As we celebrate the return of the light this solstice, our thoughts always turn to friends and family who bring so much light to our world, especially during these turbulent times on this planet. This year was filled with so much change we figured our annual “card” should reflect it. While the format of our reflection has evolved, our desire to be in touch with you remains the same.
The beginning of 2019 looks almost unrecognizable from the the end of it. All these changes were made possible by the confluence of several major events:
- In February, we said goodbye to Kihei. Our “first daughter” gave us 12 years full of fun and fur.
- In June, Taylor finished 5th grade and graduated out of her beloved Opal School.
- In July, Mark transitioned out of his role with KCB after 7 years of learning, growth and change.
As many of you know, we have long dreamed of traveling the world as a family, following our interests and curiosities about this incredible planet we call home. The confluence of the life changes and dreams inspired us to make some radical choices. This summer we purchased an RV, let go of our Portland home and most of our possessions, became Washington State residents, registered as homeschoolers, and have been living nomadically since the fall.
The girls are loving this new lifestyle where everyday is a field trip, and each week brings lessons ranging from geology to American history to animal husbandry. They really miss seeing Dude and Babe (Kendall’s parents) at least once a week, but they’re thrilled with the new adventure each day brings.
Kendall is putting her research and curation skills to work on a daily basis — discovering the best places to stay, things to do, and even basic details like where to do the laundry and what soaps are best to travel with. She is grateful for more time in nature and more time as a family. We are creating priceless memories and she is thankful everyday we have the opportunity to have this adventure together.
Mark feels so much more connected to the family than he has been over the last few years with his constant work travel. He is appreciating the chance to slow down and focus on depth of connections instead of breadth, and is incorporating this into “Cross Pollinate” the non-profit business association he started. He continues to be a connector of people and is grateful he gets to introduce his family to his business friends and colleagues as we travel.
As with any major life change, this one has allowed us to have a lot of deep reflection about what we have to learn, what we do and don’t want in our lives, and what is important to us to have in our life and to teach our children. We are seeing the importance of slowing down, being connected to the Earth and all its inhabitants, and feeling the power of prioritizing connection.
Highlights of our travels are too numerous to list, but it is safe to say our favorite times have been with friends, family, colleagues, and new acquaintances. Connection with people and places was the priority from the inception and it continues to be something we cherish.
The movie made by the girls gives you an overview of our adventures this past year. If you want to follow along more closely, you can subscribe to our blog (www.schoolforyoungblood.com) or follow us on instagram (@schoolforyoungblood).
And should you be sending paper cards to us this year, please use our new mailing address:
1037 NE 65th St. #81429
Seattle, WA 98115
(And if you sent a card to the old address, hopefully it was forwarded!)
We hope this note finds you happy, healthy, and thriving.
Best wishes for 2020!
Mark, Kendall, Taylor & Parker