This weekend, we found ourselves reflecting on the life of Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservationist who died on Wednesday while on a speaking tour in California. Her life changed the world as we understand it. Her death marked the end of an era.

As we followed tributes across social media, we watched Famous Last Words, a new Netflix series that features posthumous interviews with cultural icons. Goodall’s episode, filmed in March with the understanding it would only air after her death, was deeply moving. In it, she spoke candidly about her life, her family, her faith, and her enduring hope for the planet. Her final message was a gentle but urgent call to action: “Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world. And you get to choose the difference that you make.”

That message stayed with us. It echoed through our evening walk and lingered as we sat beneath a canopy of stars around a crackling campfire. We talked about how Goodall’s work connected us to nature. She reminded us that we are part of the natural world, not separate from it, and that even in dark times, hope is not only possible but essential.

Her belief in the power of small actions resonated deeply. In fact, it’s a thread that runs through our own lives. When Jon was ordained, he chose a quote from Mother Teresa for his prayer cards: “God doesn’t ask us to do great things, only small things with great love.”

That sentiment, like Goodall’s, speaks to the quiet, persistent power of kindness, intention, and care.

It’s also reflected in how we travel. We camp with intentionality, always striving to leave our campsite better than we found it – a lesson Jon first learned in Scouting and one we’ve carried with us ever since. Whether it’s picking up litter, respecting wildlife, or simply being mindful of our footprint, we believe that small, thoughtful actions matter.

One moment in the interview stood out in particular. Brad Falchuk, the interviewer, gave Goodall several opportunities to reveal the great love of her life. Yet she declined. In doing so, she gave us a quiet example of how some of our most intimate thoughts are sacred, and that love, in its deepest form, doesn’t always need an audience.

Whether it’s choosing sustainable travel, supporting conservation efforts, or simply being kind to one another, we all have a role to play. Goodall’s life was proof that one person can have an extraordinary impact. And her final words were a reminder that we can too.

As we packed up camp and headed home, we held Jane’s message in our hearts: “Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth.”

We also added to our music collection a song about our long-planned trip to Shenandoah. Check out Skyline Hearts on our Youtube channel. And while you’re at it, subscribe to our channel for more AI-collaborations inspired by our real-life adventures.