Dara's Big Adventure

The world is a great book, of which they that never stir from home read only a page.
St. Agustine (354-430) (Agustine of Hippo)

~~~

Agustine got it right.

Can't do much living from sitting on the couch.

Just about the time my yahoos graduate from high school,

we both know it's time for them to get booted out of the nest.

Not in a rejected, hurtful way,

but to celebrate all that we have learned together,

it's the right time to go out into the world

and prove that knowledge--

and fill in the gaps, if you will,

along the way.

Here's how she got to where she slept last night--

what we did together to make her Big Adventure a reality.

I also grabbed some things off her Facebook page that shows what she's been thinking about for a long time.

We started planning for Dara's Big Adventure months ago...

where could she go?

what could she do?

"So i was looking through my news feed...and everyone was saying how much they are gonna miss high school and how much they cried and are sad they are leaving it behind. I'm just say this: I'm glad I'm done. I didn't enjoy high school, it wasn't awful, but it wasn't the best part of my life. that's coming this next year. I'm not sad about leaving everyone behind-I'm excited to meet new people and explore the world. I didn't cry today because I am glad to be leaving and to actually start my life, I'm not upset about leaving anything behind. The people I care about won't see the last of me, I'll come back. But I don't think leaving high school gives me a reason to cry. I'm running into the world with open arms, excited for a new adventure." ~Dara

On a hillside in Wales

You, with your "Adventurer's Heart" and constant companion, Diana.

First, we thought about ALL possibilities--

and through prayers and pondering,

we started our search for a great place to go.

One of our friends owns a dive resort in Roatan, Honduras--

such an ideal adventure!

We contacted him and he was optimistic and encouraging of her

to come down there to live and work at the resort.

Dara was stoked!

Playing "Shark Waters" at St. James Park, London, UK

"I want to explore. So excited to be going to a place that I get to do that all by myself. 

I'm getting the adventurous and spontaneous life I always wanted. "

We didn't want to put all our eggs into one basket, though,

so we also checked out other options online--

Coolworks.com

it's a great site for college-age kids who want an adventure.

We know friends of our kids who've found amazing jobs through Cool Works,

so we checked it out too.

Spring Creek, Choteau, Montana

We also talked to friends.

In fact, I posted on my facebook asking friends for ideas too,

and one sweet friend answered back and said,

"Send her to Juneau!"

Flyfishing the Platte River, Deckers, CO.

Dara was still holding out hope for the Roatan resort, 

but glitches came up that took that opportunity off the table.  

So instead of wearing shorts and t-shirts all summer and 

snorkeling, scuba diving, palm trees and beaches, 

we pulled up images online of Juneau, Alaska--

did some more planning and praying...

and made the decision:

"So it is now completely official...the ticket it bought....really going to Alaska!"

We packed coats and sweaters, socks and hiking boots, bought new gloves,

checked out rain boots to be bought when she got there...

the idea of a warm-water adventure was replaced with 

mountains, glaciers and whale-watching.

"In approximately 32 hours I will be on a plane on my way to Alaska!!!!!! GAH!"

"So...I dyed my hair red....whatcha think? Thank You to my friends you encourage me to try crazy things and take risks!! LOL"

She was a little nervous in the week leading up to her departure--

in fact, let's be honest, she was driving me crazy.

At one point last week,

                                                                        in frustration, 

                                                       (after dyeing her hair fire-engine red, which she had a                                                                                                                      professional remove the red and go over it with brown) 

                                                 I told her I was going to miss her "like a toothache". 

Just further proof,

that this is the perfect time for her to leave the nest!

"In approximately 24 hours I will be in Alaska! IN IT! GAHHHHHH!"

Yesterday morning,

packed and ready to go,

we made a nice breakfast,

then Dad gave her a Father's Blessing.

It was wonderful...blessing her with safety and joy

in the days and weeks and months ahead.

She was told to be a light in the world and serve others

in Juneau and seek out the good.

Nearing time to leave,

Dad and Ari took luggage out to put in the car--

I wanted a minute or two with our girl alone.

Taking her in my arms,

I said:

"You have the heart of an Adventurer--here's your chance to work harder than you've ever worked and have more fun than you've ever had. Say "yes" to everything you can--and serve those you meet up there in Alaska so WELL, that when you come home, they'll be sad to see you go; here's a chance to make lifelong friends; make the best of everyday--you won't regret a minute of it if you do!"

A few tears and a light in her eyes of joy and appreciation--

it's like the first time she's actually listened to me in months, really. 

I could get used to that.

And then she was gone:

 "On my way to the airport!!! Alaska here i come!"

"Layed over in seattle!"

"Boarded the plane to Juneau!"

"Oh my dang i am in Alaska!"

She woke up in Colorado Springs and went to sleep in Juneau, Alaska.

How stinkin' cool is that??

Here's to reading a book cover to cover--

thanks, Agustine.