One day a buddy of mine and I were talking and he was telling me about Surf Fish Serve and said, “You need to go on a trip with us sometime”. I love to surf, but had never been on a surf trip abroad and it sounded like an awesome idea. And then while at dinner with a bunch of friends, the conversation came up again and my wife said, "that might be good for you". Six months before the trip I unexpectedly lost my job, so I went through a period of unemployment and eventually came out of that. We had also just moved back to Jacksonville a few months before, so here I was in a new area, going through a career change and this opportunity presented itself; the wife and family were onboard, so I went. I figured it would be a cool experience and give me a chance to do the things I enjoy doing, plus a chance to unplug and also do some outreach which is something I had always found an excuse for not getting involved with in the past.
After going on an SFS trip, I now look at things differently and the relationships that I built were the most impactful part. The crew that I traveled with, the people we served, the people who lived in those communities and all the relationships coming back are stronger than what I thought they’d be. I honestly wasn’t expecting to get that out of it. Also, getting a new perspective and looking at things a little bit differently can be life changing. I think getting involved and helping people who might not have the kind of life you have, changes the way you look at your current situation when you come back home. It doesn’t take much of your time and it gives you back so much more. This last year my father just passed away and I had the opportunity to go on another SFS trip. I really needed to get away again and get some perspective with a good group of guys. It is amazing what removing yourself from the craziness of life and getting away will do for you on the inside. When you add in helping others, it helps take the emphasis off you and just makes things better.
For years I have been chasing and trying to climb the corporate ladder with a lot of success, then things changed when I lost my job. Life events like that make you think about things and after coming out of all that, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me and my family. In the past, I probably would have never taken the time to consider engaging with the local people on a trip. Now that I have experienced it and how it helps you appreciate your life more, I want to bring others along as well. We are looking at future trips with couples and kids instead of just the guys. I think this concept can help just about anyone that decides to try it.