Some people told us we were brave when we first announced our plans to move to New Zealand for a year. Jared and I didn’t think we were particularly brave; we just had a desire to travel and see the world. So, we did. We sold some stuff, donated others, boxed up some to be put in a shed and packed what we “needed” in our backpacks and suitcases (turns out we didn’t need that much). We quit our jobs, declined another year lease at our apartment, said good-bye to family and friends and headed into a grand adventure! And it all probably looked so beautiful and put together and inspiring from the outside with plenty of smiles and excitement.

But that is only half the story, what most people never saw were moments like the last night in our apartment when Jared and I lay on our bed with everything packed away and I rolled over and asked him “What are we doing??” with tears in my eyes. We had quit perfectly fine jobs, were saying adieu to wonderful friends and dear family and leaving everything that was so familiar and comfortable. Were we crazy? Were we being irresponsible? The overwhelming emotion, all of the doubts, insecurities and questions made me hesitate. What were we doing?

 

Thank goodness Jared is patient, loving and firm in his decisions. After some comforting and talking things out, I had calmed enough to finally fall asleep. The rest was a whirlwind and suddenly before we knew it we were flying into an adventure!

And it is only now, when we are doing it all over again, that I realize maybe we are a bit brave. Maybe courage and bravery is what makes us say “yes, let’s go” even when our stomach and hearts are doing gymnastics and butterflies seem to be racing through our veins. Maybe courage and bravery is the little push we need to make dreams that seem crazy, a reality. But this courage and bravery isn’t a super power only bestowed upon a few. I am learning that it is cultivated and nourished with small decisions. And that it is contagious. Which makes it even more beautiful.

So, here we are learning to be brave with big dreams, open eyes and full hearts chasing after God and all that He has placed on our hearts. I have butterflies, as I type, thinking about five months of travel back across the globe. It is going to be wonderful and hard, beautiful and challenging, but so worth it.

 

What are you dreaming of? What gives you butterflies and seems a little crazy and impossible? Let us know! We would love to cheer you on as we all learn how to be brave and step out with courage.