It wasn’t until I was in high school that my desire to travel the majestic world, was awoken. I was a Junior at the time, and the only places that I had been leading up to that moment were some cities along the east coast, in the United States, and Niagara Falls, in Canada. Even then, I was always with my parents; never on my own. Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed the places I have been with my parents; it just wasn’t until I traveled on my own that I began to appreciate the little things, and have enjoyed exploring the world outside my safe haven.

Traveling has given me the pleasure and excitement to see people, and cultures in such a radically different light. I have learned so much from others, have had the pleasure to make friends from other countries, and have come to appreciate people with culturally different backgrounds than my own.

This past year, I went to East Asia for a missions trip with four other individuals from Grand Canyon University. It was quite the adventure that truly allowed me to step out of my comfort zone for the very first time. I never would have thought I would ever go, as this was never on my list of places to visit, but boy, am I glad I did! I can still remember all the thoughts and feelings I had leading up to this trip, such as, "do I have what it takes?"; I was so nervous to my stomach, yet so excited. I am ecstatic to say that at some point I gave up and tossed my fears aside, and dove head first, straight into the adventure I was embarking on. The views were spectacular, the food was impeccable, and the people were incredibly kind to us, even though we were the minority; we'd somehow be treated like celebrities (ha-ha).

While I was there, I discovered a lot about myself, in ways that I had not been able to previously. Through my experiences, I learned many things, such as to appreciate interesting and very different foods, see God and the beauty of His work in having a deeper relationship with Him and His people, and lastly gained an unsurpassable confidence when I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Last year, I also went to Colorado with friends over my spring break. It was my first time there, and I got to visit Colorado Springs, Denver, and got to stay in Milliken. It was one of the best road trips I have ever been on--all 13 hours of driving! I would have to say it is one of my favorite places due the company I had, but also because of the beautiful scenery driving up. If you have not been to Colorado, it is definitely a must-see. While I was there, I stayed with my friend's family and got to see the closeness of their family and appreciate their unconditional love for each other. My trip there will always have a special place in my heart, that I will treasure.

However, despite these examples that I encountered, I have found so many adventures right here in Arizona, where I am going to school. I have had the chance to stumble upon many incredible restaurants, experiencing new foods, such as Takamatsu, which offers sushi to Korean style barbecue, and Hula's Modern Tiki which offers Polynesian cuisine. I have been able to go hiking in great areas, like Squaw Peak in Phoenix, and Seven Falls in Tucson. I have been able to take pictures with close friends in Scottsdale's Civic Center, and walk around Tempe's Beach Park with friends.

I used to think, like so many people do, that an adventure consists of a place that is exquisite and extraordinary. What I have come to realize is that one can have an adventure anywhere; they are endless, and so are the possibilities. Running around, tossing a frisbee in the park or on campus is an adventure in itself. An adventure can be going downtown and walking around, maybe getting lost and stumbling upon a new indie coffee shop. Or maybe, possibly just walking and then jumping on the metro system or light rail, to a new place is an adventure. It is the little things, especially when we are not avidly seeking anything out of something or anyone in particular, that makes up an adventure.

Live a little, or live a lot. But, don't just sit back and watch life's opportunities pass you by. Go out and explore the world around you, and maybe get lost along the way. Experience and observe every part of the world because that is when you really, truly live life, and discover yourself. And when you are financially stable, go out and travel outside of your comfort zone--out of your safe haven. Trust me, it is so worth it!

Much love, Carolyn