6/9/26
📣
UPDATE
📣
6/9/26 📣 UPDATE 📣
90 supporters — $12,474 raised!
Fiji > New Zealand > Australia > Bali > Vietnam
Keep scrolling for a NEW update...
Update: June 2026
From Bali to Vietnam: An Unexpected Detour & Another Chapter in JP’s Journey
Since our last update, JP’s adventure has continued to unfold in ways we never anticipated when he first boarded that plane in November.
After leaving Australia, he traveled to Bali to apply for his Australian work visa. What was expected to be a short stay turned into more than a month of waiting.
Shortly after arriving, he became quite sick. Thankfully, his Aunt Genna, a nurse, helped guide him from afar, and with time, rest, and persistence, he made a full recovery.
The waiting proved to be one of the hardest parts of the journey.
Much of his time was spent at his hostel, sick and waiting. And as parents, we worried about the isolation. There were moments when JP questioned whether he should simply come home, work, save money, and try to travel again someday.
In our hearts, we knew that was probably a long shot. Life has a way of filling the spaces where adventures once lived. While every part of us would always love to have him home, something about this journey felt different. The visa wasn’t coming through for a reason. He was meant to keep going.
So, for perhaps the first time in our lives as parents, we found ourselves encouraging our son not to come home, but to continue exploring.
When JP first left, he talked about wanting to experience parts of Asia and Southeast Asia. At the time, it felt like one of many possibilities. Suddenly, it became reality.
So he booked a flight to Vietnam.
Since arriving there, he’s been back to doing what he loves most — meeting new people, experiencing new places, and embracing the unexpected.
New friends from the UK, made in Vietnam 🇬🇧❤️🇻🇳 So good to see JP surrounded by other young people, smiling, laughing, and making connections. There’s something special about watching friendships form across cultures and continents.
He is currently planning more adventures before heading back to Australia, including the famous Ha Giang Loop, a multi-day journey through the mountains of northern Vietnam.
And in a bit of perfect timing, while we were drafting this update, JP received the news he had been waiting for:
His Australian work visa was approved.
We’re incredibly proud of him.
Not only for the places he’s visited, but for how he’s handled himself throughout this experience. He’s been thoughtful, responsible, adaptable, and willing to embrace both the challenges and opportunities that have come his way.
Before returning to Australia to begin this next chapter, he hopes to continue exploring this part of the world. Singapore may still be ahead, or his plans may shift once again. That’s part of the adventure.
What we know for certain is that none of this would have been possible without all of you.
Because of your generosity, JP has traveled from Fiji to New Zealand, Australia, Bali, and now Vietnam. He’s gained confidence, perspective, friendships, and experiences that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
As we write this, the funds that have carried him through this incredible journey are beginning to run low.
And one more boost would allow him to fully embrace this final chapter before settling into work life in Australia.
We have gone back and forth about whether to even mention it, because we already feel incredibly supported and grateful for everything this community has done.
So rather than asking for more, we’re simply asking for help spreading the story.
If JP’s journey has touched you, please consider sharing it with someone who may not have seen it yet.
Perhaps someone who knows JP (Jason). Perhaps someone who knew John Lust. Or perhaps simply someone who believes in helping a young person experience the world while the opportunity is in front of him.
And if anyone feels called to contribute to this next leg of the adventure, we would be deeply grateful.
But more than anything, we wanted to say thank you.
This journey has reminded us how much goodness exists in the world. The love, encouragement, and support shown to our son — and to our family — has been extraordinary.
We truly believe John is watching over him, nudging him toward places and experiences he might never have discovered otherwise.
And just before sending this update, we received the latest message from JP:
“First Sleeper Bus. Going to Da Lat with a Swiss girl I met at the hostel. Mario Kart racing and waterfall stuff.”
As parents, we’re left trying to translate that into actual details, but it sounds like he’s doing exactly what he set out to do — exploring the world, meeting new people, and collecting stories we’ll probably hear years from now.
Thank you for helping make those stories possible.
With love and gratitude,
Jennifer & Danielle
Childhood whimsy unlocked. At Hobbit Land in Vietnam, JP got to step into a world that felt pulled straight from the pages of a storybook. A little imagination. A little adventure. A reminder that wonder never really leaves us.
"Not all those who wander are lost." — Tolkien
Our Original Message & Request — November 2025
💛 With Love for JP: A Request from Our Family
Dear Friends & Family,
We hope you’re doing well.
Whether we’ve spoken recently or it’s been some time, please know that if you're reading this, we're sending our love across the distance.
We hope life has brought you joy, good health, and wonderful moments in between the hard ones.
Today, we’re reaching out with something personal about our son, JP (Jason).
This is a hard message to write — partly because we don’t usually ask for help, and partly because it’s about something that has deeply shaken our family.
But here we are, reaching out from the heart…
Almost three months ago — on August 12th, just three days before his 22nd birthday — our son, JP (Jason), was involved in a tragic and severe construction accident.
