Wild & Adventurous (Part 1)

​A while ago someone asked me if I’m “adventurous”. On hearing the word I immediately pictured myself jumping off a cliff or out of an airplane. Adrenaline chasing has never been one of my hobbies, so I assumed I couldn’t really be described as an “adventurer.”

​But does adventure only have to do with jumping off cliffs or is there more to it? Somehow the thought of not being adventurous made me seem so boring. Was I boring??

What does “adventurous” mean anyway?   

The Oxford dictionary defines it as a willingness to take risks, or try new ideas, methods and experiences.

My personal conclusion is that “adventurous” includes everything out of the ordinary. Adventurous is being spontaneous and willing to break routine. It’s having a hunger to explore the world around you. More than anything adventurous is about following Christ.

​The more I thought about it – the more I wanted my life to look like that. I actually realized that was exactly how I saw myself – this crazy Christian girl who’s willing to follow Jesus just about anywhere. The problem was that although this sense of adventure was written all over my heart; somehow I wasn’t necessarily always living it.

"More than anything adventurous is about following Christ."

Desiring adventure

In their book, Captivating, John and Stasi Eldredge, explore God’s intention for the feminine heart. They mention what they believe to be the three core desires of womanhood:

Being romanced

Having a beauty to unveil

And playing an irreplaceable role in a great adventure

​There it was – the very desire of my heart – not to have a boring, unnoticed, ordinary life; but a life of meaning and influence.  

​So why not?

It’s actually pretty simple - FEAR.

​We choose to live boring, ordinary lives because it seems safe. Stepping out into the world and taking risks is somewhat dangerous. It requires strength, boldness and whole new level of faith. 

"​We choose to live boring, ordinary lives because it seems safe."

The fear of being alone

I’ll be honest with you. This was what God revealed to be the main reason I seem to avoid adventure.

The truth of the matter is; if I am too afraid to follow God into the unknown, it’s because I don’t really trust Him with my needs and desires. 

The Botswana mission

​During this time of discovering my God-given desire for adventure; I signed up to go on a mission to Botswana. This seemed like a pretty decent challenge to apply my new-found revelation. 
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"...if I am too afraid to follow God into the unknown, it’s because I don’t really trust Him with my needs and desires." 

It was easier said than done.
​
A few weeks before the mission we had a planning meeting, where we spoke through some of the logistics. These logistics included camping in rural Botswana with no electricity, running toilets or proper showers. All of a sudden I realized just how big the adventure was I signed up for. The biggest challenge, however, was that I knew absolutely no one on the team.
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I got home and cried a little bit that night. I even remember praying that I didn’t really want to go on the mission anymore. 

​My friend the missionary

And then I remembered Amelia.

​If you’ve read Stop dodging the difficult then you might remember the 20 year old missionary in Papua New Guinea.
​
I’d like to highlight a few things about Amelia. She’s not married and she’s the only single grown up in their mission team.  

"I was reminded of Amelia’s bravery in deciding to go and live in a little village in Papua New Guinea."

​On that day when it felt like I absolutely could not go to Botswana for ten days “on my own,” I was reminded of Amelia’s bravery in deciding to go and live in a little village in Papua New Guinea. 

What does it take to follow Jesus?

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-2

​​Following Jesus IS an adventure. It’s almost never the easy, safe and comfortable way. One thing you can be sure of is that it is going to require faith and bravery. Think about Peter getting out of the boat (Matthew 14:22-33). Imagine being able to walk on water, but even more; imagine the boldness it took to give that first step.

​We’re not alone

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

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This was what Jesus said right after instructing His followers to go and make disciples. It’s almost like He knew we needed a little bit of reassurance.

I ended up going on the mission to Botswana and not having any regrets. One of my personal testimonies is the unexpected spiritual family I experienced within our team. I wasn’t alone. Not only because Jesus was holding my hand; but also because of His children; loving, caring and looking out for me. I formed friendships and built relationships I didn’t expect.
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God truly is faithful, friends. 

For more information or inspiring stories from Amelia; go and visit her blog @ finisterreambassador.org

​Also look out for Wild & Adventurous (Part 2) with more adventures from my time in Botswana. 

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Stop dodging the difficult​

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