Roaming with Ava: Home Base

The Ways You Inspire (Without Trying)

Date: November 24, 2025

Hi my girl,

It’s November 24, which means you’ve been abroad for over three months. Wow. In some ways it feels like it flew by, and in others it feels like forever since we wrapped our arms around you. It’s taken over a month for a package to reach you — do you even have it yet? I want a full unboxing!

These past weeks have stretched every one of us in different ways. We’ve each had moments where emotions felt big, unfamiliar, or hard to contain. You’ve experienced firsthand that a new culture isn’t just a change in language — it’s a whole different rhythm, way of thinking, way of interpreting the world. You have continued to show respect while staying true to yourself, and that balance is something most adults never master.

You’ve traveled to Phuket (and honestly, Dad and I can’t wait to follow in your footsteps). You’re planning our trip in the new year. You’ve applied to universities, scholarships, and grants, and still kept up with your studies. You’ve said yes, even when you didn’t know exactly what you were stepping into — LiveDifferent being one of them. That takes courage.

Let me tell you some things you might not realize you’re doing:

✨ You inspire people — constantly.

I get messages from friends and family telling me how amazed they are by your journaling on IG. They’re watching you take on the world solo — with curiosity, kindness, and openness. They are living through you.

✨ You’re influencing your friends — even if they don’t say it.

You are showing them what self-reflection looks like at your age.

✨ You are impacting strangers — people you didn’t even know three months ago.

Saipan now knows what it feels like to be in the presence of someone genuine and honourable.

Rotary sees a young woman unafraid to show up, learn, and contribute.

The children you meet see someone who looks at them, laughs with them, and tries — even when the words aren’t perfect. That is the next generation you are impacting.

You are building connections that wrap around this world — and you do it with grace.

You keep thanking us for the support, and we will always give it. But what you are doing is selfless, brave, curious, and deeply human. One day, you will look back and realize this year shaped the path to where your dreams are going.

Your ease in meeting people…

Your excitement in experiencing moments — food, dance, language, tiny details…

Your ability to belong wherever you stand…

These are gifts.

If there are moments when you can’t see the purpose — we can.

You’ve heard the saying:

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

And that’s what you’re doing — making the most of every season, even the hard ones. We are shifting seasons here too, heading into winter. And something I’ve learned and am choosing intentionally:

You can’t be blooming in every season. Some seasons are meant for rooting, resting, preparing.

Even in Thailand’s version of winter — let it teach you.

We haven’t been home for a while, but we know the dogs are being loved by Ava D. and they send their snuggly hellos. We’ll get our updates when we’re back next weekend.

Until then — keep shining, keep stretching, keep learning, keep breathing it all in.

We are with you, always.

Love you out around the moon and back,,

Mom (and Dad, and the furry fan club) and yes your bro = .❤️🐾🌏

— Your Home Base Crew