March | 2023 | maturitas cafe

I recently returned from the second of two international trips last month. I am very grateful for the privilege to travel and experience different parts of the world. I enjoy the beauty and richness of diverse cultures, the variety of God’s creation in places and people, and the reminder that we have so much in common in our hearts and souls, although we may look different on the outside.

My trips were for work, but they felt more like fun because of the connections with treasured colleagues and the opportunities to make new friends. This is a special joy of my job – working relationships that include learning from each other, combining gifting and strengths to accomplish more than I could alone, and sharing history and innovation, dreams and challenges, tears and deep laughter. I am thankful for safe people who care, encourage, ask with genuine curiosity, speak the truth, and seek to love and serve well.

I also enjoy seeing the fabrics and textures of nationally-unique clothing and crafts, hearing the songs of multiple languages, and savoring (most of) the flavors of new foods and drinks. I learn much from others’ history, inventions, passions, geographical adjustments, and lifestyles.

Here are just a few of the lessons I learned on these trips…

bikes are still a transportation option in cold weather
healthy food options are offered in unique places
tulips originate from central Asia
boat homes are alternative housing options
those who suffer greatly can still experience and share joy
the Google translate app is super helpful and easy to use
you can interpret for a group using the Signal app
people amaze me with their lavish service and kindness
others amaze me with their teachable hearts and desire to learn and grow
many amaze me with their impressive abilities and skill sets that are completely different from mine
all over the world, people create inspirational, life-changing, sustainable businesses to help others support themselves and their families
an empty adjacent seat is a precious gift on a long flight
fish-shaped waffles are a thing – and they are delicious
you can fit four+ people on a small motorbike
papaya can taste good
Despite our differences, people everywhere long for significance in their lives, care for and enjoy their loved ones, desire connection and belonging, and search for God.

It is good for me to get out of my “comfort zone” and experience others’ worlds. Sometimes it is uncomfortable, and I feel out of control, but I am a different – and better – person because of the influences of others on my life.

What do you enjoy most about traveling?

My last post was dated 2021. I only wrote four posts that year. Covid had arrived on the scene, then after a few years of causing chaos, slithered away backstage. Much happened in my life and family – isolation and travel, moves and new jobs, losses and new discoveries, challenges and joys – each has taken its turn as the leading player. Writing about all of that was less of a priority than surviving through it. However, my domain is up for review, so I can either write or stop paying for this space… so write I will.

I am wondering how you are doing. How have the last years been for you? So many have suffered, lost, and grieved. Others are still trying to determine what this future life will look like. And some are moving along well, in a groove, content, and thriving. I find myself living in each of those three modes, depending on the hour and circumstances, which I have decided is very normal and ok for me.

I have entered into 2023 with more energy than the years past and with enthusiasm for projects and travel that will fill the months ahead. I picked a word for the year – OPEN. I felt like God whispered it in my ear to give me peace and hope for all that is to come. I want to be open to opportunities, changes, new people and experiences. I want to choose my roles with God’s direction and discernment and leave fear a very bit part in my life.

So, I have my strong, black coffee in hand. I am awake early due to jetlag from a recent flight and enjoying the quiet of a new day. I am reflecting and dreaming… and writing. Writing helps me think – whether I put thoughts in a journal by hand or put them up in public for others to see. These next months, I hope to keep up a rhythm of posting, and I hope to find you following along. We have lots to learn and process together.