It’s an annual tradition. Every year I enjoy reviewing the places I’ve been, remembering the people I’ve met, and reflecting on the experiences I’ve learned along the way. You learn a lot by looking through all the pictures you have taken during the year. I find that selecting ten story-driven photos is a great way to relive the places and people who especially impacted my life during the year. I have been doing this for eleven years now, and I am always amazed by how reflecting on the past can help you navigate the future. None of these photos will win any awards, but they bring back meaningful stories for me. So in no particular order, here are my top ten photos of the year, and the stories behind them.

Cardboard Cathedral – Christchurch, New Zealand – My wife and I visited New Zealand in 2024. Of course the trip was full of new sights to behold and unique experiences. One story really made an impression on me. The so-called Cardboard Cathedral was built in about 2 years as a temporary worship space for Christchurch Cathedral which was significantly damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Designed by a Japanese architect, the A-frame church is literally made from cardboard tubes and shipping containers so it could be built quickly. It just goes to show you that innovation and determination can always overcome tragedy. The original church continues to be rebuilt and is not expected to be totally completed until 2031.

Capturing the Moment – Milford Sound, New Zealand – I have traveled to a few places in my life where the view of the natural world before me was a spiritual experience. I added Milford Sound to that list in 2024. Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island inside Fiordland National Park. Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world. As our small ship navigated the entrance to the sound in beautiful weather, passengers and crew were silent. It was as if we had entered a natural cathedral. Surely a supreme being must have constructed this magnificent scene of waterfalls, steep sided rock walls, with wispy white clouds decorating the deep blue sky. I understand Milford Sound can display some pretty challenging and wet weather. However, our visit to this magnificent place in ideal weather was certainly a spiritual journey for us. Divine art was on full display.

White Island, New Zealand – White Island also known as Whakaari to the Maori people is the most active volcano in New Zealand. It lies in the Bay of Plenty, 30 miles from the North Island coast. The island is notorious for its 2019 eruption which resulted in 22 fatalities. Twenty-five survivors were injured. Up until the 2019 eruption, you could tour the volcano, but the island is now closed to visitors. The view from the sea three miles away paints a beautiful peaceful scene. Not at all the picture in your mind when you learn of the 2019 tragedy.

At Home – Lecce, Italy – Italy is probably our favorite and one of the most interesting countries we have visited. This year we cruised on a small boat around the boot of Italy, and up the west coast to Napoli. One of our stops along the way was in the ancient town of Lecce, located at the heel of the Italian Peninsula. The town is over two thousand years old. Like many old towns in Europe, Lecce reflects a simple life filled with locals biking and walking to the local markets, work, and school. Life in these ancient cities seems so much simpler and more pleasurable than the hustle bustle we often experience in the United States. In 2025, I am going to try to slow down a bit and enjoy the ride more.

Sant’Angelo Village, Ischia Island, Campania, Italy – Speaking of a simpler life. . . Ischia Island lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, about a 45-minute ferry ride from Naples. We found this beautiful island is the perfect place to take a vacation from your vacation. Although the island is densely populated, we found the charming little towns, the ancient castle, and beautiful botanical gardens to be one of those travel destinations you won’t forget. It is interesting that we decided to explore Ischia on a whim. It turns out exploring unfamiliar destinations can be very rewarding.

Still Standing – Boneyard Beach – Big Talbot Island, FL – One of my favorite places to visit is Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island, Florida. We have visited this beach many times. Every time we visit, we look for this tree which still stands, despite being overwhelmed many years ago by the tides and surf. It must have grown deep roots into solid ground while it lived. I think there might be a life lesson here somewhere.

On the Fourth – Amelia Island, FL – I think this photo captures the essence of the Fourth of July in the United States. It is a fantastic celebration of freedom filled with fireworks, while we enjoy our time with family and friends. It is also a good day to reflect on our values that led our founding fathers so many years ago.

Feed Your Soul – New Smyrna Beach, FL – Psychologists suggest nurturing your inner soul is essential for a fulfilling life. Feeding your soul can mean different things to different people. I think the point is that we need to go about finding joy in life by pursuing our passions, connecting with loved ones, or just taking time for self-care more often. I am going to try to do all these things in 2025.

Just the two of us – London, UK – Another joy-filled year gone by and Nancy and I celebrated our 47^th wedding anniversary. As I said before, a photo like this one not only captures one of moments to be remembered, but it will likely be one of the most meaningful to us for years to come. As the years go by, we are eternally grateful for our health, and the good Lord’s blessings to continue our journey together.

My Dad – Loxahatchee, FL – I lost my dad this year. He was 97. We will miss his kind heart and loving spirit. Dad was a simple quiet guy but always giving to his family and his community. We were fortunate to have his example to guide us and live by. I learned you gain a great deal of insight into yourself by writing a eulogy for a loved one. I can only hope that my life is somehow a positive example to others like my Dad’s.

I hope your 2025 is healthy and happy. May only the most meaningful moments (and photos) be yours.

Chuck