During the school year 2023-2024, Crossing America embarked on an ambitious mission to actively involve students nationwide in the beauty of our national parks. By visiting schools and hosting LiveStreams, we directly interacted with over 100,000 students, while hundreds of thousands more engaged with our recorded events. Our collaboration with national parks, schools, communities, and park rangers was exceptionally outstanding. Together, we exceeded our expectations tenfold in terms of both participation numbers and partnerships. This remarkable project was made achievable thanks to the generous support of the National Park Foundation, to whom we express eternal gratitude. Throughout the year, we observed each participating school developing a stronger commitment to becoming guardians of our national parks. By nurturing a sense of gratitude and recognizing the value of these natural treasures, we left a lasting impact on the upcoming generation. Looking ahead to the school year 2024-2025, we are filled with eager anticipation and enthusiasm for the continuous expansion of our program and the deepening of our partnerships with schools, communities, and national parks. Together, we will persist in inspiring and enlightening future generations about the importance of safeguarding and treasuring our national parks for the years ahead.
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March 15, 1989-March 15, 2024: Today marks a day for reflecting on the path we didn't choose. This could have been the moment I made my retirement official, entering a phase of relaxation and leaving a legacy. However, fate guided us in a completely different direction. A few years ago, we took a risk by stepping away from the security of our careers, diving into an uncertain yet thrilling venture. It's fascinating how retirement, once a distant dream, has now become less important. But I have no regrets. Steve and I are leading a meaningful life, where financial retirement pales in comparison to the satisfaction we get from our daily work. I've realized that true wealth isn't just about money, but about having a common goal and enthusiasm, exploring different places, and collaborating with your closest companion. The idea of retirement now feels almost unfamiliar to us. Our days are filled with activities that don't feel like work, surrounded by a community that values more than just material success. As a result of this journey, we have redefined what it means to be 'wealthy.' We measure wealth not by the money in a retirement account, but by the moments of joy, love, and contentment that come from living a purpose-driven life. What shapes our unconventional approach to retirement? It's built on relationships and the simple joy of being actively involved in each other's lives. We hope that our story can inspire those considering following their passions instead of conforming to the usual path. The road less traveled may not lead to a typical retirement, but it can guide you towards a life filled with love, purpose, and the certainty that those we've touched will always have a place for us. And if we ever need a place to stay down the road, there's always the kids. 🤣 If you're interested in learning more about our work, feel free to explore our website! |