A Manifesto

I travel because I believe and want to know that there are places outside of this one.

I travel because sometimes, when I’m wise, I return with a greater appreciation for home and a more intense longing to go again in the near future. It’s a beautiful cycle.

I travel because one day, God said to Abram, go, leave your home and I’ll take you to another land; make you into a great nation so that you can bless others.

I travel because in my heart of hearts I fear it; the strange locale and scenery, the inconvenience and confusion; the waiting, the misunderstanding, the lost luggage, the stolen wallet, the toilet conditions.

I travel because despite of myself sometimes I need to leave this comfort zone, this routine, to feel like I’m human – able to move, connect, improvise, lose and find, rise and fall, help and be helped. Life’s too short to only know what you know.

I travel because it reminds me I need God.

I travel because I hear there’s a hole-in-the-wall that makes the greatest fried chicken in the world. I also hear the guy across town channels Coltrane and his wife sings like she’s part angel.

I travel because beauty is worth the distance. And the money.

I travel because people are fascinating. They are so different yet so similar.

I travel because I want to be rich.