He survived with only a concussion, but his boss and mentor, John Lust, lost his life that day.
JP was incredibly close to him. John wasn’t just his boss — he was family. They spent last Thanksgiving together in Washington, helping build a home for John’s relatives.
Since that day, he’s been processing all that happened — and this loss.
We are beyond grateful that our son is alive.
Had things gone differently by just a few inches, we would be telling a very different story.
Since then, JP has been doing his best to find his footing again.
While he’s been offered work since the accident, he hasn’t felt ready to go back. And because he was working as an independent contractor, he isn’t eligible for workers’ comp or unemployment.
For nearly three months, he’s been home — resting, restoring, and moving through the natural layers of grief and trauma while finding his way forward.
He’s been reflective, grounded, and deeply aware of how precious every day truly is.
This reflection has led to a strong desire to travel and spend the winter away.
✨ The Opportunity: A Reset in Fiji
JP has always loved adventure.
In 2022, he saved up and backpacked solo through Switzerland and Italy — a trip that changed him in all the best ways.
Recently, after hearing what he’s been through, our friends and neighbors, John and Andrew (and their family), offered to host him for a month in Fiji.
Fiji! Can you believe it?!
A chance for JP to step away from the weight of all that’s happened and reconnect with himself and the world around him.
We see this as a reset — a time to explore, reflect, and begin imagining what comes next.
In our minds, we can already picture him fishing, exploring the islands, meeting new people — slowly opening back up to life and all that his future holds.
💛 How You Can Help
Since the accident, we’ve supported JP financially — covering housing, food, and bills — but we can’t do this next step alone.
We’re hoping to raise $10,000 to make this opportunity possible.
These funds will cover:
Airfare and travel expenses to and around Fiji
Travel gear and backpacking supplies
Meals and additional accommodations
Seed money for his next step — further travel or his return home
Every dollar will go directly toward helping JP begin again and rebuild his sense of direction.
This isn’t a four-week vacation — it’s a reset and a fresh start.
The more of the $10,000 we’re able to raise, the longer JP can continue backpacking after his first month in Fiji.
We’re also exploring Workaways to extend his trip — opportunities where he can travel while contributing his time and skills in exchange for food and lodging.
Depending on how close we get to the goal, this could give him a few extra weeks — or even a few months — to explore, learn, and find his way forward.
Any funds left over will go toward helping him restart his life — whether that’s here, or somewhere else in the world.
Whether it’s $25, $100, $500, or even a gifted flight, your support means more than we can express.
We also understand that everyone’s financial circumstances are different and sometimes ever-changing — there’s absolutely no pressure or expectation.
Your love, encouragement, prayers, good thoughts, and simply reading this message mean the world to us.
Ways to Contribute:
→ PayPal
→ Zelle (845-707-1658 - Danielle’s cell)
→ Check (mail to PO BOX 203, Narrowsburg, NY 12764)
Out of respect for John’s family, who are still grieving, and JP’s privacy, we ask that you not share this publicly on social media.
However, if you feel called to share this with someone, please do so by text or email.
If you believe in this next chapter like we do, we’d be deeply grateful for your help in making it possible.
At first, JP didn’t want us to do this.
He’s independent and humble — the kind of person who never asks for help.
But we told him — You don’t have to do this alone. What you went through was traumatic — this isn’t something you experience, witness, and bounce back from quickly. And people love you. They’ll want to help.
So here we are, asking on his behalf — because we love him, and we know many of you do too.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving us, our son, and for being part of our lives.
With love and gratitude ❤️🙏
Danielle & Jennifer Update: Mid-November 2025
Update — We’re More Than Halfway There!
Plane tickets are purchased — JP leaves this Wednesday, 11/19!
Thanks to the generosity and kindness of 57 friends and family members, we’ve reached more than half our goal!
💛 $7,500 down, $2,500 to go! 💛
Every word of encouragement and every contribution has meant the world to JP (and to us). It’s been incredibly moving to feel the love surrounding him as he prepares for this next chapter.
So here we are — over halfway there and ready to call in the last part that will carry JP even further into his adventure.
Not only is he heading to Fiji on Wednesday, he’s also going to New Zealand!
Our friends and former farmers, Sean and Cheyenne (who now live there), also offered to host him the moment they heard what had happened. We couldn’t be more grateful for their kindness.
He’s even exploring a Workaway opportunity in Hawaii, which would allow him to keep traveling while giving back.
JP’s hope is to travel for as long as possible — ideally six months or more — continuing to explore, learn, and rebuild his sense of direction.
If you haven’t donated yet and feel called to contribute, now is the time — every dollar helps ensure JP has food, safe places to stay, and the means to travel between hosts.
As his momz, we can truly say this experience is renewing his spirit. His flight is booked, and we send him off this coming Wednesday!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for being part of his journey.
We’ll keep sharing updates as his adventure unfolds — thank you for helping make it possible.
