Time for Five Minute Friday over at Kate Motaung‘s place! Today I am featured with a video over there, so if you want to see a bit of me and why I blog, check it out here!
“The world is a big place. Go run it.”
I drive by this ad every morning, and every morning I think I only agree half with this statement.
Well, I’m not a runner, so I might not take this advice literally.
Can we say “travel” for run?
The world is a big place. Go travel.
I love traveling. Just last week I got back from the US; once again I was incredibly blessed by landscapes, food, and experiences.
The best thing, though, were the people. The ones who fill that big space.
My parents never had a lot of money, so we never really went to any fancy resorts or beach trips.
We took our car and just drove.
Stayed at friends’ places.
Saw the back streets instead of the shiny boulevards.
Cooked with people and listened to their stories.
Were inspired to tell our own stories.
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| You haven’t traveled the world until you know its people. |
Somehow this kind of traveling is still instilled in me.
I love exploring other countries, I enjoy seeing breath taking nature and indulge in some good food that’s so different to me.
But I feel like I haven’t traveled, really traveled, a country until I connected with people that live there. Until I’ve seen behind the scenes and got a glimpse into the ordinary.
The ordinary is actually quite beautiful because it makes me realize that the world isn’t such a big place after all.
We all have struggles.
We all fight through them.
We all experience hope and joys and wonders.
Now I know that not everyone feels like or doesn’t have the time and money to get on a plane and travel.
To discover the world in depth, though, you don’t have to go far.
Just leave your own house and explore YOUR world.
Stay at friends’ places.
Turn from the shiny boulevards to the back streets.
Cook with people and listen to their stories.
Be brave to tell your own story.
And I hope you discover that the world is smaller and more beautiful than you imagined.
thisiskatha.com 
You're right about those online connections, amazing what kind of people you meet out there! Thanks, Holly!
Yeah, I'd be more likely to travel than run too! LOL Love that the world is so big and varied and has so much to offer us. I remember those car trips as a kid and how fun it was to actually go see different places, even if they weren't very far from home. But I also love that the world is a smaller place because of our online connections. Your FMF video was awesome!!
Thank you, Jeanne!
Yes, we did so many roadtrips and I remember them fondly. Just a special time of family bonding.
Hahaha, the Scottish and the English!
Yes, travel isn't only fun, but I hope every destination you get to makes up for the process!
You're right, it's a special blessing to meet believers in another country. Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Mary!
It's always great to meet internationals when you can't travel yourself. But maybe one day you'll make it. Thanks for coming by, Tara!
Hahaha, love it! The world really is smaller than we think…:)
The photo is from the Outer Banks in NC, just traveled around there – so beautiful! But Florida must be awesome, too. Enjoy your trip!
Cool that you've been to Dresden, that is a beautiful city with lots of history!
“The world becomes a home- and not just a globe.” Love this! Thank you Karen!
Katha, I loved meeting you on your video. And your accent . . . is beautiful. My sister-in-law is from northern Switzerland, and you made me think of her. And if you live near her home town. 🙂
I grew up with vacations where we jumped in the car, drove from Colorado to Florida, to Canada and home again. Two parents, three close-in-age girls, who often drew invisible lines on the seats. I still love road trips.
And what a beautiful thought–we don't really know the people of a country until we spend time with them, cook with them and sharing stories.
I hate the process of travel (planes – yuck) but I love arriving at my destination. I love seeing the differences in culture and (tentatively) trying new things. I haven't been to very many places because I tend to be a pretty anxious person, but the times that I have stepped out and gone – it's been wonderful. My favorite thing was riding in a taxi in London and having the Scottish driver tell us that the only thing wrong with England is that the English live there. 🙂
So glad to connect with you!
I am right there with you on the travelling thing! I have always loved to travel and see new places and sights, but like you, my favourite thing is meeting the people. I've always believed that's how you really get to know a new place, hearing the stories of the people who live there. Even if I don't have the opportunity to really immerse myself in a new place when travelling, I try to at least find a local and ask for a restaurant or must-see museum/shopping/local sight recommendation and go to Mass at a local parish so I can at least connect with some local people as we worship together. Perhaps one day I can visit your country and connect with the soul of Germany through its people. Stopping by from FMF! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
I would love to travel to other countries, but have not had the blessing. I love how you right about visiting the back streets. I loved your video too. Glad to meet you on FMF. 🙂
The world really is bigger and more beautiful than we imagined. Sadly I have never traveled outside the US or Canada. But at seminary we had many international students. I loved hearing about their culture, listening to their stories etc. Visiting from FMF where I'm #8.
Love this: “The ordinary is actually quite beautiful because it makes me realize that the world isn't such a big place after all.”
So fun seeing your video!! I was so, so happy to see your face – Mat and I watched it together. 🙂
I chuckle as I read your post. I saw your video before dawn, and then I did go running! I published my blog before the run, and then linked it after. I do like to run…so I like that ad. However, I like your ad too…Go travel! Our family really enjoys traveling also. We live in Florida, but our family has lived in Georgia, Kansas, and now here in the Sunshine State. Is your photo from FL? I love the beach! We're driving there today. We live in Central FL so the beach is only an hour away.
I visited Germany in my college years…back in 2000. I loved it! I hope to take our family one day there. I still have one friend that we communicate via snail mail and Facebook. I was in Dresden. I learned only a bit of German. I speak Spanish and English well. Our family is planning a European vacation next year! I'm so excited. I agree…meeting the people of the place brings it to real life! Blessings to you on your morning commute and as you travel.
Jenn
Katha- I love your point that when we invest in and get to know people, the distance between all of us lessens- and the world become smaller, and a more intimate place. When we travel and explore relationships, the world becomes a home- and not just a globe. Beautiful thoughts! And our stories are what equalizes us all. Thanks for sharing your gift with words here. This post was inspiring. AND… I loved your interview. It was fun hearing the voice behind the words I love. It also made me feel that Germany isn't so far away.