A New Year

Thank you for following my journey! I hope your new year is going well and that you are finding joy in each day.  

I’m writing this message on January 18, 2026. One year ago, I was boarding the Queen Anne for its maiden world voyage—a journey that would change my life forever. I had hoped that my heart and body would heal from the loss of John and my battles with cancer. Upon my return home in May, I had a follow-up CT scan. The next day, my doctor said, “Your condition is stable. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!” So, I’ve doubled, tripled down on delivering packets of Overcoming Obstacles information to educators around the world. 

I spent August and most of September with Lachlan and Isabele driving through Ireland and the United Kingdom to deliver packets to educators and ministers of education. I then flew to Germany and spent two weeks with Sophia and Heinz, bringing materials to leaders in their country. And, over the holidays, Jane and I traveled to five Caribbean countries.  

An important update: the translations of the Overcoming Obstacles curricula into Tagalog, Samoan, and German are almost complete. Vinny will be sharing the materials with these countries very soon.

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.