Dear NP5280,
As we drive further and further from Colorado, we keep going back to how it doesn’t feel real that we are leaving all you beautiful people and this amazing state we’ve called home for the past 6 years. Whether we just met you last Wednesday (welcome new people – hope you stay) or have known you for years, thank you for being a part of such an incredible community. This blog post has some thank yous, some real life shit, maybe a fuck yeah or two, and us saying that if y’all don’t keep in touch we (mainly Alli) will cry.
As many people know, NP is more than just a place to work out. You can go to a gym for that. This is more than just a group of people. You can go to a community center for that. This is a combination of everything that is great in the world. It is getting your sweat on, surrounded by encouraging and smiling people. A moment to take a break from everything else in life, to do a workout and connect with people. NP has challenged us to become better athletes, to be on time (that one may need a little more practice), and to be more caring people. So, we owe a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this. Everyone who said, “fuck yeah you can run a 12-mile trail race” – and we did. Those who said, “fuck yeah you can finish those master’s degrees” – and we did. And those who said, “fuck yeah you can do Peace Corps” – and here we go. We wouldn’t be the people we are today without the support and love of this community. Going to Peace Corps is really fucking terrifying, but having encouraging people sending us off has been EVERYTHING to us.
Through all of this, November Project has been a constant for us in this crazy thing we all call life. We think that is the beauty of this movement – you don’t HAVE to show up every week, but the tribe still welcomes you back with open arms, with people that are caring and genuine. Whether you are a hugger, a high-fiver, quiet, loud, introverted, extroverted…. It doesn’t matter. We live in a world where more than ever, we need authentic human connection. With our noses in our screens, and a deterioration of many traditional communities, we need to build up the communities that matter. November Project uses fitness as a vehicle for that true human connection and community, and it’s a beautiful thing. A beautiful thing that makes our hearts hurt, when we think about not seeing all of you for an extended period of time.
With everything that is happening in our country right now, we feel like we are bailing on a tough fight to come. Hopefully we will be able to spread some goodwill overseas, and learn a few things that will make us better global citizens. While we are away, we have a challenge for all of you. This November Project community has challenged us to stretch our limits in the physical world – which has been difficult and rewarding. But can this community also challenge each other to act on the things we say we stand for? Tyler invites people to political things, Amy Bell/John get people to serve at the Denver Rescue Mission, Christine/Erick/Stacey/Lauren lead others to build and maintain our state’s trails, Nina coaches Boys & Girls Club soccer, Elizabeth/Teresa coach Girls on the Run, Matthew/Woody make sure that we are all accountable to NP every fucking single Wednesday and Friday, and the list goes on!! These people are letting their actions speak louder than their words and louder than politicians and media figures who put others down. Whatever you say you stand for, do something about it, and challenge our November Project community to do the same. This community holds so much power to do good, and our country (& planet) need it more than ever. We know that our country, this state and our tribe will be vastly different when we return in 2-3 years. In that time, let’s show the world that we are a group that cares for our community – no matter what challenges we face, or where in the world we live.
With that, we will have a blog so we can share our experiences in Paraguay, and stay accountable for taking action in our communities. Follow along here! Likewise, in our absence, know that we will be internet stalking the shit outta all of you. PLEASE Facebook, WhatsApp, email, snail mail, send a messenger pigeon, or whatever means necessary to keep us updated with y’alls lives. Because know this: we will miss you all more than we can possibly say, and as excited as we are to go to Paraguay, we will be counting the days until we can see you again.
So much love,
Dylan & Alli
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