A friend recently commented on a post I shared, asking a question I think many of us have pondered at some point in our lives: How can God let babies die of cancer? It’s a heart-wrenching question, and I wish I had a clear answer. The truth is, there is no simple or easy explanation for why bad things happen in this world. Why does suffering exist? Why do tragedies strike, sometimes in the most innocent or unfair ways?

I can’t pretend to know all the reasons. But I do know this: through all the tragedy in my life, I’ve made it. And somehow, my faith has been my guiding light. I believe that everyone has a purpose, even when we can’t see it clearly in the moment. Those who have passed, those who have suffered, have all fulfilled their purpose—whether we understand it or not. Sometimes we see the impact of their lives only after they’ve gone. And sometimes, the reason behind their suffering may not become clear in our lifetime.

Looking back at the challenges I’ve faced—losing my mother, my sister, a cousin, dear friends, enduring a divorce, homelessness, even battling cancer—I can’t deny how much pain has shaped me. In moments when I thought I wouldn’t survive, when I felt completely alone, there was always something that held me together. My faith. My Bible. And the belief that even in the midst of loss and suffering, there is meaning, there is purpose, even if I don’t see it right away.

Life is messy. It’s hard. There are days when it feels like everything is falling apart. We ask questions like, Why did God take my loved ones so soon? Why did I lose my home? Why did I have to endure such heartache and loss? These are questions that may never have clear answers. But over time, I’ve come to realize that every event, both good and bad, has led me to where I am today. Every piece of my past has shaped the person I am now and prepared me for the blessings in my current life.

I think about the people I’ve lost—the ones who left this world before we felt they were ready to go—and I don’t have the answers. I wish I could explain it. But I know that even in their passing, they’ve served a purpose. And in my grief, I was called to find meaning. I learned to appreciate life in a way that I might not have, had I not experienced such loss. It was in the darkest moments of my life that I came to understand the beauty of living fully, of cherishing every moment, even the tough ones.

Recently I sold everything I owned and hit the road, uncertain of where I would go next. Many thought I was crazy. But there was something in my heart that knew I was following the path I was supposed to be on, even though I couldn’t always see where it would lead. It isn’t always easy. But it is part of the journey, and it brings me joy. Even on the hard days.

And I can’t help but think back to a conversation I had with my ex-husband. He once told me he wished he could have the kind of faith I had—the kind of faith that would let me get on a plane and fly to Africa because I felt God was calling me there. A year before I ever set foot on that plane, I knew I was going. And when I finally did, I discovered the joy of trusting, of stepping out in faith even when the future was unclear.

Life is full of uncertainty. It’s full of pain, loss, and confusion. But I believe with all my heart that there is a greater purpose behind it all. We may not understand the reasons for suffering or the loss of those we love, but I know that through faith, we find strength. Through faith, we find purpose. And through faith, we find joy—even in the hardest of times.

So when life feels too heavy, when the questions overwhelm, I encourage you to hold on. Trust that your journey, with all its twists and turns, is leading you to a place where you will see the meaning and purpose in your life—just as I have come to see in mine. You may not have all the answers, but I believe, just as I do, that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no matter what we face, God is with us. Even in our darkest hours, He is there, showing us the way, even when the path ahead seems unclear. So, we hold on. We have faith. And we keep going. Because in the end, every step, every tear, every moment of joy, brings us closer to the purpose we’re meant to fulfill.

We all strive to trust in something. For me, faith in God is the guiding force that anchors my spirit when life’s challenges weigh me down. Yesterday was one of those days when the devil tried to creep in as I felt the weight of exhaustion. However, my happiest moments come when we’re on the road, doing what we believe is God’s work. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to work from anywhere, but the nomadic lifestyle comes with its own set of hurdles. 

Currently, we’re still searching for the right person to work on the #bajagiveaway Subaru Adventure Vehicle and finish the graphics for both vehicles. Last night, the stress of managing all these tasks across multiple states felt overwhelming.  But then Willy, sensing my panic, stopped to pray over me. He asked God to grant me peace in our daily lives and in the tasks ahead. This morning, I woke up to a text from my dear Aubie, checking in on me. With several appointments on our schedule, we quickly got busy. Then I found myself having lunch with Aubie, who gave me a sweet card from my best friend Laura. Her words were exactly what I needed to hear. As I caught up on emails, a “Remember The Day” photo popped up, reminding me of where we were just a year ago.

Back then, we were traveling in a Camry, hopping from campground to campground, pitching a tent each time. Today, we have two working vehicles and a rooftop tent to save our backs. We’ve accomplished so much this past year. The other day, I told Willy that the opportunities we have now seem surreal to me. I’ve struggled for so long that sometimes good things scare me more than anything. 

But we’ve worked hard, and it’s paying off. The schedules we maintain are exhausting, but the hard work and long hours are starting to bear fruit. While the journey can be thrilling and exciting, we all have those moments of doubt where we question our path. This Thankful Thursday, I’m grateful for my faith, which sees me through these times. I’m also thankful for the angels God has placed in my life, friends who are there for me even before I know I need them. 

Today, we met a man who wanted to hear how Wandering Willy started. As Willy recounted our history, he mentioned how impressed he was that we had stepped out in faith to follow this path. His words were just what I needed to hear. Willy told him that I’m always the one scared about the next steps, which is true. But I’m grateful that God sends me signs to rekindle the faith I carry in my heart, reminding me that we are on the right path. My hope is that wherever we wander, we spread kindness and God’s love to those we meet along the way.

This morning, as the sky painted itself in hues of orange and pink, I found myself at peace, sitting on the eastern shore of South Carolina. The sun’s gentle ascent over the Atlantic was a sight to behold, a reminder of nature’s quiet majesty. As a traveler who has explored corners far and wide, this sunrise held a promise—the exciting prospect of witnessing the sun setting on the opposite side of the country.

