I’ve been wanting to share a lot more here about the people and stories I find truly fascinating and inspiring, and first on that list is someone very unique that I’d like to shine a spotlight on: Dwight Turner of In Search of Sanuk, who is working hard to help asylum-seeking urban refugees in Bangkok’s slums.

Recent experiences witnessing sexism, racism, corruption, and extreme poverty in Cambodia have caused me to reflect on my personal mission—am I still headed in the direction I set out or do I need to course correct? What about you? How will you make the most of the fortunate life you’ve been given?

Today I share my Christmas letter to friends and family—my update on my travels, work, volunteering, and personal growth in 2009 and reflections on living an unconventional lifestyle after 1 year living abroad.

Dwight Turner runs InSearchOfSanuk.com, a community focused on making volunteering, microphilanthropy, and contributing to charitable causes easier for anyone in Thailand. Learn how I’m partnering with Dwight to promote fun events for good causes and make a difference in our region.