I’ve travelled as far south as I’ll probably ever venture (65°06’S / 063°59’W) unless I join a South Pole expedition team (for which I am totally unsuitable).  I’ve treated patients who live in the equivalent of chicken coops. And I’ve seen my kids grow and mature in front of my eyes.

Julia, 9, continues to be my star pupil, and I her favorite teacher.  She travels with her flute, and practices occasionally. She has trimmed down her traveling stuffed animal compatriots to just 5, and hasn’t forgotten her blanket at any of the homes, hostels, tents, or boats in which we have stayed. Julia holds her own at a table of adults, learned how to play rummy, and always has plenty to say about geography, science and Animal Jam.

Mimi, just shy of 15, is a changed young woman. She was always wonderful, but now she is new and improved. Poised, outgoing, and with a positive outlook on life, she wants to spend time working on a Presidential campaign this summer, and has big plans for her life. Proud doesn’t begin to express how we feel. I can’t believe we had to kidnap her to get her on this trip – she is already packing for the next segment!

Lena, 16, has made the most of every opportunity.  Besides faithfully working on her 3 online classes, she has kept a daily journal and watercolor journal. After finding some high-speed internet in Cuzco, she auditioned online for a national singing program at Carnegie Hall and will be performing with the Women’s Choir next week in NYC.  She also managed to meet a Juilliard trained pianist on our travels to accompany her in an impromptu recital, so I was off the hook for my rusty piano duty.

Andrew has developed a new passion for cervical screening in underserved areas of the world, and is working on a publication of his ideas as well as already planning his return service trip to the Amazon with Timmy Global. He is working hard to get a program going in Myanmar, and hopefully we will be there in April. He continues to be an inspiration to me and the girls. Love you, Andrew!

As for me,  I am convinced that this was the absolute best decision for our family (when have I ever doubted it?) and am proselytizing other families to do the same. I think I’ve already convinced at least 3 medical professionals to sign up for service projects, and now I’ll just wait until my friend Anne gets super rich and we can start a foundation together. I hope you are reading, Anne!  Until then, I continue to be the Goldstein travel planner and keeper of all passports. Next up – Asia!