The journey from east to west is not just a traverse across the United States; it’s a tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and stories. Each mile, from the historic streets of Charleston to the bustling avenues of Los Angeles, encapsulates the diverse essence of this vast country. As I sat by the sea, the thought of what lies between these two coasts filled me with a sense of adventure and gratitude.

Embarking on this journey is a thrilling, albeit slightly daunting, adventure. But the fears are allayed by the confidence I have in the capable crew that leads the way. This confidence is not just in their expertise but in the spiritual guidance that watches over us. Many years ago, as I set out for Honduras, a friend gifted me a puzzle with Psalm 91 inscribed on its back—a token that has since become my travel prayer. This verse has been a source of strength and protection, accompanying me through numerous journeys, each more enlightening than the last.

Being able to travel and experience the world’s beauty is a blessing I do not take lightly. It is a path laid out by faith, leading me through stunning vistas and towards meaningful encounters. Whether it’s the serenity of a quiet beach at dawn or the vibrant life of a sunset boulevard, each moment is a precious stitch in the fabric of this journey.

As we set forth from the eastern seaboard, I invite you to join me in spirit. Together, let’s savor the landscapes, the people, and the stories that make each trip not just a journey, but a pilgrimage of the heart. What lies ahead is unknown, but with a spirit guided by faith and an open road, it promises to be beautifully unforgettable.

In a world often shaded by the negative headlines, my travels across the United States have painted a far different picture—one filled with hope, kindness, and unexpected joys. This journey is not just about seeing new places; it’s about proving that humanity is far from lost.

The Media vs. Reality

Mainstream media has a knack for highlighting the grim aspects of life—conflict, disaster, and mistrust seem to dominate the news cycle. Growing up, these stories shaped my perception of a world fraught with danger. However, hitting the road has drastically altered that view. Contrary to the frightening world I was braced to encounter, I’ve been met with nothing but warmth and generosity from strangers in every corner of the country.

Kindness is Everywhere

From New York’s bustling streets to the quiet roads of New Mexico, kindness isn’t just occasional; it’s everywhere. Each trip we undertake is a testament to the goodness still thriving in our communities. People from all walks of life open their hearts and share their spirits in the most uplifting ways.

Little Acts, Big Impacts

Our adventures have allowed us to engage in acts of simple yet profound generosity. Whether it’s handing out meals to the homeless, assisting a stranded delivery driver, or rescuing families stuck in the sand during a festival, each act of kindness doesn’t just help others—it enriches our souls. We are often placed exactly where we need to be, perhaps by divine arrangement, to lend a hand.

Sustained by Faith and Hard Work

Running a business while constantly on the move isn’t easy. The long hours can be grueling, but our faith guides us, making the hard work fulfilling rather than burdensome. Anyone who has ever been on a mission trip might recognize the feeling—a deep, resonant satisfaction that comes from serving others. Our labor allows us not only to visit breathtaking places but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of people we meet.

The Joy of Giving

The true joy of our travels lies in the ability to help. It’s about the smiles we share with strangers, the grateful nods from those we aid, and the silent prayers we send up for those we encounter. Each interaction is a reminder that, despite what we’re often told, we don’t have to live in a world governed by fear and suspicion.

Planting Seeds of Kindness

We may not change the world on a grand scale, but we can touch individual lives, planting seeds of kindness in a soil too often scorched by disdain and division. Our journey is a message of hope and a live demonstration that compassion and love still flourish across this great nation.

Traveling the United States has been an eye-opening experience. It has shown me that the essence of life is not about material achievements but about the connections we make and the help we can provide. The world is not the scary place I was led to believe it is. There are kind people everywhere, and every act of kindness helps to knit the fabric of our society closer together.

Let us all be travelers in the journey of life, taking the time to stop and help, to smile and appreciate, and most importantly, to spread kindness wherever we go. After all, it’s these moments that truly define us.

In life, as in adventure, the path to achieving something significant is often punctuated by unexpected challenges. This has become a familiar theme for us, especially during weeks filled with major accomplishments. It seems that no good deed goes unpunished, and yet, these challenges are what define and refine our journey, reinforcing the belief that when you are on the right path, troubles will inevitably follow.

Our experiences in the mission field have taught us to expect the unexpected and remain flexible. Each obstacle is a lesson in disguise, shaping us into more capable and resilient individuals. This philosophy is something I’ve heard Willy express gratitude for time and again, thanking God for all the experiences that have led us to where we are today.

But why do we persevere through these trials? Is it just to fulfill Willy’s dream of giving away a Subaru Baja? Although that remains a cherished goal, our mission is driven by a multitude of deeper reasons. We strive to share knowledge as we test new ideas and products, demonstrating DIY repairs and encouraging others to undertake their own adventures in the great outdoors.

Our blog and our journeys are about more than just a car; they are about fostering a community of like-minded adventurers who are eager to learn and explore. We show that with a little know-how and a lot of spirit, the joys of nature and the thrill of discovery are within everyone’s reach.

As we travel across the country, we invite you to join us and wander with us through the Adventures. With each post, we share insights, setbacks, and victories, hoping to inspire you to get out and enjoy life to its fullest.

Despite the hurdles we face, we are close to achieving our goals and refuse to be deterred by the speed bumps along the way. We respect the process and are firm believers that in the end, our efforts are not in vain. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every setback is a setup for a comeback.

So, whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a novice ready to start your first journey, remember that the road less traveled is often the most rewarding. Join us, and let’s embrace the adventure together and give a Subaru Baja adventure vehicle away to one wanderer.

How do I become a wander.

Easy head to the website and grab a piece of merch. Every piece of merch gives you chance to win the Baja!