29 Lessons From Travelling the World by Benny Lewis

Daily Good shared a thought provoking article about seeing the world through the lens of traveling.  It was refreshing like a salty sea breeze and it that took me back to Italy. Back to a small town surrounded by castle walls with cobble stone streets, and then to a ledge overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Man, I miss traveling. This article could very well be the travel bug that bites me, makes me grab my travel backpack and passport, and leads me to the nearest international terminal to discover another part of myself, in another part of the world.

 29 Lessons From Travelling the World by Benny Lewis is inspiring. At one point, I gave myself a pat on the back for a lesson I know too well, taking my time. My friends say that I'm on "west coast time," I'd argue that I'm on "Italian time," but according to lesson 16, I'm just plain wise for taking it easy. We can learn a lot from cultures that maintain a slower pace of life. So the next time someone tells me that I'm doing things too slowly, I'll tell them that I'm doing things better!


My stories  Viterbo: Walls in Life, Walls in Love,  Chasing Wi-Fi,  and  Defeat and triumph at Sigma describe a few of my lessons in traveling, but the mark Italy left on my heart is far greater than anything I could write. I strongly believe that traveling is necessary. It adds shades of color to your vision that you would otherwise never see. Life without travel is like kindergarten without finger painting. Finger painting is essential when you're growing and learning. It's fun, it incorporates letters, straight lines, and mixtures of colors and shapes. It's hands-on, it involves exploration, it's soothing, and it's messy! It's something special.

All I can do is relish the times and the memories. I'll take a piece of everywhere I've been with me everywhere I go.

South of Italy - 2011

View more pictures from all of my adventures here.

Everybody say, "BLESSED!"

Let me tell you about my God. If you don't want to hear boasting about how faithful, how loving, how miraculous, and generous my God is, then I suggest that you stop reading now. But if you want to hear about God continually showing up and showing out in my life, then this story is just a little taste.


The last time I flew, I packed as much of my belongings as I could into the two carry ons and two free checked bags that were allowed because I was relocating to Maryland for work. I was nervous about moving roughly 2500 miles away from my home, but I was on my way.

I arrived at BWI to a nice welcome from a good friend and one of my two checked bags. An airline I won't name lost my luggage. That bag had all of my essentials in life in it. You can see my major frustration, I am an experienced traveler. I know how to get my possessions and myself to and fro, but that voyage was the exception and, honestly, had me shaken a little bit.

This past Sunday during our weekly prayer, I confessed to my best friend that I was a little nervous about traveling home this week. I've never traveled during Thanksgiving. I know it's the busiest time of year to travel and I had recently had a valuable bag lost while traveling. We prayed for comfort and provision while I travel home, and I tried not to think any more of it.

Well as I was waiting for my flight home to board, the employees at the ticket counter gave me a new ticket with my flight seat assignment. Then I got in line while it was winding down and the gentlemen came over to me again, took my ticket back to "see if he can give me a better seat." Confusion. I had my headphones in and I had to double check what he was doing. Mind you, I have my backpack, a carry-on tote, and my purse, which is like luggage on its own. I was just trying to slip by without having to check anything because I didn't want to go through that possible headache and he was trying to switch around my seats.

I'm trying to look cool but I was about to start sweating. He came back and handed me a ticket. I looked at it and all I saw was a big FIRST. Wait, what? Is this really happening to me?? I couldn't even tell them how that made me feel but they pointed out my huge smile and the glistening in my eyes.    FIRST CLASS BABY!

I thanked them sincerely and stood at the end of the line in disbelief. God is good. 

There I sat in the first row of the airplane. I can say that I got those confused glances from my fellow first class patrons but it's ok if they didn't know why I was up there or who I am. I know who my father is and I belonged here. His provision and his grace have covered me. Not only did I land with all my belongings in tact, but I flew in comfort. The foot room is crazy! Lol

Look at the breakfast they served!! This reminds me why I fly with American Airlines (shameless promotion!) and why I worship Him with every fiber of who I am. I will be provided for in everything. Even in those times when I'm trying to sneak by with my three bags, God still works things out in my favor. Anything I try to do or contrive will always be trumped by God.


I love you lord. I know you love me.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!


Today I am grateful for answered prayers.

♥ Britt T

I ♥ Travel

--------------------------------------------------------- Florida --------------------------------------------------------

December 2012

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

IT'S PONCHO TIME!!!!

---------------------------------------------------- Seattle, Washington -----------------------------------------------

April 2012

their childhood home in Seattle

 -------------------------------------------------- Manhattan, KANSAS ---------------------------------------------

March 2012

An Italy Reunion in Manhattan, KS

hanging out at KSU

Fake St Patty's Day 2012

-------------------------------------------------------- Reno, NV -------------------------------------------------------

Nov 2011

We're Rebels!!!
at the UNLV/UNR football game

 

--------------------------------------------------------- London -------------------------------------------------------

August 2011

-------------------------------------------- Viterbo, Italia (my Italian home) ---------------------------------------

Summer 2011

The first view I captured  -  Sorrento, Italy

We were paying attention in class. Honest!

Everyone at the Umbria Jazz Festival

The Vegas Ladies

Edwin.

Outside of the Viterbo walls

 ------------------------------------------ Germany * Austria * Czech Republic -----------------------------------

April 2006

I was a part of the ribbon dance on stage at the
Hofbrauhaus in Germany 

It really wasn't that cold in the German Alps

------------------------------------------------------------ Italy ----------------------------------------------------------

April 2004

Warming up before we sang in the Easter Mass at St Mark's Basilica in Venice

How Great is Our God.  I've had some unforgettable moments and seen some phenomenal sights. I've worshiped in some of the worlds greatest and most sacred places. And I've got more to do :) I dare you to travel and see what you find.

To The Better Days:

Deuteronomy 28: 3,6                                                                                                  ♥ Britt T

    *  3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.  6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.