I bought a villa in Portugal.

10 years ago, my life changed due to a wildly impulsive decision to go to a college party at the very last minute. To be completely honest, I was hoping for a hook up. Rather, I met @13ba who opened up the world to me by bringing myself and a few associates to Costa Rica, after that party. @puntaleonacostarica was amazing but his home was even more awe inspiring. I took pictures of myself in those moments, completely mesmerized by the nature and luxury.

As a black boy from East Orange, NJ, it warped my perspective on what life could be. It was the first time I experienced life at that level and normalcy was no longer an option. That forever changed my reality and I gave myself a goal of 5 years to own a home, internationally.

While, I didn’t hit my goal in 5 years, I ended up in Sintra, Portugal based on a recommendation and took a trip, once again, on a whim. I was mesmerized, yet again, by the beauty of the world. I wrote #HomeGoals on a Villa I was perusing at the time.

5 years after Sintra / 11 years after Costa Rica, I’m so thankful to share that I achieved one of my many dreams of having property in another country. @casakeam is a villa that will be rented out throughout the year with bookings opening on 9.15.

It’s been a long 10 years of sacrifice and hard work. The pictures remind me of how far I’ve come but also how my belief in myself, standards and what I’m capable has never wavered. Every crashed couch, every failure, every heartbreak brought me here. Every investment into me or act of kindness, I’ve tried to maximize, payback or pay forward.

All glory to God for this opportunity and my upbringing. A massive thank you to @13ba for changing my life & @jantoni2 for sending me that invite 🙂