Family, Faith, and love for Christmas

Gary Wayne Hoffman Start Date: Nov 10, 2024 - End Date: Dec 21, 2024
  • New Jersey, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Gary Wayne Hoffman Start Date: Nov 10, 2024 - End Date: Dec 21, 2024
### Holiday Trip to Reconnect with Family: A Heartfelt Proposal

This holiday season, I’m embarking on a deeply personal journey to New Jersey from Los Angeles—a journey that has been years in the making. It’s a chance to reconnect with my 91-year-old mother and family, whom I haven’t seen in far too long. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a reunion filled with the promise of faith, love, and the kind of togetherness we all crave.

As a temporary hire cook, I’ve faced many challenges since COVID-19 hit. Work became scarce, competition intense, and my savings were depleted trying to catch up on debts. I had hoped to save enough to budget for this trip, but it’s been nearly impossible. I recently managed to purchase a one-way ticket to New Jersey, but I still need your help to cover the remaining costs like my return flight and additional expenses. Reconnecting with my family is my top priority—especially since my mom’s health and age make these moments even more precious.

### Purpose of the Trip
This journey is about much more than reconnecting with family. It’s about embracing the true spirit of the holidays and sharing that message with others. I plan to document this experience using my cellphone and online editing tools to create a heartfelt video showcasing:

- The beauty of our traditions.
- The laughter and love that bring families together.
- The faith that binds us during the holiday season.

My hope is to inspire others to cherish their loved ones, reconnect, and embrace the power of togetherness. This documentation will be shared online, spreading the warmth of the holidays far and wide.
### Estimated Budget Proposal
To ensure transparency, here’s a breakdown of my estimated expenses for this trip:

| **Expense** | **Estimated Cost** | **Details** |
|----------------------------|--------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Return Flight | $700 | Travel from New Jersey back to Los Angeles. |
| Lodging | $450 | Short stay outside of family accommodations. |
| Local Transportation | $100 | Rideshares and public transit while visiting. |
| Meals/Basic Expenses | $150 | Food and essentials during the trip. |
| Gifts for Family | $200 | Thoughtful holiday presents for loved ones. |
| Emergency/Contingency Fund | $125 | For unexpected costs (delays, etc.). |

**Total Estimated Budget:** **$1,500**
This total was calculated based on detailed estimates for each category of expenses, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for and will be used effectively.

### How You Can Help
There are many ways you can contribute to my goal:
1. **Financial Support:** Donations of any size will go directly toward covering the costs outlined above.
2. **Social Media Shares:** Help spread the word about my campaign to reach others who may be interested in supporting.
3. **Thoughts and Prayers:** Your encouragement means the world to me and keeps me motivated on this journey.

Your support will directly contribute to making this reunion possible. Together, we can share a message of love, connection, and the holiday spirit with the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for considering this opportunity. Any contribution, big or small, will help bring this heartfelt vision to life.

With love and gratitude,
Gary Wayne Hoffman
  • New Jersey, United States of America

Updates

1

  • Dear Struggles,

    Dear Struggles,

    Dear Struggles,

    I never thought I'd say this, but I'm grateful for you. You pushed me to my limits, forced me to confront my fears, and tested my resolve. But in doing so, you also revealed my strength, resilience, and determination.

    Many years ago , I embarked on a journey of transformation. I left behind the familiarity of my old life and stepped into the unknown. It wasn't easy, but with every step, I found myself growing more confident, more courageous, and more compassionate.

    As I look to 2025, I'm filled with hope and excitement. I know that the future holds its own set of challenges, but I'm ready. I'm ready to face them head-on, armed with the lessons I've learned and the love I've discovered within myself.

    To everyone who's struggled, who's still struggling, and who will struggle in the future, I offer these wishes:

    May you find the strength to persevere, the courage to be vulnerable, and the resilience to bounce back.

    May you discover the love and compassion within yourself, and may you share it generously with others.

    May your journey be filled with laughter, joy, and adventure.

    May you never lose faith in yourself, your abilities, and your worth.

    And may you always remember that you are not alone.

    With love and appreciation,
    Gary Wayne Hoffman

More Travel Information