Every year since 1994, I have taken large groups of 8th graders, parents, and faculty to Europe.  Some say I am crazy….why donʼt you just travel with your friends?  Good question!  I can do that now!

I clearly have a passion for travel and education.  Once, while in Pisa, Italy, I let one of my students know that the Baptistery has perfect acoustics. I suggested that she should sing a note…which prompted her to burst into singing “Amazing Grace” with a friend. Silent tears overcame every person in the crowded building and others were streaming inside to hear.  As I related the story to their parents when we returned, they laughed because they didnʼt know their daughters even knew that song…..they were Jewish.

We travel to Europe because it fits so well into the 8th grade curriculum of Ancient Civilization, Human Beliefs, Math, Science, and Languages. Our travels include Ireland, British Isles, France, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Italy, Sicily, Greece, and countries in between. Travel is so rewarding, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity and desire to continue doing these trips, even though I left my position as Assistant Middle School Head and Learning Specialist two years ago.

Thank you Team Northrup!

The 8th graders are a perfect age because they are fun, funny, have open minds, have the energy, still want to please, plus their comfort level drops when they canʼt speak the language.  I can do bed check and know that they will giggle all night, but not sneak out to clubs. When I saw the movie Australia, I knew I must have been a drover in a past life!
My heart swells as I witness their eyes sparkle when we enter the Coliseum in Rome or walk through the Plaka in Greece. To know that I make a difference by opening their eyes to the world is a great feeling!

I want to experience more of the world than Europe.  Sure, I can take 8th graders to other places, but itʼs time for some expansion.

Five years ago, I had a life-changing event happen right here on my computer.  Browsing on Dr. Northrupʼs website, I saw a link for Team Northrup.  I had just returned from speaking at a conference in Paris. The Tour de France was happening, and I was so close to Lance Armstrong when he won that I could have touched him!  Exciting for sure, so when I saw the Team Northrup link, I thought maybe it would be a bicycling team and it would be so much fun to meet some new fun friends.  Anything that Dr. Northrup was involved with met my expectations even without knowing any details.

Having looked forward to her monthly newsletter as my children were growing up, I was totally aligned with everything she said. And, of course, tried everything she recommended. Even taking USANA vitamins.  So, of course, I clicked that link immediately!

That night Penny Kirk called and that Friday I met with Judie Harvey. Wow! I have never felt more connected to my true self as I launched Team Northrup for a new chapter in life. The bonus is that new fun friends are an inherent part of the package!  A business of continued personal growth, increasing financials, fun and frolic held in the supportive hearts of men and women on this shared path is a dream come true.
Last year at the USANA International Convention, I was so excited at the announcement of USANA expanding into the Chinese market with BabyCare, Inc.  As I sat in the training session learning about how to expand my business in this direction, I was jumping out of my skin at the possibility to travel to China.  I could now see a new cultural experience on the horizon.  It then occurred to me that I could share this experience with my tribe. I know group travel like the back of my hand, and I have great connections with companies skilled in the logistics.  So, I had an idea!

Letʼs Travel to China in 2012!
Originally, I put together a China trip for this year, but many people asked if I would consider 2012. This was a easy change, so I did!  I have arranged a visit to the BabyCare office in Beijing, but the primary reason for the trip is to experience China and feel the culture, and be with the Chinese people on their own soil.  The Asian market is intriguing with its fast growth and development, so I want to offer an opportunity to be in that energy and to learn.

Team Northrup is a catalyst for living our dreams!  So, Letʼs Travel to China in 2012!