Thirteen Years In

Thirteen years beneath these stars and stripes, that’s how long we’ve been walking this American chapter.

We arrived with more questions than answers, and on some days it still feels brand new. Other days, I look around and see how far we’ve come.

We learned a lot. That starting over is brave. That community takes time. That it’s okay to miss home and still love where you are.

Life didn’t exactly lay out a roadmap for this part of our journey, just vision, grit, and a lot of love. We brought our culture, our values, our faith, and said, Let’s see what grows here.

We learned how to start from scratch,  how to navigate systems new to us, how to hold on to who we are, while making space for who we’re becoming.

We’ve had good days. Hard one’s too. Moments when we felt seen, and moments when we felt invisible.

But we showed up. We worked. We prayed. We created joy where we could. We raised our kids between two worlds, teaching them to be proud of both.

We’ve built a home filled with love and purpose. We’ve turned ideas into income and passion into a platform.

We’re not just finding our footing anymore; we’re building on something solid. A life filled with meaning.

And the best part?  We’re just getting started.

There is more to grow. More people to serve, more stories to tell, more tables to sit at, and build.

Thirteen years in, I’m not just grateful for how far we’ve come; I’m energized by what we’re creating now.

Becuase this?

This is the foundation. And the future, it’s ours to shape.

We’re still standing, becoming,  building,  believing.

Grateful, grounded, and growing forward.

Thank you for reading until the end, Ayerim

About the Author

Ayerim Maduro is an award-winning destination marketer, creative entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of HAMAK Hospitality Solutions, a boutique tourism consulting and destination management company serving Hudson Valley, N.Y, and Aruba. A proud wife and mom of two young adults, Ayerim shares thoughtful reactions and actionable insights on her blog, Ayri Vibes, blending personal storytelling with professional expertise. She writes about life, purpose, travel, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and what it means to design a life you truly love. Her work weaves together her 20+ years in tourism, digital marketing, and community building authentically, making an impact from the heart.

Looking for a dynamic, soul-led speaker for your next event: Book Ayerim for speaking engagements on topics like positive tourism and purpose driven leadership. Want to collaborate or learn more about how Ayerim supports destinations and businesses? Explore services with HAMAK Hospitality Solutions

Any views or opinions expressed in this blog are solely Ayerim’s own and do not represent the views or opinions of those people, institutions, or organizations that she may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.