the less. Now a 7th grader, four or five years of talk has culminated into this trip across the United States, with my family, and with myself, in nature, in the culture of the states, in the joy of living, in hozho.

And I acknowledge and accept with open arms, the journey that will find us and take us for a ride called life.

In everybody’s life there is a time to live to the fullest. In this being my chance, I take full pride in embarking on this journey. I want to get a better look at the rural artistry of the states along our path. It means a lot to me knowing I will be putting my heart and willing soul into making the adventure the best it can be.

God will illuminate our path, heal and guide us.

The Grand Adventure begins in a few short  weeks and much like Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Rabbit when they went looking for Christopher Robin, I do not know exactly what will happen but am excited nonetheless for the experience. Thanks to our family and friends for your support along the way. Please visit this site often to see what is happening and remember “all who wander are not lost.” Let the Grand Adventure begin…

A warm welcome to everybody! Follow our adventure here, and check back for the latest on what the Hamsteads are up to.