Danielle, Jennifer & JP
Update: December 2025
JP’s Update From Fiji & a Heartfelt Thank You
Dear Friends, Family & Supporters,
We hardly know where to begin…
84 incredible, generous, kind-hearted humans stepped up to support JP — WOW!
The love, care, and compassion we’ve felt over the past two weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Because of you and 86 other contributors, we raised $10,815, giving our son the reset and restart he was yearning for.
We will never forget this.
Sending Him Off
On Wednesday, November 19, we dropped him at the airport — tears of joy and a little sadness all woven together. There’s something so bittersweet about watching your child step into their life in this way… wanting them to fly, yet not knowing exactly when you’ll get to hug them again.
But we’re doing well, truly — grateful and eagerly awaiting each update.
He’s Safe, Settled, and Already Exploring
JP’s journey began with a flight to LA, then the long haul to Fiji.
The moment he landed in Suva, John’s family (his hosts) scooped him up and welcomed him with warmth and open arms.
It melts our hearts to know that complete strangers have been so kind — embracing him as if he were their own.
And he hasn’t wasted a moment.
Within 24 hours, he was fishing, exploring, and settling into island life.
We even got to see his sweet face on Monday — he’s doing great!
John’s niece, Natasha, and nephew-in-law, Derwood, welcome JP with a fresh coconut.
He’s already:
found a gym for his workouts
explored downtown Suva
connected deeply with his host family
gotten sunburned (of course 😂)
Their bond seems to have taken off instantly — as if they’ve known each other forever.
They even gathered together to cook a Thanksgiving meal in JP’s honor. A table full of people he had never met, welcoming him as if he had always belonged there. The depth of their kindness still takes our breath away.
And now, as of Friday, November 28, he’s already begun a workaway-style experience with friends of John’s family in Beqa, Fiji — an island ringed by nearly 200 miles of coral reef. Picture turquoise water, volcanic mountains, and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs just outside his door.
He’s thriving. He’s exploring. He’s sunburned and smiling (of course 😂). And he’s saying yes to whatever this adventure places in front of him.
And…
None of This Would Be Possible Without You
Every moment — every smile, every new experience, every breath of fresh possibility — is happening because of you.
These experiences, these connections, this new chapter — all born from your generosity, compassion, and belief in him.
Our eyes still swell with tears of gratitude every time we talk about it.
Your kindness.
Your generosity.
Your belief in him.
Your willingness to help a young man begin again with a renewed heart and spirit.
We cannot thank you enough.
Not now, not ever.
This is the true power of community.
And this will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Derwood and JP fishing!
Because we love music…
We made a short playlist for you — a musical thank-you, from our hearts to yours.
If you feel called, listen with your eyes closed, take a slow breath in, and let yourself feel the generosity, abundance, and goodness you poured into this moment for our son.
We are endlessly grateful.
Thank you, 10x over, for helping JP step into this next chapter surrounded by nothing but love.
With all our love,
Danielle & Jennifer 
When JP was little, he had a stuffed koala named Nigel — so seeing him with a real-life version felt like a full-circle moment for us as his moms.
Update: April 2026
From Letting Go to Watching Him Find His Way
It’s been some time since our last update, and in many ways, that space was intentional.
As parents, we found ourselves moving through a different phase of this journey — one that asked us to step back, trust more deeply, and allow JP the room to fully live what you all helped make possible.
And he has.
Since leaving Fiji, JP has made his way through New Zealand and into Australia — traveling, staying in hostels, and forming connections with people from all over the world.
From what we do hear (and yes, we always wish for a few more details and photos), he’s been immersed in the experience — learning, growing, and navigating life on his own terms.
Australia, in particular, has been his favorite so far — and when we asked him to describe the experience in one word, his answer was simple: freedom.
There have been moments that quietly say everything — like seeing him standing halfway across the world, face to face with the kind of wildlife he used to only imagine as a kid. Those glimpses remind us just how real this journey has become.
What’s mattered most to us is this: he’s grounded, he’s safe, and he’s moving forward in a way that feels right for him.
An update on what’s next…
JP has decided to stay in Australia and is applying for a work visa!
He’s met so many young people doing the same — building a life, working, and finding their footing — and even reconnected with someone he went to school with who’s already living that work visa life. That, in itself, has meant a lot.
More than anything, he feels re-energized and ready to begin again — to work, to build, and to create a life for himself down under.
There’s a sense of freedom in that — not just in where he is, but in how he’s choosing to move forward.
Of course, we are in full support of this next chapter — and we don’t take lightly that all of you helped make this possible.
It truly feels like the gift of a lifetime.
We often think that someday — 10, 20 years from now — he’ll look back on this moment with a full heart, knowing where it all began.
We remain so grateful.
Please keep sending him your love and good wishes as he takes these next steps.
We’ll share another update once he’s settled and finding his rhythm there.
To be continued…
