Wherever We Land

From the moment I was born, I was enveloped in the warmth and love of my family. They’ve been there for every milestone, every scraped knee, every moment of triumph and every tearful setback. But looking back, the single most positive thing a family member ever did for me wasn’t a grand gesture or a material gift. It was something far more profound, something that has shaped the very core of my being and continues to guide me every single day: they introduced me to the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Growing up, faith wasn’t just a tradition; it was woven into the fabric of our family life. The stories of the patriarchs, their unwavering faith, and the promises made to them were not just tales from an old book. They were living narratives that informed our values, our understanding of the world, and our place within it. This introduction wasn’t a forceful imposition, but a gentle unfolding, a shared journey of learning and understanding. It laid a foundation of hope, resilience, and a deep connection to something far greater than ourselves.

This early grounding in faith has been an anchor throughout my life, providing solace in times of difficulty and immense joy in moments of celebration. It has shaped my perspective, instilled in me a sense of purpose, and fostered a belief in the power of something unseen yet undeniably real. For this incredible gift, I am eternally grateful to the family members who shared their faith with me.

Beyond this foundational blessing, our family’s support has continued to be a source of immense positivity in another, perhaps unexpected, area of my life: our YouTube channel, Wherever We Land. This passion project, which my wife Nikki and I started, has become a significant part of our lives. We share our outdoor travel adventures, our cooking experiments, and our reflections on life, hoping to connect with others and perhaps even inspire them in some small way.

The encouragement we’ve received from so many of our family members has been truly heartwarming. Their enthusiastic viewership, their supportive comments, and their willingness to share our channel with their own networks have been invaluable. In the often-daunting world of online content creation, knowing that our closest loved ones are cheering us on makes all the difference.
But the journey of Wherever We Land has brought another unexpected and beautiful form of family into our lives. Through this platform, we’ve connected with individuals from all corners of the globe who resonate with our content. People we had never met before have become a source of incredible support, encouragement, and even friendship. They celebrate our successes, offer comfort during challenges, and share their own stories, creating a sense of community that we never anticipated.

It’s through this online experience that we’ve truly learned that sometimes people you never knew can become family. These connections, forged through shared interests and mutual respect, have enriched our lives in countless ways. They remind us that human connection knows no geographical boundaries and that kindness and understanding can blossom in the most unexpected places.

So, while the introduction to the God of our fathers remains the most profound and positive gift I’ve ever received from my family, the ripple effects of their love and support continue to shape my life in beautiful ways. And through the unexpected journey of Wherever We Land, our definition of family has expanded, proving that love and connection can be found both in the familiar embrace of those we’ve always known and in the welcoming hearts of those we’ve only just met. This journey of faith and connection continues, and for that, I am truly blessed.