travel – Page 28 – Darkk Horse Travel

15 Favorite…

Published on February 13, 2014February 13, 2014 by EmileeLeave a comment

As a fashion grad, and travel addict, I require myself to look like a “normal” person while I go on adventures. It’s bad enough knowing that you don’t belong to your surroundings, but advertising it to the world is like painting a bullseye on your forehead.

Whenever I take a trip I make sure I pack some favorite gear no matter where I’m going. Beyond the basics (toothbrush, underwear, passport etc.) these are some things that specifically make my own travel experience 10x better.

1. An insulated rain jacket: These bad boys can be a bit pricy, so keep an eye out for one on sale off season, or invest in one that will last you a while. I bought mine at REI and I love it because it has cross body buttons, which makes it cute, but it’s also a rain jacket that will keep you warm. Especially since I normally travel in the Fall, it’s a super good idea bring one of these along if the climate where you’re going will even potentially need it. *The yellow arrow is pointing to an inside zip pocket. I bought this coat before I went to the UK and I wanted to make sure all of my valuables were safe while I was walking around London and bigger cities. In this jacket there is also a back bottom zippered pocket and the outside pockets zip and button when they’re closed. Pick-pockets never stood a chance.

2. A sturdy pair of leather boots: For these, I generally look for American made leather boots that look like they’ll last until Jesus comes back, again. Since you may/most likely will be walking for longer distances, these are a great thing to have to keep your feet covered and warm while still looking cute and comfortable. For the insides, I generally get some kind of heavenly insert, and the outside I use bees wax rain repellant to keep them solid and waterproof.

3. Thick infinity scarf: These are nice because you can throw them on and now worry about chocking yourself with the ends, like a regular scarf. This was especially important for me, because I was backpacking and didn’t have the time/energy to be checking my scarf while I was running through cities with 30lbs on my back.

4. An accordion folder with tabs: This. Saved. My. Life. I generally like to spontaneously travel, but there are some things such as hostels for the first night, when you’re severely jet-lagged, and train rides to your end of the day flight, that are important to keep organized. This little folder is perfect for putting maps, tickets and information in so that it’s all fully accessible at a moments notice. It cuts down on stress/freaking out that you lost something, and if you’re traveling alone, like me, it’s a MUST.

5. A FRESH journal: I like to give each adventure its space. I never use the same journal twice when traveling, because I don’t want to feel like I’m going to run out of pages, or if I lose it I lose memories from the past four years. I also generally grab one with non-lined pages so I can sketch/tape things in/write on whatever part of the paper I feel like.

6. My camera: AKA my child. I love having a nice camera to take with me and get decent shots of my surroundings. That being said, there is a lot more responsibility when you have one. My camera is not small, and was expensive, so I always have to find a way to keep it safe, while making sure it’s accessible at a moments notice – this can be hard if you’re traveling with a lot of bags, but it is so worth it!

7. Wipes! Sometimes, when you travel, you don’t have access to a restroom – or if you do, the bathroom available is not the ritz. So, it’s nice to be able to freshen up and not smell like a backpacker once in a while you’re running around. These are also pretty compact and light (while being so valuable on a hard day) so they’re great for backpacking.

8. Eye mask: Oh, my word. If you’ve ever stayed in a shared room hostel you know how essential these are. With people constantly coming in and out of the room at all hours of the night/morning, an eyemask might be the only way you get enough sleep to function the next day. Also, they’re nice to have if you want to sleep on the plane.

9. Head light: These are nice if you’re traveling at night and end up in a situation that’s less than sketchy, but higher on the freak out level than safe ( I also accompany this with a panic whistle if I’m traveling alone…just in case). It also can be great when you’re trying to find something in the dark and you can’t turn the light on etc. It’s just always nice to have some kind of light source.

10. Messenger bag/backpack: I really love this bag in the picture because it turns into a backpack, or can be a messenger bag. This is important to have when you’re looking around the city, because items you don’t want to leave in a hostel, or that you just would like to have with you are much easier to carry this way – rather than lugging your big bag/luggage with you.

11. EARPLUGS. *refer to #8

12. Mini sewing kit: This is one of those simple things that you never think you’ll use, until something breaks and you need it the most. It’s a good idea to bring a little kit along just in case any pack problems/clothes problems occur.

13. First Aid kit: Again, you might not think you’ll use it. But if you find yourself somewhere you can’t get medical attention and need some supplies, it’s good to keep one of these handy.

