My First RV Trip! 🛞

Learning Faith on Wheels with Unplanned Detours, Ronald Reagan, the Berlin Wall and One Earth-Shaking Surprise!

For years, Kenneth has been gently nudging me to embark on what he calls a “holiday” (as they say in the UK) or a “vacation” (as we call it in the U.S.) in an RV. Now, for those unfamiliar with the term, a Recreational Vehicle, or RV, is essentially a long vehicle outfitted with all the conveniences of home—albeit on a much smaller scale. Think tiny beds, a tiny bathroom, and a tiny kitchen. Some creative names for RVs include Blessed Road Tripper, Holy Roller Rides, Pew on Wheels, and Roaming Snack Shack. Despite these fun nicknames, the idea of spending a week in a “tin can” didn’t exactly soothe my natural aversion to small spaces. I mean, I prefer my anxiety served with a side of personal space, thank you very much! And then there was the thought of driving through Death Valley—where the temperatures are so hot, even the cacti are sweating—and enduring the searing heat of the Sequoia National Forest. Honestly, it felt like I was signing up for a reality show called “Survivor: Small Spaces Edition.” Overwhelming? More like “overheat-ingly”

My initial vision of an RV

Nevertheless, we decided to try something new and set off on our adventure.

As we (Kenneth, Michael, Michael’s 50 lb dog Aston and myself) began planning our RV trip out of Las Vegas this summer, my mind was swirling with hesitations and fears. I had visions of the intense heat of the desert, cramped quarters, and the overall discomfort of being confined in such a space.

Kenneth the driver, Michael the navigator, and Aston the co-pilot

However, as we hit the open road in the vast landscape of the American West, a sense of freedom and excitement began to replace my initial discomfort. The expansive deserts of Nevada transitioned into the stunning vistas of California, and I couldn’t help but marvel at God’s magnificent creation. Each mile brought new sights, experiences, and a growing sense of adventure.

The heat? Yes, it was there, but it quickly became part of our story rather than the focus. We found joy in exploring quirky roadside attractions, laughing at our misadventures, and savoring the spontaneity that an RV trip fosters. Our evenings by the fire were magical, filled with BBQ dinners, heartfelt conversations, and the serene beauty of a star-filled sky.

Conversations around the firepit

Like any great adventure, there were plenty of surprises and unknowns along the way! One night, while we were gathered around the fire, our phones started buzzing with a national warning about an impending earthquake. Within moments, we felt the ground shift beneath our lawn chairs as the quake rolled through. I captured this photo right after it hit.

Thankfully the quake only rumbled under our chairs. It was a moment of dread but we are so grateful it passed quickly.

On one particular memorable day, Michael and Kenneth headed off to a nearby golf course and I found a lovely lunch spot by the Pacific Ocean 🌊 The cool ocean breeze made the day even more delightful, reminding me of the unexpected joys that come, when we step out of our comfort zones.

During one of our unplanned excursions, we visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. This journey allowed us to reflect on Reagan’s beliefs and ideals, particularly how they resonate with our call as Christians to seek justice in the world. Walking through a replica of Air Force One, we were reminded of the weight of leadership and the responsibility to serve others. Touching a piece of the Berlin Wall evoked a deep sense of the struggles for freedom and peace, highlighting our duty to advocate for those who cannot. One of the most poignant moments was encountering a plaque that rested on Reagan’s desk, symbolizing the moral courage needed to confront injustice. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This visit reinforced our understanding that, as followers of Christ, we are called to bring hope and justice to our communities, reflecting God’s love in action.

Reflecting on the trip, I realized that it served as a powerful metaphor for faith and the journey of following Christ. Like my initial fears about the RV trip, many people—including me at times—hold preconceived notions about what it means to walk with Jesus. These fears often stem from misunderstandings or a fear of the unknown. We may think that a life of faith is restrictive, much like I initially viewed the RV as a claustrophobic space.

However, the reality of following Christ is vastly different. Just as I discovered unexpected joy and freedom in the RV, I found that walking with Jesus is an adventure filled with discovery, deep relationships, and profound moments of grace. It’s about embracing the warmth of His presence, the beauty of His creation, and the peace that comes from trusting in His plan.

BBQ lunch next to the RV

This brings to mind Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century philosopher and theologian, who profoundly explored faith in his work Pensées. Pascal’s Wager is perhaps one of his most famous concepts, suggesting that believing in God is a reasonable choice that leads to eternal life, with little to lose and everything to gain. He argued that if God exists and one believes, the reward is infinite, while disbelief could lead to eternal loss. Conversely, if God does not exist, the believer loses little. This perspective encourages us to step out in faith, much as I did with the RV trip, to experience the fullness of life that God offers. Just as Pascal urged individuals to consider the potential outcomes of their beliefs, we too are invited to reflect on our choices and their eternal implications, embracing the transformative power of faith in our daily lives. Ultimately, taking that step can unveil God’s purpose, guiding us toward a richer, more meaningful existence.

In our faith journey, new experiences often require a step of faith. Whether it’s an adventurous step like my RV trip or the profound act of placing our trust in Jesus, each moment calls for a deep reliance on God’s guidance. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Trusting in God’s plan, even when it leads us out of our comfort zones, can result in the most beautiful and rewarding experiences.

Kenneth and me in front of a piece of the Berlin Wall

As I look back on our journey, I see that the most memorable moments often come when we step beyond our fears. Just as our RV trip turned out to be an incredible adventure, our walk with Christ can be filled with unexpected blessings and deep joy.

Romans 15:13 reminds us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” This verse encapsulates the peace and joy that come from placing our faith in Christ, even when the path seems uncertain.

Ultimately, two profound truths emerged from this experience: I can trust Kenneth with our adventurous vacation plans, and I can fully trust Jesus with my life, for forgiveness, salvation, and guidance.

Do you find it easy to trust those close to you? How about your trust in Jesus? Scripture encourages us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Just as I trusted Kenneth on this journey, we can confidently place our trust in Jesus, knowing He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Are you ready to trust Him with your journey and your eternity?