One of my all-time favorite books is entitled 'The Traveler' by Darin & Daniel Simkin. It's the story of a boy named who Charlie who decides to pack all of his time & belongings to travel the world in search of the perfect thing to make him happy. On his journey, Charlie meets different people, sees new movies, reads interesting books, listens to different types of music & experiences new things; he crosses oceans & rivers, climbs mountains & explores forests, too. But by the end of his journey, Charlie realizes that happiness isn't the journey itself but in the ability to return home & his stories with family & friends.For the past year, I have travelled quite a bit, doing all of the things Charlie did; it has certainly been a year of exploration & discovery. With that, I am excited to announce that at the beginning of December, I will be returning back to Danville to help with the revitalization projects & create some growth, opportunity & positive change in the River District area. For the past eleven months, Richmond has been a harbor for me: a place where I have grown as a student, a Christian, an artist, a writer, a brother & a friend. It must as it saddens me to leave, I am excited for the opportunities present to me & curious to see what the future holds.
Richmond, thank you for your art scene, your abundance of food & craft beer, your wild & liberal spirit & for the dozens of people who have inspired me. This isn't goodbye, it's 'I can't wait to see you again.'
Danville, I'm coming home.