BACKPACKS AND BRA STRAPS
Chapter #41 ” Winding Down”
Chapter #42 ” Up, Up And Away”

…my brother Sky had sent us almost immediately in response to my latest blog post. I’m proud of all of you for setting and accomplishing the goals you’ve made for yourselves. No doubt this journey around the world has offered you some of the greatest challenges of your lives, and you’ve all continuously pushed passed them. Like Ammon said, it’s mostly mental attitude, and from what I gather, you’ve all done an amazing job, especially considering the circumstances. I know that very cold and very early mornings on an exhausted body can be discouraging and very unattractive. Again, I wish I was with you. It would’ve been sweet if my 5 year enlistment in the Marine Corps was completed prior to your trip. Next time I hope. Only 2 years left. Stand tall, Skylar” ***

I couldn’t believe where the trip had brought us. Through the pain, I’d gained so many unforgettable moments and life-altering revelations. I was beginning to recognize my internal desire to improve myself and better understand the way I perceived the world around me, and I fully intended to influence it in a positive way. I’d met and made friends from all walks of life and I’d walked more than a mile in other people’s shoes. In this short time, we’d ventured from the third lowest place on earth to watching a flood of light pierce the new day at one of its highest points. The emotional and physical highs and lows of the journey mirrored those explorations. We could have given up and let the hard times defeat us, but we overcame them. I knew there would be more challenges – we all did – but an experience like this made us think about why it was all worth it. Not only had we built incredible lifelong memories; we’d built lasting, healthy relationships among our entire family, strengthening our bonds and surviving the hardships and fights. Being glued to each other sometimes felt like imprisonment, but working through the anger and frustration was rewarded with a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment. Unable to escape, we had to face obstacles and reach the top, much like the mountains we’d climbed. Who knew where this whole thing might lead?
Hi, really enjoyed reading both your books. I just went through the last of your pics from the second book. Feel like i’ve traveled the countries that you have visited, by merely visiting the pages. Looking forwards to your next few books! And hopefully traveling myself next time I get a break. All the best 🙂
Hey! Thanks so much for your comment. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the books!! I can’t wait to release the books… just have to write them first 🙂 ! If you have time I’d really appreciate if you could take a moment to leave amazon reviews for both the books. Thank you so much in advance!!!
I really enjoyed both of your books and what a joy to view all of the pictures available to supplement the books. Thank You. I am eagerly awaiting your next book!
Hey! Thank you so much. I’m so happy to read your comment. Mom created the website and puts all of the photos together. She’s the best! I would LOVE if you could leave a review on amazon 🙂 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YZ0184/ref=series_rw_dp_sw#nav-subnav And unfortunately there has been a delay in the third book. –> https://sihpromatum.com/2016/09/15/book-announcement/
Wonderful to see you all after reading the books… will be waiting for # 3..i guess it is not out yet . Well done on this writing .
Thank you so much! Glad to hear you enjoyed both books. Did you happen to leave reviews on Amazon/goodreads? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YZ0184/ref=series_rw_dp_sw I would so appreciate that. Now with the baby coming and working on getting my dutch citizenship, the book has been put on the backburner a little bit, but I’m hoping to have it out as soon as I can!
Thanks so much for such a great book! I am just angry with myself for taking so long to come across your books! Being a Asian living in Asia, it’s still great to read about your experiences. Reading your book certainly brought back fond memories of my own travels. Thanks Savannah!