14. Wool head wear: If you’re traveling to Hawaii for vacation, obviously you don’t need this. But, if you’re traveling to Europe in the fall/winter, you probably will want it. I try to stay away from any kind of acrylic/synthetic headwear mainly because it doesn’t actually keep cold out. It just keeps you a little less cold. Pictured is a wool head wrap that I’m in love with wearing. It’s also red, so easy to find and a pop of color since I normally dress in black/white/gray when I travel. *Same rule goes for gloves – find a good wool pair, you’ll thank me.

15. An awesome book: I always bring a book with me that I’ve started but haven’t had time to finish. This is great for when you’re stuck waiting somewhere and don’t have any phone reception, you want to just relax in a coffee shop or you need to avoid eye contact with an awkward stranger. It’s also great because, at the end of the journey, you’ve accomplished a home task as well!

*16. CHOCOLATE: I didn’t have a chocolate bar to put in the picture, but this is one of the best pieces of travel advice I’ve received in my life. I was pretty skeptical when a friend handed me a chocolate bar on my way to a trip, but that chocolate bar saved my life when I was jet lagged and falling asleep on a train, when I was dying of hunger from missing a lunch cart on a train and sometimes when I just needed a pick up from being tired. The thing to remember is, this is for emergency low blood sugar, so it stays in your bag only for those reasons.

What are some must have’s you guys can’t travel without?? Let’s make a list. 🙂

À bientôt!

1479478_10201971345178628_2075358399_n — Buckingham Palace, London, England

Le Temps Est Maintenant

Published on February 11, 2014February 11, 2014 by EmileeLeave a comment

The first time I travelled outside of North America, I was 18 years old – and absolutely terrified. I had never been on a plane before, never been off the continent and had barely even been out of my parents’ sight most of my life (homeschooler – Woot! Woot!). But, after 24 million hours of flying, we finally reached Bangalore, India. Our group consisted of “ The Bangalore 12” : six men and six women, and I sat nicely on the bottom rung of the ladder as the baby of the group.

The greatest limitation that I had throughout that trip was continually feeling like I wasn’t “old enough” to participate or succeed in exploring a country different than the one I was raised in. I was way too shy to approach people, ask for directions or even order something at a restaurant. I just wanted to be invisible. You see, despite popular opinion, I am NOT an extrovert. And in addition to natural introversion, I come from a strict “keep to ourselves” Scandinavian family.

But, I remember sitting down with one of the women on the trip and telling her about how inadequate I felt. I expected pity, instead she dared me to feel empowered. She reminded me that age is only an obstacle if you allow it to be. I became so much stronger through that experience, because I finally allowed walls telling me to “stop trying” to be broken down. Was the transition smooth or fun? No. I still got nauseous every time I talked to someone. But, sometimes, the biggest success is taking your first step forward.

Years later, as I travel, I love to talk to people about their own travelling experiences. In particular, I always try to talk to older people while I travel. And every time I meet someone new, I’m reminded that although each of our stories are different – they’re not entirely lacking in similarities. For instance, every single person I’ve EVER asked about traveling (50+ years old) has said they wish they had traveled more and hadn’t let life get in the way. Whether they’re on their first trip, or their 100th, I have yet to meet ANYONE who was satisfied with how much they’ve traveled.

But, when is the best time in life to travel? My answer: When it’s the right time in life to travel (listening to that inner voice is key).

Now, if you’re like me and in your 20’s, you’ve probably been informed that your 20’s are “the best time of your life.” We’re told to travel now because when we’re older, we’ll have too many responsibilities, and after that we’ll be too rickety to leave our rocking chairs.

Well, I don’t buy it.

While obstacles make traveling harder (ex. having kids, or getting married, or having a mortgage etc.), the fact of the matter is: while these can be truths, they can also be excuses.

Whether I’m running around the globe tomorrow, in 10 years, or in 50 years, I refuse for my 20’s to be the defining “best part” – I have greater expectations for the next 70 years of my life. And while traveling, I’ve been able to meet some awesome people who are my heroes for refusing to believe the “age fallacy”, as well.

On one of my latest flights, I had the privilege of sitting next to the cutest older couple, who were probably in their sixties. After talking to them about airline food (first rule: sneakily ease your way in), I asked them where they were going. The woman lit up as she told me about her and her husband’s soon to be adventure around Ireland. They were both overflowing with a kind of giddy mischievousness. They had never been to Ireland before, and I couldn’t help but smile as they told me about all the details of their trip. While I was sitting there listening I thought, “See, here is such a great example of two constant learners of life. Age and experience don’t dictate their ability to travel. They were ready, willing and excited for their new adventure.”

