The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched--they must be felt with the heart.
~ Helen Keller
After work one afternoon, just before Christmas, I met up with my husband Steve at the mall for some last minute shopping. Stomping my feet, I trudged into the entrance, scanning the food court. I spotted him at a table for two with his back turned. He was reading something on his iphone. Sneaking up, I wrapped my arms around him and planted a kiss on his cheek. He looked back at me with tears in his eyes.
"Hi" he choked out.
I gasped. He never cries. "Areyouokwhathappened?" I hear myself blurt, heart in my mouth. He passes me the phone and I am shocked. No emergency; he is reading a short biography of Helen Keller.
Wait....Helen Keller?
We sit for a moment as he collects himself.
"I can't really talk about it, but Helen Keller was amazing. Holy crap." He struggles to say, looking down.
A little dazed, I grabed his hand and smiled. We had been talking alot those days about life and how we want to live ours. Steve was talking alot about us planning a big trip to see the world-- see how people live life and find peace without all the junk we take for granted here.
For Steve, Helen Keller was an amazing example of how we can use whatever strengths we have to make a difference. She was a firm believer in helping others, trusting in God, and seeking adventure. That day really got the wheels turning; I realized how important this trip was to Steve, and for us. It would really stretch me too--since bravery does not come naturally.
Three months later, our backpacks are almost full with supplies for our four month trek across Southeast Asia and Europe. This will be the place we post our thoughts, tell stories, and share our experiences with the people we are missing back home. We are excited to see the beauty of new places, and even more excited for the new growth and strengthening of our hearts and spirits yet to come.
Thanks for stopping by.
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