#AdventureAwaits

“Make your choice, adventurous Stranger,
Strike the bell and bide the danger,
Or wonder, till it drives you mad,
What would have followed if you had.”

-     C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew

Adventure is something I love. Cultures, friendships, photographs, airports and experiences: all these things open my eyes to the creativity and beauty the world holds, made by our Maker. If there is adventure to be had, I want to do it!

One of the ways I share my adventures is through photography - I love taking pictures. This year, I’ve decided to post less pictures to Facebook – which, though I enjoy sharing my pictures, stories and experiences, I want to do so in a different and more selective way. In all my life’s adventures – traveling to a different country for a conference, or trying a new recipe off Pinterest, if I’m willing to write about it, then I’ll share pictures too.

My hope is that while enjoying these random stories (who knows what the future will hold!), that you be encouraged and inspired to take advantage of the adventures that lay before you!

Thankfulness - Days 14, 15, 16 and 17: Transportation, Marketing Jesus, Music and Photography

I am thankful for transportation. In the last ten days, I drove a car, rode a tram, flew in many planes, rode a few trains, took a couple bus rides, had a boat tour, took a taxi and rode a bike.

I am thankful for my job. When I graduated college with a Business and Marketing degree, I would never have guessed the experiences I have had, places I've visited, people I've met, and work God has prepared for me. It's cool that my job currently is essentially "marketing Jesus". I really enjoyed field testing via sharing on campus with the STINT team in Tilburg.

I am thankful for music. I've recently been enjoying the new 'Jenny and Tyler' album called "Open your doors". 

I am thankful for photography. It is one of my outlets for creativity. It gives me so much life! Cultures, shadows, angles, lighting, colors, people, motion, beauty, experiences, memories - I love them all.

Traveling Young - or whatever age. Just go.

Gosh, I am super thankful my job allows, actually sends me places all over the world. I recently read this blog post about traveling young. Adventure, compassion and culture.... yes to all those things.

What trip isn't an adventure - you come across so many new people and new experiences!

"Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you."

Whatever age you are, I encourage you to travel. Pick a place, save some cash, take some time off and go! And make sure to take pictures and write down some memories :)

Plane Travel tips: Ticket, headphone, gum - check. What else?

Since the start of the year, I've taken 17 flights across many airports, states and countries. Everyone does things a little differently. During these days of travel, I've taken note of tips I've either learned by experience or heard along the way.

1. Bring a neck pillow always. Even if it's a 2 hour flight. I recently learned a 40 minute cat nap rejuvenates you better than coffee! I ususally also encase it in a pillow case with a 2nd pillow case inside for the trip home. Germs as such...

2. Drink lots of water the day before your flight(s) to make up for dehydration on the plane.

3. When going through security, always put your shoes through first (hopefully you are wearing socks - gross airport floors!) so you can get them on while the rest of your belongings are being scanned.

4. If you can't avoid slamming any of your appendages nails in doors etc (that's kinda an always, but also before flights), bring a safely pin a matches to relieve built up pressure from flight(s).

5. In your carry-on, pack: necessary electronics, headphones, gum, empty water bottle, Chapstick, and if international - an extra pair of undergarments and shirt.

6. If your traveling lite, try being last on the plane. You can just sit in empty seats. Or sit in the middle seat until someone comes. You might be able to snag your own row! This has benefited me SEVERAL times - specifically on international flights.

7. Music on your iPod. For sure.

 8. Flying Delta? Download the app. Once checked in, you may be able to change your seat around to one of the remaining open seats!

I'll be adding more to this list as time goes on as to help you readers in your travel adventures! If you have some to add, include them in the comment box below... I'd love to learn from you too!