What Is Your Favorite Aspect of Traveling?

One of my favorite aspects of traveling is the element of surprise. On our recent trip to Hawaii, I knew I could expect beautiful weather, warm crystal blue water, palm trees, and beautiful sunsets, and I was not disappointed. However, it is the unexpected that stays with me as I think back on this adventure.

The massive black lava flows that stretched from the ‘mountains’ to the sea, the stark and harsh-like environment of the back country, the beautiful green sand beach on The Big Island, the Grand Canyon of Hawaii on Kauai, and the stunning Napoli coast. I saw God’s hand in all of this surprising landscape.

We spent 2 days in Volcano National Park on the The Big Island hiking across a massive crater during the day, and walking to the edge of an active volcano to see the red hot lava flows at night (awesome!). The next morning at breakfast (after spending an evening without water!) I was reminded of how blessed I am to be a part of this awesome country. We sat next to a large, beautiful ‘Friendship Fireplace,’ and goodwill messages from all over the world were engraved in the stones. In the center on a plaque was a verse from John 17:21, “That they all may be one…” An unexpected reminder to me, as I traveled to 5 Hawaiian Islands in 16 days, to take time to rest, reflect, and be grateful for the opportunity to see God in nature and in those that He places in my life each day whether it be at home in Maryland, or in a lodge on a volcano!