I’m an aspiring world traveler. In 2018 I ached to just go: hop on a plane bound for somewhere I had never been to become steeped in a foreign experience. I wanted to see more of God’s creation than offered by my backyard. But beyond that, I wanted to discover people—their passions and why they lived the way they lived. Really, I wanted to see what else God placed in the world. The idea was thrilling! Alas, having significantly more important financial obligations, like our five children, groceries and electricity, I was sure this fantasy would remain a fantasy.

Still, I wasn’t willing to call off my pursuit for adventure. If traveling were a mountain, Iceland was my summit. Meanwhile, as I remained among the foothills I could experience something new here, discovering God’s handiwork. I started with local coffee.

My local coffee destinations’ list was gloriously long, and I maintained the tour for three years, stuffing an occasional dollar bill into a tea tin for Iceland. I met many wonderful business owners and employees. A pair of couples opened one coffee shop, without any prior small business experience among them, but with a desire to contribute to their historic neighborhood that was in decline. They prayed and poured themselves into this collective effort—and flipped an abandoned house into the current, incredibly successful coffee shop. They welcome everyone, from the homeless to seminarians to aspiring world travelers. I’m amazed at every visit. The place is overflowing with God’s love because He moved through these couples’ faith.

As a speaker, I get to venture out of state and take in more of the world. I encounter souls I wouldn’t otherwise have met, who tell me stories of faith restored, heartache and hope in the Lord’s plans. I make wonderful friends who sharpen me, inspiring me to live differently.

Each area’s unique beauty guides my lodging destination, like the treehouse in Marietta, GA, and apartment on an avocado orchard in Fallbrook, CA. I want a front row seat to God’s creation and a chance to rest in it.

After a recent parish mission, I made a point to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, and as the first star appeared on the horizon, I renewed my consecration to Our Lady, Star of the Sea. Pulling over near St. Henry, OH, to take in the vastness of fields and sky, an incoming storm’s enormity of clouds was impressive. Overwhelmed by the scenery, I couldn’t help but pray, “Look what You did…”

And every work trip supplied more bread and eggs for the Sciba family, with a small amount stashed in my beloved tea tin, filled with more hope than dollars. At long last, however, my summit was in sight! After three years, there was enough! I booked the flight the day my passport arrived, then burst into tears of amazement. I couldn’t believe that this fantasy of mine was actually in line with God’s will. It was only weeks before I left. I was so grateful.

The solo excursion to Iceland was more than I could expect. God shows off up there, and I was delighted by my fair share of surprises. I stumbled upon a waterfall hidden inside a cave and experienced the near-death adventure of getting caught by a “sneaker wave” on Iceland’s most dangerous beach. It was wonderful. Both locals and foreign travelers were kind and so fascinating—just like every new soul met back home; everyone different, but each brightly reflecting the same sacred Image and Likeness.

My next overseas adventure is likely a few years out, but I’m thrilled by the same glories God reveals in place after place. I could be across town, local coffee in-hand, or across the country meeting a new friend through work. Every spot points to the Lord’s creative love and draws the eager closer to Himself.

This article appeared in the July 2023 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.