Where does one start after 38 days of life-changing travel? Since arriving, we have already been asked the classic questions: What was the most beautiful? The most fun? The most inspirational? What was the camper like? The best story? The weirdest event? Did you want to kill each other? The list goes on... and to be honest, our responses have been far from fruitful; in fact, most answers have looked like this: 
1. Silence
2. A brief moment where we look at each other, uncertain where to start
3. Trying to avoid the silence (as natural extroverts), we begin blabbing but deep down recognize that we haven't even had the time to process everything. 

When you have such an unbelievable "big life" experience (studying abroad, getting married, a baby being born, serving for the first time, etc.), it is at times hard to explain it all in one casual conversation. With this understanding, we are posting a few insights but there is no way these words could sum up all the brilliant moments. In the next few days (once we have deeply and personally reflected on our own 'take-aways'), we will be posting more "little stories" we wish to share with you, but until then, please enjoy this list of twenty five things we have learned while on the road. 

For the past few days, we have been in Memphis, Tennessee. We volunteered a bit, tasted some soul food (for those of you Yankees who do not know what soul food is- a few specialties include: neck bone, collard greens, and yams) and, with the help of Blake’s aunt and uncle, explored a Southern city that has a rich, historic flare. 

Throughout our travels, we have become listeners. Listeners fortunate enough to hear from the most amazing of storytellers. From Michael, our blind buddy in Gallup, NM to Dr. James Stamper, top cardiologist in Memphis, TN, we have deeply engaged with unique people who have shared their life journeys. Their testimonies have influenced, encouraged, and at times challenged us in the best way possible and we are so blessed to have met a wide variety of souls around the United States.

Today, we would like to share the story of two people who are living out hope each and every day. One main reason for stopping in Memphis was to meet Tony and Felicia Wade, a power couple who have devoted their lives to bettering their underprivileged community. We originally did not know what to expect; however, if there is anything we have learned it is to embrace this mindset of uncertainty because we find unexplainable value in stepping outside our comfort bubble. So, once again, we let our new friends lead the way. Upon meeting Tony and Felicia Wade at their beloved Divine Life Church, we could immediately tell they were two people with a fantastic and enthusiastic narrative. From the beginning, their caring, generous and passionate attitudes brilliantly shined through and despite working in a very rough environment, they have found a way to look at the bright side of it all. Experiencing a place like the Alcy-Ball district of Memphis (a place we likely would have never stopped in on a vacation to Memphis) without the guidance of Tony and Felicia would have been far less valuable so we were appreciative for their willingness to open up their world to us.  

Thirteen years ago, starting with nothing but their profound faith, a call to serve, and a commitment to working together, Tony & Felicia slowly began to build their community initiatives, taking every opportunity they could to boost positive change. Since then, they have launched various child outreach programs (under the title of Repairing the Breach)- leadership & development, after-school tutoring, bible studies, service project trips, etc.- with the end goal to create global leaders who recognize they are loved and beautifully created by the man upstairs. Realizing that effective community change comes from holistically touching all ages, they have created additional outlets that involve family members and others who are not directly in the child outreach programs. These additional outlets include their Divine Life Church and WADE’s House, a transitional home for at-risk women who have fled domestic violence. Each morning, they wake up committed to providing a safe space for those looking for the hope and love many do not receive at home. From hosting bible study at the local high school to passing out neckties every Wednesday to promote professionalism, Tony and Felicia have done much more than simply create a few functioning community outreach programs- they have created a local crew dedicated to using their God-given talents to make good instead of continuing down the unfulfilling road of gang violence, drug addiction, prostitution, etc. Time and time again, Tony and Felicia open their doors to people they know are involved in immoral, dangerous activities because everyone deserves to feel treasured. Visiting their community members when they become incarcerated, mentoring young females on healthy marriages, or hosting a church-run carnival in an apartment complex police don’t even enter at night are just a few of their “day in the life” events. Talk about optimistic strength and dedication. In a broken place that has lost its identity, Tony and Felicia are focused on bringing hope to those who need it most. And we are genuinely inspired by their mission.

