Here are two new chapters from the next book in the Packets of Hope series: “No One Goes to Dublin for Work” and “Rough Air.”  I hope you are moved by what you read.

This month I have an exciting update to share.

Packets of Hope is becoming a three-part series with Saint Bernard Press. My first memoir, Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery, came out last October, and the second, Packets of Hope: The Journey Continues, will be released this December.

This next book follows my adventures through Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, and Germany with two couples I met during my travels around the world.

Over the coming months, I'll be sharing chapters of the new book in my newsletter and here on my blog.

Click below to read the first chapter, "Playing in Dirt." I hope it resonates with you.

In Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery, I was very specific in Day 54 when I wrote, “I lived to not fight another day.” Those were the words I shared with my friend as I recounted the attack I had faced the night before. But when I think about a person’s battle with cancer, I embrace the phrase as most of us have come to know it:

Live to fight another day!

I’ve never been called a badass before, but coming from Zach Tidwell, I’m pretty sure it’s high praise!

When podcaster Patty Deutsche reached out to me with an invitation to be a guest on her podcast, Your Daily Chocolate, I didn’t hesitate. I said “yes” right away.

Social media is not for everyone, and can be dangerous. Especially for children. But for me, now—friends sharing posts, messages reaching unexpected places, and connections being restored—it has been an amazing journey.

I’m acutely aware that one year ago I couldn’t walk a flight of stairs without losing my breath. Today I feel as though I could walk forever. And John is with me in every step that I take.

When I boarded Queen Anne in January, this was all just a dream. Today, it’s a reality—and it gives me the fuel I need to keep moving forward. I hope my work brings you comfort and inspiration—not only for your own journey, but also in knowing that leaders around the world are taking meaningful steps toward life skills education in their countries.