My mom is another of my absolute heroes for how often we traveled as a family while I was growing up. As a single mother of four, you would think she’d have had some kind of restrictions or boundaries. But, when I was nine years old, she packed us up in our mini van, along with everything we’d need to live the next month of our lives, and started driving. In total, we reached 38 states (and every historical site, attraction and national park in between), and it still amazes me that such a feat was accomplished while she homeschooled me in the back of the van. And I don’t even have time to go into the almost 10 Canadian provinces, and trip to Alaska soon after. My mom was dedicated to making a way for us to experience the world, and she knew the best way to do that was to have us actually experience it. In conclusion, my mom is a total bad ass. Period.

Traveling is second nature to me because I was raised in it, but I realize that travel is a way of life. One that is, at times, uncomfortable and stretches your mind, soul and spirit. It can be scary and intimidating and emotionally (and physically) draining. But I think it is such an important part of existing as part of this planet. A lot of the time you don’t have the tools, or any idea how things are going to work out, but I think it’s exactly that lack of certainty that allows travelers to expand their minds and grow so much more over shorter periods of time.

Starting in college I made a commitment to travel somewhere I’ve never been before every year. Maybe this will actually pan out, maybe it won’t. But having the goal keeps me on track to do everything in my power to make it happen. So far, so good. I’ve been able to go to amazing places for the past five years, and I can’t wait for even more adventures.

But, the thing about the best adventures are that they happen when you’re the least ready for them (Bilbo Baggins?! – yeah, I went there). And sometimes I have to remind myself that God doesn’t keep a stopwatch on our lives that we can measure. He knows when we are ready and sends us out, regardless of our belief in the fact (Romans 8:28).

Honestly, 90% of the time I do things, I have 1% confidence in my ability to succeed. But, I have to take a step back, take a deep breath and make the decision to do it anyway. And generally it takes patience, tears and A LOT of prayer. But, you know what? Amazing things happen when you start trying to make them happen. People jump on board and support you, pieces fall into place and you start seeing little miracles occur in your life.

There’s a verse in the book of Esther that says you have been called, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Esther, in no way, thought she was ready to move forward on the path God directed her – but she took the first steps, knowing that regardless of the outcome, she had already succeeded by being faithful. Maybe it’s because she’s my namesake (maybe I just love stories), but I love this biblical lesson of blind faithfulness being rewarded. And while I’m totally on board with being called to go out in the world while I’m in my twenties, I want/hope/wish/plead that God will continue to challenge me to travel for the rest of my life as well.

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

5609_1211169432782_4455066_n — Bangalore, India – 2008

Comment Français A Volé Mon Coeur

Published on February 9, 2014February 9, 2014 by Emilee2 Comments

Picture a little girl. She turned nine years old last week and is simultaneously excited and bored to death with life. She wears her hair in multiple braids every day. She likes to make things and learn about new people, but mostly likes to watch the world around her, as though she is learning the moves to an intricate dance she hopes to perfect.

This little girl is a bit odd. For her 9th birthday she asked her mom to take her to Williamsburg so she could study colonial life in the 18th century. And, on the way there, her family made a stop in a little place called Quebec, Canada. Amidst the unreadable traffic signs and how beautiful all the people speaking sounded, it felt like heaven. The little girl is mesmerized and entranced. She thinks she’s walked into a storybook, and she doesn’t ever want to step out again.

Studies show that what you gravitate toward when you’re 7-9 years old is an early indicator to what you’ll be passionate about in your adult life. You might lose it during middle school, or hide it during high school. But, generally it comes back again and again, as though some kind of haunting presence.

This is what happened to me in third grade. The moment I heard someone speak French for the first time I was hooked. I couldn’t/can’t believe how beautiful it was/is! The language was like verbal painting, and I LOVE painting. The moment I got back to my own hometown I insisted that my mom put me in French lessons. I wanted to know everything. How to speak it, how to read it and how to move to France when I was older. My mom wasn’t on board with the last request, but she enrolled me in classes nonetheless.

French has always been something I’ve poured myself into, but has never seemed like “work” to me. It’s always been there, more or less like a hobby. Something I’ve gone back and forth to all the way through college. I don’t really talk about it. Most people are surprised when they find out I know any French at all. But, having the opportunity to now live in the very heart of what has captured my own, has brought it to the foreground again in my life.

