A few blocks away from the Turquoise waters of the Boholzee, my family of Zeven gathered in a small coffee shop for lattes and smoothies. We spent eight months working on our trip around the world and professionals in finding picturesque coffee shops at any place. While my teenagers played a round of Monopoly deal, I saw that a man stumbled outside in front of the store. Under the influence of something, he spread to the ground in front of the door and blocked someone to enter or leave.
What can I learn here?
One of my favorite aspects of international journeys is looking at the people around me and learning from what I also notice. I often imagine how situations would take place in my community and compare and contrast with the new place I visit. I looked in the coffee shop and wondered what would happen next. Would there be anger? Annoyance? Grumbling and complaining? How would the man be treated?
The employee walked around the counter, gently opened the door and asked the man to move. No response. A new customer approached the door and carefully maneuvered around him to come in. A few minutes passed. He did not admit. A student stepped away from his laptop and joined the employee to encourage the man to move again. Nothing. Two more students approached and together they lifted and sat on one of the outside tables of the store. The employee brought him cold water and the four encouraged him to drink – no screaming, belittling, reactions on the side or even grumbling. The answer was compassion. The man did not treat himself with dignity, but others did. In their words and actions they honored him and exalted him from the low point he had reached. I often think of the four of them.
Creation reflects the maker
The natural beauty of the Philippines is spectacular. A few blocks away from turquoise waters, our family was again reminded of how people are the most beautiful part of a place. When we take the time to delay and pay attention, we see the ways in which the created reflects the maker.
The best international journeys include observing and experiencing places with curiosity and a appreciation for what can be learned. Every place I get a glimpse of God’s creativity. Experiencing new cultures broadens my view of both the world and the Creator.
Photo supplied by Ashley Campbell
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I’ve never been hereThrough Ashley CampbellDescribes the life -changing journey of her family to more than 20 countries in a year and shares the transforming collection restaurants to inspire the own adventures of readers.
In June 2022, together with her husband and five children, she started an ambitious year -long journey, all with a tight budget. What they experienced was a world full of great people, interesting places, unique food and most important, abundant examples of God’s beautiful creation.
While you travel to Morocco, Italy, Egypt, Japan, Ecuador and many more countries with the Campbell family, you will enjoy stunning photos of exotic locations; Learn how you can overcome the fear and unrest of denying the unknown; Taste a taste of different cultures, kitchens and customs; And discover how you can enjoy your own worldwide adventures for a fraction of the costs.
Let Ashley show you how accessible and hospitable the world can be and open your family for beauty and wonder that you can only find by being ‘there’.
Read more about the book and how you can buy here.