It has now been three weeks since we arrived home. Our six week InstaLumTrip is now just a fading memory. We have seen so much of God’s beautiful creation and sometimes we still feel nomadic… wanting to roam some more. One of the most asked questions about our trip is what was our favourite part. My favourite destination, hands-down, was the Grand Canyon. Simply, the vastness and amazing cliffs and rocks just blew my mind.
But our trip was not only about visiting these awesome destinations. It was about connecting with people. As mentioned in my “online vs offline” post, we stayed with a family that we met over Instagram. The time spent with this particular family was the highlight for me.
We only added San Diego as a destination because of this one man, Chuck, who reached out and said, “Come and stay with us!” Now… I know it sounds strange. After all, what do we know about him? We have been following each other on Instagram for about a year. We gathered that he was married with four children and that he loved them dearly. We knew he enjoyed taking sunset and silhouette shots. And we knew he was a Christian. That was about it. But I said to Dude, “If we go to SoCal, we have to meet them and stay with them.” We simply sensed that it was something we had to do. So, we said yes to staying with them for three nights.
Along the way, Chuck would send emails to prepare for our arrival. He and his family are incredibly thoughtful and hospitable. He contacted me about possible food allergies and if there were particular food we didn’t like because they were stocking up their fridge. A couple of days before our date of arrival, he messaged about our sleeping arrangements… a bedroom was prepared for us and a separate bedroom with two twin beds were ready for our kids. Seriously… how big is this house? They themselves had four children!
While we approached their house, we found his two younger kids outside, anxiously awaiting our arrival. The kids hit it off right away! The girls were about the same age and the two boys shared the same name. Instant friendship! But kids are great that way, they can make friends just like that. Chuck and Lacey made us feel immediately at home and welcomed, like we had been friends forever. We shared meaningful conversation and shared meals together. We went to their church and worshipped together. Aside from Instagram, a greater commonality connected us… our faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, we didn’t even get to shoot any photos together.
Here is a family who truly exhibited God’s love. We were practically strangers and they took us into their home. They treated us like family and showed us what hospitality, generosity and kindness truly looked like.
[quote]11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another… 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
~1 John 3: 11, 18[/quote]
Over that weekend, we built a relationship beyond our initial Instagram connection. We became friends but more than that, we are brothers and sisters in God’s family. We experienced God’s love in a very tangible way and confirmation that our God has not forgotten us as we continue this journey He is leading us on. He continues to bring people and experiences into our lives that prove He is indeed very real. (Read miracles do happen.)
Do you know my God?
Just want to tell you again how touched and encouraged I was by this post, Flo. Sensed a connectedness to you and Dude from the very first time I interacted with you guys on IG, and am so thankful we were able to be together in person! Hugs to all four of you!
Aw… Thanks, Chuck! We miss you guys and wish we lived closer. Hugs to your family too!
Thanks, Flo, for the beautiful post. My family and I do know your God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I felt such a connection to you the first post I read. My husband and I enjoy your wonderful photographs. I am always so happy to hear about people’s travel, I feel like I am living vicariously though their trips. Travel is such a great an opportunity to witness God’s beauty and meet wonderful people. Thanks for sharing.
So appreciate you always taking the time to comment, Kathy. It’s a constant encouragement to me to keep blogging. And incredibly grateful that you too know our God!