Did you enjoy Eat Pray Love and Wild? You’ll be captivated by this family’s incredible journey.
Mark Thompson found himself stuck in a monotonous routine. After two decades of marriage, his relationship with his wife felt stagnant, their 17-year-old son was ready to leave home, and their 14-year-old daughter was lost in her digital devices. In a bid to reconnect, Mark envisioned an adventure that would take his family around the globe, but he was uncertain about the financial implications.
Inspired by the possibility of transforming their lives through service, Mark discovered the idea of volunteering as a way to travel affordably. “Many dream of a worldwide adventure but feel it’s unattainable,” Mark shared with the Portland (Maine) Press-Herald. “Once we explored volunteering opportunities, we realized it was not only feasible but also budget-friendly.” (See the full story here.)
Their journey led them to diverse experiences, from a monkey sanctuary in Costa Rica, to an organic farm in New Zealand, and an orphanage in India. While the family’s travels didn’t offer much downtime, it provided them with invaluable opportunities to confront personal challenges and rekindle their bonds as a family unit. (Check out video from the trip.)
This article was originally published on Feb. 20, 2015.
Looking for more insightful stories? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for a dose of real-life parenting experiences.
Also, if you’re interested in home insemination options, check out our post about the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo at Make A Mom. Plus, if you’re navigating the challenges of feeding a baby, you can find expert advice at Intracervical Insemination. For those exploring IVF, NHS offers an excellent resource.
In summary, Mark Thompson’s family embarked on a transformative journey through global volunteering, which not only enriched their lives but also strengthened their familial bonds, proving that adventure and service can lead to profound personal growth.