This past week I started French tutoring, so I’ll have a solid foundation for when I actually move. I was going to wait to enroll in classes starting in April at the community college near my house, but decided, after looking at enrollment fees, that private tutoring was actually way cheaper and more one on one instruction. So now, I’ll be going once a week to meet up with my tutor.

One thing that is really surprising me is how much my mind has retained, although I haven’t spoken one word of French for almost five years. I’ll hear a word, or a phrase and think, “Wait…I know that…” It might take me a couple of minutes, or being reminded, but I think it’s all re-sticking pretty quickly. It kind of feels like I’m rediscovering my identity after having amnesia. And I’m not gonna lie – I love it.

That being said, here are

My goals for French:

– 1 hour per day of practicing

– At least semi-fluent before I even get on the plane in August

– I’d love to be able to Skype with my au pair family while speaking French, instead of speaking English and have the parents translate to the kids

– Join some kind of group to meet other people in Seattle that speak French,

so I can speak with them (April/May)

– Start writing my blog posts in En Français and English so I can practice, but you guys can still read them

– Learn to flirt in French. That’s right – I said it.

A bientôt!

Me and Grandpa — Mini me when I was 9, and my grandpa

Letter To A Young Exploress

Published on February 6, 2014March 1, 2014 by Emilee2 Comments

1450751_10201965655276384_805682068_n — Glasgow, Scotland

Traveler,

In your life there are going to be people who tell you what you “should” do. In most cases, it won’t be with negative intentions or purposeful neglect to your feelings. But, hands placed on your shoulders, concern built in their eyes – they will try.
If and when these people find you, I want to give you one piece of advice:

Listen to them.

Listen, ponder, wonder and question every word that spills out of their unassuming mouths; riverbanks trying to contain the flow of your own untamable ambitions. Think about their words. Gnaw on them again and again until you truly understand the marrow of what it means to make your own decision.
Then, throw them out. For they have no further value to you.

As you plan and scheme and chart the direction of your own decision making, remember the words of those who doubted you. Remember the people who told you that you couldn’t or shouldn’t. Every person who tried to pour into your mind their own doubts and limitations. And as you think on these, also remember that you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). More than able (Phillipians 4:13). And born to be set apart (Jeremiah 1:5)

Then, take a step. Fall with the freedom of knowing you have weighted the reasons, excuses and deliberations; and they have been found wanting. Walk forward, traveler, and be guided by the northern star of your own intellect and courage. For, remember, castles are seldom built by staying in valleys; dare to dream of venturing to the highest hills.

Remember who you are. A woman fully competent, fully capable and stubborn as hell. Plan. Plan like you’ve never planned before. Spend every minute researching the world you’re about to travel into, so that when you step outside your front door you can throw the guidebook to the side, and enjoy your experiences fully.

Make friends with everyone. And I mean everyone. Bus drivers, taxi drivers, hostel workers, baristas, post office workers, random people you meet in museums and that mom with a stroller at the bus stop. Keep your ears open, your mind clear and your possibilities endless.

Experience the culture. Don’t ever block yourself off in the comfort of a hotel room or the emptiness of an American chain restaurant. Eat the local food (I don’t care how gross it sounds), go dancing – always go dancing, look for events in local papers and billboards. No matter how tired you are, remember: You only need 8 hours of sleep, and you have a TV at home. Get outside! Parks, museums, art galleries – go.

Write down everything and send your home self postcards with notes of encouragement. Remember, you won’t be here forever, but the memories will. Remind yourself of your accomplishments, so when you’re feeling lost a week after getting back, you have a piece of mail to remind you that it was only one passport stamp, and there are many more adventures to come.

And last? Stop making excuses.

If you have the ability to hold a job, you have the ability to save money. If you have the ability to save money, no matter how long it takes, you have the ability to buy a ticket to somewhere and go on an adventure. Be smart with your traveling. Challenge yourself to save as much money beforehand so you don’t have to worry about it when you’re exploring.

You are a woman, not incapable. You are an exploress, not unable. You have intellect, an open mind and a heart that loves – use them. And while you’re standing there, looking at something more beautiful than you could have imagined, meeting people who open your mind to more than you could have grasped before – breathe. Deeply and slowly. Remind yourself, “In this moment, I am happy.” And then, as you start to walk toward the beauty that’s before you, remember all those people who told you it couldn’t be done – and smile.

