Comments on: A letter to friends

By: Dave Truss

Dave Truss — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:54:22 +0000

Jen,
I’m slow to respond here, but I just wanted to say that it was wonderful meeting you! And thanks for your kind words.
Although we had a great dinner with some wonderful people, I have to admit that what I really wanted to do was to sneak away to another table with you, Alec and Heidi… a 4-way conversation is about my maximum comfort zone for going beyond idle chit-chat and having a real learning conversation. Fortunately we can still learn a lot from each other, after all that’s what we did before we met face to face. But f2f is really wonderful after creating a digital friendship.
I hope, while I’m out this way, that I’ll have some opportunities to connect to some of my ‘Eastern’ friends too!
See you in a couple years:-)
Dave.

By: Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:34:10 +0000

I am so excited for your journey, and was just blown away to be able to meet you right before you left! I thought I would never get the chance. I’m glad things fell into alignment for that moment. I know you will continue to inspire people all over the globe, and I can’t wait to hear about your new adventures!

By: Shelly Terrell

Shelly Terrell — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:09:04 +0000

I really enjoyed this post. This reminds me of my move from the US to Germany. The transition was difficult but I was fortunate to have ICTs available like Skype which makes the transition much better. Traveling in the days would have been a lot rougher and I can only imagine the struggles of those who traveled by boat.

By: Dave Truss

Dave Truss — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:14:04 +0000

I have only been in China for two days now, but with no iPhone (until now), no Internet, no home phone, and no connections to friends, it was wonderful to get plugged in and see these thoughtful comments. Thank you!

I already have a funny adventure written at 4am this morning, that I’ll share here soon, but I’m off to get Internet and cable set up. Wish me luck!

By: Heidi

Heidi — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:31:17 +0000

Okay… I have to admit to feeling sad that you’ve left my geographical proximity and moved half way round the world.

Yes, we won’t be able to get together in person to share food and “big thinking”. And yes, I suspect it will be hard not to be able to pick up the phone and just call you (without figuring out time zones and such!).

But I’m counting on the fact that you’re still residing in my digital neighborhood, my friend! I refuse to lose touch when we have such rich digital connections available to us!

So enjoy your adventures and I look forward to many virtual “big thinking” discussions still to come!

And as an unexpected perk, now when I ask my kids if they’re trying to dig a hole to China – I’ll think of you on the other side!

By: Errin

Errin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:43:37 +0000

Reading this post brought tears to my eyes as today I said goodbye to my four siblings and their children after a family wedding. All live at a distance from me, but thankfully, because of Facebook and email, family connections stay strong. It can be very difficult to say goodbye, but it is wonderful to be able to experience the adventures of travel while keeping close to the important people in life.

All the best on your new adventure, and hopefully ‘life’ won’t be too much in your way!

By: nzchrissy

nzchrissy — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:23:14 +0000

David,
Welcome to Asia! It’s fantastic to have you joining us on “this side” of the world! Hopefully we will finally meet f2f at some conference in Asia somewhere!
All the very, very best to you and your family on your new adventures in China. I look forward to reading all about them (there are ways around the wall) in the not too distant future!
Have fun!
Chrissy
PS: You can always look me up if you’re in Bangkok!

By: Lesley Edwards

Lesley Edwards — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:57:54 +0000

Hi David, wishing you and your family a wonderful adventure! Your post helped me today as I prepare to say good-bye to my daughter who leaves tomorrow for a year in Korea teaching English. You are so right in saying that the distance is small, electronically. As she passes through the gate tomorrow I will give her one more hug and remind her to travel wisely with an open heart.
Thanks for your wise words.