Why?

It seems fitting that the first post for this site will address the heart of why we are doing this. It is most apparent, as we look back at our country over the last year and especially the events of August 12, 2017, to uncover why we are planning a trip around the world. As we start to tell friends and family of our plans to take a year and travel the world with our kids after a bit of shocked laughter we most often hear, “why?” When a quick answer is all I have I often respond, “why not?” That hides the spirit of this trip. Every step from the planning, to the sharing, to the actual adventure is going to be done in a way to make sure our family never forgets our place in the global community.

What better way to teach humility then to help others in each locale or rely on the kindness of our neighbors in an unknown place? What better way to show our children that they are small cogs in this world, but can do powerful things by exposing them to the powerful things done by so many around the world? We refuse to accept that hatred of others is okay and vow to show our children the vastness of the world in which they live and the love that is present everywhere.

One Planet, One Year is so much more than one year, one family, or one idea. It is the movement that propels each of us to greatness, the curiosity that funds invention, and the desire to ensure my children know the power of their words and actions. We hope to show each of our children (and hopefully the people we connect with online and in person) that the planet is bigger then one family, one neighborhood, or one country.

I invite each of you on this journey with us. There is plenty of time in the future to talk more about the what, where, and hows. There will be time for introductions and further explanation. Today (and everyday) I want to acknowledge the true why, so we can stay focused on this goal throughout the process.