Dear friends,
As I stepped off the plane and set foot on American soil, a wave of emotions engulfed me. Returning to America after one year away has never been this challenging. The past 18 months in Thailand have been a life-altering journey, and I've discovered a new found purpose and passion while working with children, my new foundation and helping disadvantaged communities. Going all in on my passions and businesses equally has brought immense fulfillment and joy to my life.
But as I reunited with my family in the States, I found myself torn and upside down. My heart yearns to be with my loved ones, to share in their joy and laughter. They've been waiting for me with open arms, and we couldn't wait to have an amazing time at the lake and the new ranch in New York. I shared their excitement, and it warms my soul to know how much they missed me.
However, over the past year in Thailand, I've become extremely independent, especially outside of Fai, my closest companion who bridges the language and culture barriers. Not speaking the local language forced me to find other ways to connect and navigate my new surroundings. I focused on my health, dedicated time to charity work, rigorously studied Bitcoin and ventured into new business opportunities with relentless determination.
In stark contrast, being back with my big family is a wonderful but entirely different experience. We communicate in different lingos of the English language, using abbreviations and inside jokes to talk about various topics. It's super cool, and the way we interact has not undergone a single change since I left. It's a testament to the richness and diversity of our family bonds.
This time around, the sheer wealth difference between the two countries is undeniable, and it leaves me with mixed feelings. Having spent time in poverty-stricken communities, I've seen the harsh realities of life, and it has changed me in profound ways. Perhaps age and experience have magnified this contrast, causing the worlds to collide even more fiercely.
But amidst all the emotions and challenges, I find love and appreciation for both places I call home. There's a sense of clarity, purpose, and overall health and in Thailand's opposite culture that enriches my life in ways I never imagined. And though being in America feels overwhelming, I cherish the time spent with my family, reminiscing about our adventures at the lake, in Ridgewood and the new ranch that I am writing from. The energy, stories and laughter fill the room, and for a moment, I forget about the differences.
As I navigate through this conflicting terrain, I know that this experience will shape me further and guide my future decisions. The next time I return, I will look back on this story and prepare with a game plan. I'll find a way to harmonize both worlds, merging the passions, experiences, and knowledge I've gained from my journey into a unified purpose. For now, I'll embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and cherish the love and connections that tie me to both sides of the world.
I'll be returning next week with our usual scheduled newsletter after embarking on a journey back to South East Asia. I'm thrilled to be bringing thousands of seeds and an unwavering determination to educate the children on cultivating their own food. This mission will also serve as a learning experience for me, as I embark on this rewarding endeavor alongside them.
Jimmy Kostro
The Kostro Foundation
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