Nous Sommes Une Famille

Published on February 4, 2014February 9, 2014 by EmileeLeave a comment

1422392_10201971384819619_1138565577_n — London, England

Every time I see a backpacker I want to hug them.

I wan’t to ask them where they are coming from? Where they are going? And if they want to grab coffee so I can hear all about their adventures. To me, they’re not strangers – they’re family. And the familiarity of each one comes directly as a result of having been in that situation myself.

There’s something that happens when you travel. You start to view the world as a global community, instead of a planet full of strangers. Humanity is beautiful. But, so often, we only see negativity from the bubble of our media outlets.

Sometimes, though, if you’re like me, you’re driven to go find your own truth. Who are these people? The tiny characters on your TV screen. The posted faces on propaganda. The photographs and documentaries and fandoms and paintings and songs and lyrics and movies? Where do they come from? How do they live? Are they like me? Will they like me?

It’s one of my personal goals to travel to every nation I’m ethnically from. To give you a hint: there’s a lot. The current count is at eight, but those are only the ones I know of. So far, I’ve reached five of my eight countries. The only three left, being Norway, Denmark and Germany. I’m hoping that while I’m living in Europe ( OhMYGOSH – did I actually just use that sentence in real life!?) I’ll be able to knock these out as well.

Each time I visit a country that I’m from (or a culture), I understand more about myself. I get why my Irish family exaggerates – because we are story tellers. I understand why my English roots carefully select those who we allow in our inner circles – because we love well. I understand the importance of food – because it’s a commonality we all share, one that brings us all together. And with each place I visit I understand more, the intricacies of what really makes me who I am.

I think one of the most dangerous things in the world is not knowing where you come from. And, even more dangerous, not caring. If you’ve ever dabbled in genealogy you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say, there’s something almost magical about finding out about your own history and the ancestors who came before you. Even if this has nothing to do with a blood line, your culture is dependent on the society you’ve been raised in, and knowing that history is just as important.

From a Christian standpoint, I like to think about it like rationalizing the presence of the Old Testament in the bible (theology friends: please don’t shoot me). Why is it even there if most of the doctrine we adhere to is in the New Testament? Well, I’m no theologian, but I am a story teller. And I know that without the foundation and context with which to tell a story, you’re left with little more than words on a page. Without knowing what the promises are, how can we rejoice in them being fulfilled?

In a similar way, without knowing how we came to be present – how do we find purpose and meaning in continuing forward into the future?

Something beautiful happens when you take this leap and step outside your own comfort zone. With all of your belongings strapped to your back, a couple of maps you probably won’t use, and a journal you won’t ever be able to truly fill, you become infinite.

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever had an “out of body experience”. But I have had an out of mind one. Shutting off your perceptions of what the world “should be” and letting your mind get swept away in the myriad of foreign cultural possibilities, allows you to return to yourself fully.

And while traveling as a tourist is such a great experience, I don’t think I could ever overemphasize the beauty of backpacking and couchsurfing while you see the world. For those of you who don’t know, couchsurfing is exactly what it sounds like: Staying on people’s couches while you travel around.
Personally, I love using the website couchsurfing.org which is set up like a Facebook community where all of your “friends” live in every corner of the world – you just haven’t met them yet.
I’ve used the website multiple times, and always had amazing experiences. You can stay with people literally anywhere in the world, and it’s the most amazing feeling to have complete strangers willing to open their homes to you; again reinforcing the feeling of a global family.

Throughout my travels I’ve had people: cook for me, take me dancing, teach me how to mimic accents, insist that I sleep on their bed while they slept on their couch, pick me up from the bus station (a big deal when you’re lugging around a backpack) , go shopping with me, teach me about astrology, star gaze on winter nights and go to Broadway plays. I’ve experienced life because I’ve allowed life to give me experiences.

Now, when I see a chance to include someone from another culture into my own, I don’t see them as intruders or as strangers. I simply, now and forever, see them as family.

1395445_10201866727803259_188708302_n — Me and my mum in the airport just before I flew off on my backpacking trip.

To The Ends Of The Earth

Published on February 1, 2014February 4, 2014 by Emilee2 Comments

PI5799-hr — A picture from the city where I’ll be living.

My great-great grandfather was an adventurer.
He might not have seen himself as one as he plowed land in the country he had newly adopted; and more than likely he had doubts, fears and inhibitions as he travelled from 19th century Norway. But, by taking a step forward into what probably appeared to be darkness, he paved a new life for generations to come.