At times, when you see a broken place or hear of dreadful stories, it is easy to lose hope. To give up. To say this is not the way it should be. And the truth is that it shouldn’t be this way. But, at times, it is. From our experience, the real champions are the ones who are daily in the guts and gore of it all. The people who are doing more than just writing a check from a distance hoping it reaches someone in need. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using ones blessings to help initiatives working to alleviate brokenness; however, our experience in Memphis illustrated that those who work and exist in the dark places deserve a fantastic amount of recognition. It is life changing to learn about those whose daily lives revolve around resolving a place filled with disheartened people looking for a saving grace. Those who take a chance, sacrificing a normal lifestyle to serve the Lord by repairing His Kingdom here on earth. So, let’s take an extra moment to acknowledge those champions. They are all around if you just take a look. When you see or find a champion bringing needed hope for today, admire them. And maybe even thank them.

Today, we find graditude in sweet iced tea, the people who risk it all to provide hope in a discouraged community, and in yet again stepping outside our norm to experience a place through the eyes of two influential leaders.

You know those days when you begin with a perfect plan but then it somehow becomes compromised by external and/or uncontrollable factors? Well when mother nature decided to turn her sprinkler on for the day, we assumed our scheduled hike at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas had to be altered...but instead of calling it quits we decided to keep our spirits up (along with our hoods) and make our way to the trailhead because there was no way we were going to let a little rain ruin our plan to explore the canyon below. Our confidence and determination brought us to the bottom of the valley where we discovered that the rain was actually a non-factor due to the resilient trees draping a dry canopy above. Coming around the corner up and over large boulders, we discovered an oasis where a small pond was being filled by a steady stream of water that fell from roughly 90 feet above. The 200 foot cliffs surrounding the tranquil nook in the valley was worth our 3 mile hike and it was then that we realized how happy we were to have pushed forward, not allowing a weather detour to ruin our plans. 

Upon our arrival back to the campsite we assumed mother nature would give us a break from the rain (that is what The Weather Channel phone app said at least...) but this was obviously not the case so instead of pouting we decided to try and make the most of it. We still had dry fire wood, an open-air tent, a jambox, and a few more days on the road- so how could we not move forward and enjoy the rainy outdoors? Yes, it would have been so easy to sit inside stoically cursing the rain like all of our other camping neighbors but instead we pretended like there was no rain at all (kind of). With our tent partially over the blazing hot fire, we sat in our chairs completely dry, thankful for the opportunity to be able to enjoy outside considering the circumstances.

Most days, many of us likely experience something (big or small) that is uncontrollable/unplanned & at times it is hard to not give up; however, when we courageously choose to stay the course, it can be that much more rewarding. While this story may be a bit minor in the realm of bigger unplanned events, our hope is that you too find ways to push forward & reflect upon how your perseverance has brought you to where you stand today. 

Today, we find graditude in learning that Arkansas is a beautiful place, singing with the guitar around the fire, and dancing (figuratively) in the rain that didn't stop us. 

Since the beginning, we have committed to "gaining newfound perspective through intentional and purposeful interactions." Looking back, we feel as though our dedication has truly sustained. Some days we find more purposeful interactions that others but it has been life-changing to at least attempt to live each day with that mindset. All in all, we know we are coming back home with a refreshing dose of eyes wide open. Specifically for the past three days, our experiences have deeply aligned with postgraditude's overall mission. Parking Rhonda and Frankie J in the volunteer lot at Rehoboth Christian School near Gallup, NM, we quickly got familiarized- hanging out with students, getting to know the passionate staff, exploring both Navajo and Zuni Reservations, and all the while purposefully searching for what God has in store for our next steps. Below you will find a few "chapters" (if you will) that detail a few very enriching moments.

Mr. Bob Ippel, a kind & fun-loving choir teacher from Rehoboth, brought us to the home of two sisters who humbly introduced us to their traditional technique of weaving. With steady hands, they beautifully craft these pieces from their sheep, their home-made dye (as in go out, find plants, and make the dye), and their loom passed down to them from their grandmother. With big hearts, they welcomed us into their iron-furnace heated home and it was then that we learned to appreciate this lost art. So often, we have no idea exactly where our goods come from or how they are crafted so it was refreshing to see true authenticity.

Taking a tour of Rehoboth Christian School with Carol Bremer-Bennett (the superintendent who happens to have an amazing story and not to mention the most beautifully diverse family) we could see why the kids love to learn there. Growing up in a very broken society, many students experience wretched hardships at home so the most important thing the school can do is provide them a positive environment to build lasting relationships. Keeping with traditional tribal architecture, the newer parts of the school feature large communal spaces, natural light, red rock coloring, and the use of various materials. Very cool. 

