From a restless childhood of constant moves to finding purpose on the other side of the world—one man's journey of self-discovery.
In Becoming Me, Jeff Hodges takes readers on an extraordinary journey through a life defined by change, resilience, and the relentless search for meaning. Born in 1949 into a rapidly changing America, Hodges grew up as the son of a "job-shopping" aerospace engineer, moving from state to state every few months to two years. This nomadic childhood—marked by inconsistent schooling, family turmoil, and a growing sense of insignificance—forged in him a fierce independence and a restless spirit.
As a teenager, he ran away from home, riding freight trains, sleeping in hobo jungles and homeless missions, and surviving a blizzard that nearly took his life. He enlisted in the Marines, attended college while working multiple jobs, and drifted through a series of careers—car salesman, countertop shop foreman, carpenter, electrician, furniture salesman, and repairman. Along the way, he wrestled with bulls, climbed mountains, survived car wrecks, and faced death in a hospital bed.
But the most profound transformation came when he discovered something greater than himself. Through mission work teams in Mexico, Japan, Canada, and Russia, Hodges found purpose in serving others. He built churches, learned to appreciate different cultures, and discovered that the most important things in life are not things at all—but relationships, humility, and faith.
Becoming Me is more than a memoir. It is a reflection on how a lifetime of learning—from hardship, travel, work, family, and faith—shapes a person into who they were always meant to become.
For anyone who has ever felt lost, restless, or uncertain of their path—this book is proof that every step, even the wrong ones, leads somewhere.