2023 was another big year for the family. A lot of comings and goings this year, with only a few short weeks during which the four of us were all together. There’s a fair amount to catch up on, so feel free to just skip to the photo galleries linked on the home page if you’re not in a reading mood.
Gabe and Jo returned from New Zealand in early January – Gabe on summer break from school at Auckland University of Technology; Jo after a 2-month trip to visit Gabe, do a WorkAway working holiday, and tour kiwi country. Our family reunion was short-lived, because Gabe had to return to AUT in early February to resume his studies to earn a Bachelor of Health Science, Paramedicine Major. Gabe has really found a passion in his studies. His favorite course this past year was cardiology. He has also enjoyed his clinical placements, which entail ambulance rides to shadow EMTs and paramedics. When not studying, Gabe blows off steam by skating, spending time with his girlfriend Anna, and hanging with his circle of friends.
Soon after Gabe left for New Zealand, Jo headed out on a 4-month solo tour of southern Europe. Jo’s travel was centered around backpacking, hostels, and WorkAway engagements. Their travels began in Portugal, and they were planning travel to Spain, Italy, and Greece. They met friends along the way, of course, and as a result of these friendships, they made some impromptu side jaunts to Tenerife (Canary Islands) and Austria. Their travels concluded with a 4-week stay in Albania.
Summer was a time of reunion, as Jo was home preparing for college and Gabe returned again for a few weeks in between semesters. We took a week-long trip at Deer Lake, Whidbey Island, Washington, where we relaxed, paddled, and fished. Tom also managed to steal a bit of additional time with Gabe and Jo, squeezing in a camping trip to Lost Lake with Gabe and a day hike to Lower Twin Lake with Jo.
Before we knew it, it was time to take Jo to college. They started their first year at Warren Wilson College near Asheville, North Carolina. Tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this undergraduate campus of 800 students distinguishes itself from other 4-year colleges by incorporating on-campus work as well as community engagement into students’ college experiences; Jo participates in the CORE work crew. At WWC, Jo quickly found their people, whom Sharon and Tom were privileged to meet when they both visited Jo during Family Weekend.
Having both kids out of the house turned out to be a mixed blessing. While it was sad to find the house so empty and quiet much of the time, this also meant a chance to pursue new opportunities. Sharon saw her last client in June, and has since been on a much-needed sabbatical. She is currently working on several writing projects, including her memoir, and is engaging in other forms of creative expression, including painting and ceramics.
Tom’s relief veterinary practice has been a success. There is a big demand for his services, and he is as busy as he wants to be. Moreover, Tom is finding meaning and connection in his work, with moments of joy in every day, whether it be kisses from a dog, purrs from a cat, or gratitude from a person. Tom also took a week-long “pay-cation” on the Oregon Coast, seeing patients during the day, then enjoying the beach in the afternoon and evening. This provided an opportunity for Sharon to move her writing desk to the beach with Huckleberry which was lovely. You can be sure there will be more of those next year!
Tom and Sharon began spending more time at their rental cabin in Brightwood, on Wy’East (Mt. Hood). Only an hour from Portland, and a 5-minute walk to the Sandy River, the cabin has been a continuous haven where both of us find peace, restoration, and joy among the trees, the birds, and the water. We also were able to spend a little time in our camper van, Indigo, with short trips to the Oregon Coast as well as around the Olympic Peninsula. The highlight of our travels, however was a 3-week trip to New Zealand to visit Gabe. In addition to spending time in Auckland at the beginning and end of the trip, we took him on a 2-week road trip around the South Island. Words cannot describe the beauty of the country; check out the photo gallery to see for yourself.
As the days gradually grow longer and we look toward 2024, Sharon and Tom are blessed to have had children who have grown to become such adventurous, kind, and generous people. We are also fortunate to have loving friends and family. May the next year bring you joy and prosperity.
Chatkupt Lee Family 