Go Therefore

After Steve created this basic website, he encouraged me to post about our adventures. I've been reticent. I haven't felt like I have had anything worthwhile to say. We love to travel and have been making it a point to explore the world whenever we can as we've been able. However, love of exploration doesn't make us unique. Pretty pictures and tales of adventure, while fun to look at and talk about, don't rise to the level of truly significant to anyone except maybe supportive friends and family.

However, our recent trip sparked a change. "Now," I announced in the passenger seat of our rented vehicle, "I finally have something to write about."

In the latter part of April, we visited Hawaii. Steve had a business trip. I went along too because I am lucky enough to work remotely. After Steve was finished with his job tasks, we extended our stay to explore. Our journey began on Oahu, then we island hopped to The Big Island, and finally we ended the trip in lovely Kauai.

During the second stop on the Big Island of Hawaii, we stayed at an Airbnb hosted by gentle James. James was originally from China and spent most of his life and career in San Francisco working as a wholistic doctor. He moved to Hawaii to slow down and finally retire. James greeted us with a smile, a simple and hospitable tour of his home, and worked quietly throughout our stay to make us feel welcome. James's newly built three bedroom Airbnb currently houses travelers from all over the world. All have stories. All are dearly loved by Jesus.

It was at James's place that we met Kevin, a 34-year-old Hawaiian resident between apartments. Kevin was a bright, attractive, and outgoing mechanical engineer. Although he had a ton going for him, his life was chaotic (to put it mildly).

On our first morning at James's place, I made everyone scrambled eggs and we chatted to get to know one another. Steve and I learned that Kevin was washing clothes to get ready for church later that day. We were impressed and excited to meet another Jesus follower. However, as Kevin began to share more, we realized that much of his philosophies and religious views did not line up with Scripture.... at all.

That night the Lord impressed upon me to tell Kevin a particular story from my life that demonstrated His love and grace. So, the next day after dinner, I shared my story and then I shared the Gospel. Then, as it almost always happens for my husband whenever we go anywhere, Steve got to employ his "Mr. Fix-it" skills to help Kevin with a flat tire. As the men worked on the vehicle, Steve shared a few nuggets of wisdom.

Did Steve and I make a difference in Kevin's life? We won't know until the other side of eternity. However, we do know that both of us were faithful to sow seeds. I pray that the Lord of Harvest would be faithful.

THIS is why I want to travel. I want to go and be used to share the message of God's grace- to the ends of the earth. It is my greatest desire and has always been since Jesus radically changed me so many years ago to introduce others to Jesus. It is therefore fitting that the very first written post on this website should be about the Great Commission:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

If any supportive friends and family are curious enough to want to view some trip photos, here ten favorites:

Thanks so much for reading!