Sitting on the bow of our boat, sipping on a hot cup of coffee, I reflected on the magnitude of my trip. The sun was rising and with complete
clarity, I realized that there are moments and experiences that define who we are. Pivotal points in our lives that change the way we perceive the world. Spending a week in the Amazon was one of those moments for me. I’ll never forget when Michael Williams reached out and invited me on his exploratory trip into the jungle. I said yes without hesitation. What better place to find myself at 36, on my first exit from America, than the middle of the great Brazilian Amazon? What I didn’t know, was the cultural impact it would have. It opened my eyes to a whole new world, and helped me better understand the different struggles that people face day-to-day. It made me appreciate the life I have, but showed me how much I still needed to grow. While the fishing was incredible, the people were really what made the trip. I’ve lived in the South my entire life, and I’ve experienced true Southern hospitality at its finest, and found it very hard to beat. Well let me tell you, Brazilians might do it even better. From the moment we met our guides and crew, we were greeted with open arms and warm smiles. These dudes were truly happy people. Very few times in my life have I seen such camaraderie. Their laughter was contagious, their attitudes inspiring. These guys came from poverty of a level I could never imagine, yet their demeanor and outlook was far more positive and grateful than what you might see in your average American. They were poor and happy, two things that don’t always mix. 122
S.C.O.F MAGAZINE