After a lovely tour, we hit the cafeteria to volunteer a little time. Throwing on some gloves and hats (think Krispy Kreme hat status), we hopped in the serving line. Blake was in charge of the whole wheat breadsticks. Hannah was first in charge of apples (classic) and then transitioned into the role of "making sure the kindergardeners eat." On a normal day, this task would be quite simple but the distraction of a little something called Halloween had the kids focused on candy and costumes instead of the apples and breadsticks. Nonetheless, it brought us joy to go back in time to the days of the lunch line.

After lunch, we tagged along with Mr. Ruthven (Chaplain/Bible teacher) and a few of his students, traveling downtown Gallup to serve lunch to the underserved. In these situations (placing oneself in a world so far from one's norms) it usually starts out with a bit of uncertainty. Who do you talk to? Does anyone actually want to talk? Do you help even if they have enough people passing out meals? If someone does want to chat, how on earth do you find common ground? The questions will always be there but if you muster up the courage to just try, a lot can happen. We both found ourselves deep in conversation with two individuals finding their way. 

Blake's new friend, Michael, taught him the importance of resilience, perseverance, and forgiveness. Minutes into chatting, Michael revealed to Blake that he was blind, the unfortunate recipient of a hit and run accident. Being blind, friends have stolen his things without him knowing and somehow, he peacefully forgives. We can't say we would always have the patience to do the same. In the words of Michael, "It took becoming blind for me to really be able to see." Michael now sees the light of God and despite his struggles, he has found unbelievable strength. Even though Michael couldn't physically see Blake, his verbal and nonverbal cues illustrated gratitude in having someone sit beside him and simply share. 

While Blake and Michael chatted, Hannah's new friend, Jameson (a confident & spunky aspiring fashion designer) reminded her of the beauty in being yourself and staying positive. The conversation started rather basic- the most recent fashion trends from Vogue, favorite perfume, Texan accents, TLC's new CD, how real the mash potatoes tasted, etc.- and then things quickly got real. James shared with Hannah the difficulties he has experienced while growing up on the reservation- being judged for pursuing fashion as a male, finding money for design school, and burying his father and five friends in one year. In face of all of the sadness and uncertainty, he claims that positivity is the only way to keep going. Talk about inspiring. After two hours, we left; taking with us insights from yet another life-changing event shared with those we pass by.

The Carlisle family invited us to join them for a traditional Navajo experience. Don, the father, picked us up from Rehoboth and immediately made us feel incredibly welcome. Apologizing for not picking us up on his horses (they have a ranch with livestock), we hopped into his truck and headed to his mother's house for dinner. The Carlisle family is the only family in Gallup with four generations of Rehoboth Christian graduates so they were happy to host friends connected to the school's mission. Upon arriving, Blake went outside with Don to grill some recently-hunted elk and Hannah found herself with Don's three younger children. From helping Dylane (2nd grade) with her ladybug costume to belting out When Will My Life Begin from Tangled, Hannah immediately feeling back at home. 

After some goofing around with the kiddos, we found ourselves deep in an emotional conversation with Don's father, a strong man who devoted his life to making positive change for the Native American community. Growing up with Tuberculosis, he was constantly rejected him-his family keeping him outside with the sheep far from the dinner table; however, an opportunity to go to school changed everything for him. His success at Rehoboth Christian School bloomed his immense potential. A man who grew up feeling so small found himself accepting a scholarship to college, becoming a marine, graduating law school, and leading as a well-respected community leader. With a firm belief in God, principles and education, he reminded us of how blessed we are to have graduated and taught us to keep our eyes open for the good each and every day. We were so blessed to have had that encounter with Mr. Carlisle. 

At their home, we enjoyed a beautiful meal of elk, salmon, tortillas, pumpkin and mashed blue corn meal. Leaving their home with many hugs, extra smoked salmon (Hannah loved it) and horned toad pendants (know for their luck in Navajo tradition), we were joyously full. We ended the night in Tohatchi, driving up the Deeza Bluff to take a look at the most enchanting night sky. Piled in Don's truck with Dylane and Dally (his children), we played some eye-spy while riding up the rocky and treacherous mountain road. At the top we turned the high-beams off, stepped out, and simply tilted our heads back. Every constellation was present and accounted for, confirming we are once again a small part of this large world. We could have stayed there all night but the cold air quickly changed our minds. We really appreciated Don for showing us an activity he does quite often and we left for the night satisfied and influenced by this special place filled with amazing people. 

Today, we find graditude in everything you have read about above.