I don’t know the scientific research on whether traits, such as longing to explore the world, can be passed down from generation to generation, but I like to think that they can.
Part of me strongly believes that adventuring runs in my veins. It flows through my blood stream, and pulls me out of my comfort zone to discover the world around me. It allows me to believe in the impossible just long enough to make it into a reality, and opens my mind to see future dreams become the present.

Soon, another of my own adventures will be starting. I’ll be sharing more than a birthday with my great-great grandpa, as I pack my own bags, and travel to a country where the language, culture and people are not my own. I’ll work in an environment I’m not used to, and have to learn customs and muster every ounce of Morehouse/Svane stubbornness (which there is a lot of) in order to master myself and the new world around me. Coming from a strong Scandinavian family, I have no issue with not romanticizing the transition that is about to take place.
Words that currently come to mind are: Confusing, Frustrating, Overwhelming, Lonely, Isolating, Scary and Out Of My Control.

And while that list doesn’t look like the most promising start for this trip (and you’re probably wondering why I’m even considering still going) there are some times in life when what’s not written on paper outweighs what is. Over the years, I’ve learned that it is situations like these when God pours the most into my life. Where there is confusion, He brings peace. Where there is frustration, He brings understanding. When I am overwhelmed, He shares my burdens. When I am lonely He is my constant. When I feel isolated He holds me close. When I feel scared, He lights my way. And when I feel like things are out of my control, He reminds me that I need only be still.

Part of the agreement to living a life of faith is that, sometimes, we have to let go of what we know in order to understand the larger picture of what we don’t. Moving to France is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made in my life. And as with all big decisions, there is a certain mixture of doubts that floods over you when you make them. But, once I push to the side all of the negative thoughts and feelings that naturally hop and skip to my mind, I’m reminded of that still small voice saying:

I am with you.

If you know me, even barely, you’ll know that I love being in control of things. I love organizing events, I love leading groups and I’m generally one of the first people to take charge in situations. None of these traits are inherently bad, but when it comes to finding myself in a place of change, it makes me feel about as comfortable as trying to balance on top of a hot air balloon.

Even though traveling has always been a huge part of my life, I still get anxiety every time I make the decision to go somewhere. Like, most recently, when I went on a solo backpacking trip around the UK and Ireland. Anyone/everyone could see my Instagram posts featuring Big Ben and the videos of Scottish bands and think, “Wow! This trip looks amazing!” And that’s not to say it wasn’t. But what you don’t see, is that I was borderline in tears at the airport on my way there, or that I had anxiety about every plane I boarded crashing and my body being forever lost in the Atlantic. There were times when I wanted to cry because I didn’t understand the monetary system of the countries I went to, the politics of the regions (don’t ever try to pay with Euro in Northern Ireland) or the backward streets ( I almost got hit at least 1-2 times per day).

But what I learned, is that out of the chaos and confusion of being vulnerable and naive to people and places beyond my normal, I was exposed to the most beautiful, raw and honest side of personal growth. I realized that security can turn into chains, if you let it impede on the places in your life that you are called to walk forward in.

It reminds me of a part of C.S. Lewis’ book, The Silver Chair. At one point, Aslan is talking to the main heroine, Jill when they first meet. Although Jill is “dying of thirst” she refuses to walk toward where the lion is standing, and drink from the stream. She doesn’t trust Aslan, because she doesn’t know Aslan. But my favorite part of the exchange is when she asks for confirmation. She asks Aslan, “Will you promise not to — do anything to me, if I do come?” to which he promptly says no. She is required to step forward, to trust the unknown, in order to taste what she is longing for. There are no guarantees, no promises – simply the requirement to trust in something bigger than her own knowledge and direction. Finally, when Jill does take the step forward and taste water from the stream, she discovers it is the most delicious water she’s ever tasted, and that it fulfills her more than she could have ever imagined. Without risk, the only reward we receive is the knowledge of the present and the past. The future is for those who dream, discover and venture into the unknown.

In six and a half months I’m going to be on an airplane, traveling into uncertainty. I’ll probably cry in the airport, and I’ll probably have thoughts about the plane crashing the entire flight there. But, while my mind is racing, and my emotions are running off cliffs, I’m hoping to remember that deeper than the surface level feelings, there is a peace accessible which supersedes understanding (Phil. 4:17).

August 2014 will be the summer I take a step into the unknown and the slightly crazy. But, then again, the heart of an adventurer runs in my family.