Camping Made Me Whole Again

More than that, I can't put a numerical value on the way that finally getting back out of the house and back into nature helped to heal me when I was the most broken, the most alone, and the most frustrated I have been in my adult life. It took me away from my computer and my cell phone (mostly), provided me with outdoor exercise, and helped me to reconnect with my family. It got me away from a house that I simultaneously loved and loathed, keeping me from obsessively planning how we were going to afford or find the time for the next renovation project. It took me out of a city that often felt like a shoe that didn't fit right, pinching my toes and scraping my heel. Most importantly, it brought me face to face with my Creator as I marvelled at the trees, hills, waterfalls, shorelines, sunsets, and stars that make up creation. At a time where even church didn't always feel like a perfect fit, He was showing me where I still fit into His big picture, reminding me that even in the difficult seasons, He is the master of all.

Advertisement

We Head Home – Campsmas 2019

Leaving to head home is always a little bittersweet. The laundry pile was out of control, our kids were tired, and Jeff and I knew we had to get back to work. But then our tired, tearful son admitted that he was going to miss the family time once we got home, because he knew … Continue reading We Head Home – Campsmas 2019

Incomplete Trails and Ghost Towns – Campsmas 2019

The danger of planning a family vacation during the week following Christmas is that we will inevitably all be together on Jeff and my wedding anniversary. For two years in a row, as we planned vacations to the Big Bend region, we’ve had to resign ourselves to the knowledge that a celebratory date night was … Continue reading Incomplete Trails and Ghost Towns – Campsmas 2019

Canyons, Rocks, and History – Campsmas 2019

The last time we visited Big Bend, the western region wasn’t even on our radar. Because of the government shutdown, the first road leading down to Santa Elena Canyon was closed and with less than a full day to explore, it just didn’t seem like a responsible use of time. This time we weren’t going … Continue reading Canyons, Rocks, and History – Campsmas 2019

Burros, Rocks, and Hot Springs – Campsmas 2019

The last time we went to Big Bend, we rushed our way through the 800,000 acre park in less than six hours. This time we had three full days. We could take our time and explore the things we wanted to explore without rushing through each point of interest. To give an idea of how … Continue reading Burros, Rocks, and Hot Springs – Campsmas 2019