So, interesting story. I was debating whether or not to write about it, but hey…if we’re sharing our journey with you, I thought it only fair.

From the moment we began revealing our plans to travel around the world, every single friend and family member responded positively. We were rather shocked, because we anticipated somewhere along the way, we’d get a little pushback, or comments about the foolishness of our decision. I’m guessing my fellow travelers have experienced some of this?

I can’t begin to share how encouraging it was to receive so much support and excitement from our friends and family, as well as strangers who somehow discovered what we were doing.

So…it actually took me by surprise this past week, when a woman bluntly stated, “Well, why would you ever walk away from your job and do that?” The whole idea seemed incredibly stupid to her. Quite honestly, her response startled me, and I was not prepared to respond coherently, as I had been when we first made this decision (and were expecting negative responses).

I contemplated our short exchange. At the heart of her critical question, I believe, was a deeper, more urgent longing for safety and security and she could’t fathom how we would ever give up those two things for the unknown. I get it. I honestly do! And the truth is, yes, there are moments of fear when thinking through all of the potential pitfalls or dangers that could occur while on the road for 14 months. We get it.

But then I reflect on Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” and my heart is at peace.