Brenda Phillips

Ever since my grandmother gave me a suitcase for my 16th Birthday, I have been obsessed with traveling. I can go by plane, I can go by bus, just go, go, go, is what I must. In all my travels, I have discovered that it's not enough to stay in a hotel for a week or two when you visit, but to rent a home there to get to know the natives in their true habitat so-to-speak. Or, better yet, get hired to teach English and have the school pay the rent. And, my, I have enjoyed some beautiful homes in many countries. For some travelers, it's all about the food, and I'm no exception to that rule --if it's a rule.

I found out that there's nothing like a genuine made-in-China dumpling and truly no better fruit than durian right off the tree in the jungle of Borneo. If there's a banana tree growing in your backyard, life is sublime. And an avocado bought in Canada won't match one that's tree ripened. I love music, too, even play the guitar and sing for therapy. But, life would be nothing without my God. He adds the sparkle, flavor, thrill, and zest to life and I wouldn't want to live without Him.