Sometimes, life has a funny way of connecting the dots in the most unexpected—and meaningful—ways. When I first started helping Mr. Novak plan a trip with his son, it seemed like a pretty straightforward adventure: visit Ethiopia and Egypt, soak in the history, and make some amazing memories. But this wasn’t just any vacation. It quickly turned into something a lot more special.
It all started with the caregiver for Mr. Novak’s wife. Originally from Ethiopia, and the stories she shared about her home country sparked something in Mr. Novak. Her memories painted such a vivid picture that before long, he and his son were all in on the idea. And since they were heading to that part of the world, adding Egypt to the mix felt like a natural fit—two incredible countries full of rich culture and ancient history.
But here’s where it gets really interesting.
A Surprising Discovery: The Journals of J. Ollie Edmunds
As the family got more excited about the trip, they started reminiscing—talking about family stories and their shared history. That’s when Mr. Novak’s daughter-in-law stumbled on a hidden treasure: a collection of journals from 1975 written by none other than Mr. Novak’s father-in-law, J. Ollie Edmunds.
Turns out, he had taken a trip to Africa and had visited many of the places now on Mr. Novak’s itinerary. The journals had been quietly sitting on a shelf for decades, untouched. And now, just as the Novak family was preparing their journey, these old memories came back to life.
Reading through those journal entries was like opening a window to the past. Edmunds wrote about bustling markets in Addis Ababa, the majesty of the Egyptian pyramids, and everything in between. It was like he had unknowingly left a trail for his family to follow, decades later. Talk about perfect timing.
Following in His Footsteps
J. Ollie Edmunds wasn’t just a traveler—he was a lawyer, a community leader, and the former president of Stetson University. He had a deep curiosity about the world and a true love of connecting with people. Listening to Mr. Novak talk about him, it became clear this trip wasn’t just about seeing the sights. It was about honoring a legacy.
“He loved people, and to travel. ALWAYS an adventurer,” Mr. Novak told me. And that spirit of adventure clearly lives on in his family. What started as a casual trip idea had evolved into something way more personal: a journey of connection, memory, and meaning.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As I wrapped up the final itinerary, I couldn’t stop thinking about how everything had come together. When Mr. Novak and his son land in Ethiopia and Egypt, they won’t just be ticking off places on a map. They’ll be walking in the footsteps of someone who helped shape who they are—and who had walked that very path years earlier.
What began as a travel plan turned into a celebration of family, legacy, and the beautiful way that stories from the past can shape new adventures. This journey isn’t just about where they’re going—it’s about where they’ve come from, and how travel can bring generations together in the most unexpected, magical ways.
Post Note: The Novak’s have completed this adventure, to read Todd’s perspective on the trip, click here.
