Where the Love Began

One word that definitely does not describe me is a homebody. As I always face forward, I look for adventure in any form I can get. Here's what began it all.

I had grown up as a younger sibling that was carried along for every athletic event my sisters had, but I didn't mind. Driving in a car had always been soothing, and the never-ending desert lands had always excited me. We would always make trips fun and find time to camp in the mountains frequently. My family was always prepared for road trips, with a little bit more snacks than necessary and a new CD mix with the latest and greatest songs.

Once I got older, I was ready to turn #road trips into something that didn't have to start because of a sporting event.

Softball and soccer had run our lives as a family, and it began to prevent us from having any real vacation time. Was I grateful for such dedicated parents that supported our sports endeavors? Of course. But our time spent on camping trips had drastically declined and our nights in hotel rooms, nervously preparing for soccer games, was increasing.

College created an outlet for me to get the #exploration I needed.

By the time I was 17, I had moved away to Arkansas, and was ready to be that independent woman I had always wished to be. I had immediately met some amazing friends that shared so many of the same interests as me, and we began adventuring together. It all started with exploring our new town and all it had to offer. We were new in the area, and we wanted to see what the little town of Conway was like. Conway was our home because we had all chosen to play soccer at the local university, and it created yet another outlet for me to travel. My freshman year took me to many new places around Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, and even Utah. And let me tell you... Traveling with your best friends is FUN! While we played soccer, we had the chance to explore each area we resided in. Each place we went to, I was always excited.

The wonders of #new places.

“Have you ever thought about every single person you drive past while you travel... Where they are going, what they aspire to do in life, where they come from?"

One of the best things I found myself wondering about while traveling is the people I have encountered. While I travel, I look forward to the next person I pass or have a discussion with. Something about the sense of having an impact on a complete stranger's life is so powerful to me. Traveling to different places on a big purple bus that says "University of Central Arkansas" on it can draw some attention, but it created some interesting conversations with others as well. You never know how many connections you may have with somebody you don't know anything about until you get out in the world.

So that's what I have been inspired to do... Get out into the #world.

As I have a never-ending drive to hear about the journeys of others, I have created a desire to travel to as many places I can. The fulfillment of meeting new people and seeing new things is so strong in my heart. I hope I can share some of these journeys that I have had with places and people throughout my life. You can learn so much from adventuring through new places!

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9