The holiday is upon us as people from all around the world gather to celebrate amongst family and friends. This is the first Christmas in 24 years which will not be spent at my Grandparent’s house with immediate and extended families. While I surely miss them and the traditions therein, I feel very grateful to have made such close friends here in Lesotho that it shall not be spent alone. The Basotho are predominately Christian and Christmas is a big holiday here. My closest Mosotho friend here in Thaba Tseka invited me to his family’s house for a modest feast complete with traditional Basotho food and drinks.
Despite the context of it being summer, this turned out to be a great and almost familiar Christmas celebration. Much of that can be attributed to the Christmas music collection I brought with. I’m actually writing this with the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack (Vince Guaraldi) in the background.
2014 is shaping up to be a promising year. My service ends in August of 2015, so next year will be the only full year I spend in this wonderful country. Therefore my resolution is to make the most of every single day. Set lofty goals and work diligently to achieve them. I have high aspirations and only a focused commitment will allow them to be realized. I will further discuss the road map I have in mind in later posts.
I’ll be bringing in the New Year in Cape Town, South Africa. The 7 day vacation is going to be amazing; I already know it. I have tee-times at two very pristine golf courses, Royal Cape Golf Club and Mowbray Golf Club. It’s going to take a few swings to shake off the rust but needless to say, this golfer is more than enthusiastic to get back out on the links. Sharing a couple rounds with some Afrikaners should be delightful as well.
I’d also like to take a moment to express how grateful I am for all the support received through this blog and elsewhere. While it’s been difficult to respond to each comment, be sure that I do read all feedback and greatly appreciate the kind words offered by so many. Your continued support provides that extra motivation to produce inspired results.
Happy Holidays! And here’s to a safe and prosperous New Year to all!
Travis, Merry Christmas and a ver Happy New Year too you. You have accomplished so much and are striving for more, I can only say that I am envious. Continue the great work you have started! Good wishes to you from the states!!
Hi Travis! This is the first blog writing I have able to open since you left. Sounds like you have a found your own little corner of the universe. The Byrnes wish your a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year.
Happy New Year, Travis! You have quite a year ahead of you! Thank you for sharing your adventures. You have given me an up close look at a part of the world that I knew little about. Happiness an good health!
Travis, your work and play sound like fun. Have a great 2014! (Chicago is having a real Mid-West winter this year…plenty of cold and snow)
Travis- have been following your journey after reading the article in daily herald. Wishing you Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year. I know how much it means to have those gatherings with family. I am sure you are missed greatly. Good wishes going forward. Best Regards, Amy
Hey Travis:
Like you said, 2014 will be your first full year so make the best of it. Hope you enjoy your rounds of golf. Don’t forget; a slice up here is s hook down there. Hit em’ straight and enjoy your time off.
Happy New Year. We have enjoyed your blogs and are so impressed with all you are doing. Best wishes in the new year.
Blessings,
Don and Pat Schneider
Belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. You should feel lucky
getting to play golf ; we have received 10 in. of snow in the last 24 hrs. & it’s a minus 5 windchill.
Stay safe.
Fred S. Thurston