OVERCOMING FEAR FOR TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

When your soul yearns to travel the world you have to decide to step out on faith. But what happens when you are at a crossroad of fear vs. faith? When you use to have travel friends but are embracing a season of just you and God? Do you take a leap of faith or regress in despair?

Here’s my story of how travel met faith. Did I back down or stare fear in the eyes?

How it all started………

Joined Pinky Promise Movement founded by Heather Lindsey to encourage women to honor God with your life and body. Asked accountability partners did they want to travel but they were busy. One of my accountability partners told me about mission trip with travel group called Brave by Faith Travel going to Cape Town, South Africa.

My excitement kicked in after reading Brave by Faith itinerary. Then I researched African Safari located two hours from Cape Town. The deal was sealed when realized would experience two of my dreams in one (MISSION TRIP and AFRICAN SAFARI).

Before excitement took over prayed for discernment about traveling to South Africa.

Of course my concerned family and friends thought I was crazy! Why in the world would I want to travel to Africa solo with women never met and stay in a hostel. The worst-case scenarios played in my mind thinking this is a risky trip. But I love thrill, adventure, and daring things! Although, this may be the craziest of them all.

But at the same time knew spiritual journey will forever be the most exciting adventure of my life! I knew saying YES would unveil life changing vacation because could test my faith.

When reality settled in so did the fears and challenges!

FEARS HAD TO OVERCOME:

1. FLYING SOLO
2. TRUST ISSUES:

• USUALLY PLAN MY VACATIONS! TRUSTING A COMPLETE STRANGER TO PLAN MY TRIP WAS NERVE -RACKING!!!!
• SHARING HOSTEL AND DOING LIFE WITH 10 WOMEN NEVER MET!!!!

3. HEIGHTS:

• HIKING LIONS MOUNTAIN (NO BIG DEAL RIGHT IT’S ONLY 2,000 FEET WITH HUMPS, BUMPS, AND ROCKY PATHS ONE WRONG MOVE THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE!!!!
• RIDING A CABLE CAR ABOUT 3,563 FEET TO TABLE MOUNTAIN 7^TH WONDER OF THE WORLD!!!!

4. DEEP WATER:

• PLAN WAS TO KAYAK IN THE DEEP SEA BUT BARELY CAN SWIM!!!

What was a sister to do??? Decisions? Decisions?

 So I went for it and “the day” finally came…..

To be completely honest I was a nervous wreck!! What was I thinking?? I must be crazy for real???? But budgetnista in me said “get yourself together the trip is paid in full no turning back”.

While eating breakfast listened to praise and worship music. Two songs kept me sane, strong, and reassured.  Yes live by Shekinah Glory ministry and withholding nothing by William McDowell. Songs on repeat as I cried an ugly cry hunni with tears overflowing and runny nose. When you face those fears life gets real (just so you know the fears were deep and nothing easy but I still said yes to fulfilling my dreams)!

Repeating Yes lyrics “ All God wants is yes, all God wants, all God wants, all God wants is yes, I won’t be afraid, I’ll step out on your word, I’ll declare your glory, Yes I will, Yes I will, I wanna do your will Jesus, I wanna do your will, I wanna do your will, My soul says yes, yes, yes, yes”. The more I said the words the more the tears began to flow down my face. If you ever cried your heart out after worship music you know when the tears stop you get yourself together and are ready to take on the world with newfound strength.

Those words became my anthem and warrior cry song. I listened to the song several times in Cape Town.

Bible is life……

One thing I always do when traveling because don’t like flying, fear of the unknown, and traveling to foreign countries can create enough fear to never travel especially when you watch the world news. What I do is write scriptures to encourage me because my dream of traveling the world excites and scares me at the same time. Scripture wrote down to glance at when fear arouse was Joshua 1: 9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

HOW FAITH HELPED ME OVERCOME MY FEARS ……

• First fear to tackle: flying solo.

Previous trips had friends to travel with and depend on their company for comfort. Not this time! Solo trip meant had no choice but to depend on God. Had to practice trusting on the Lord knowing he would provide. Had to develop a sense of security once and for all that God is my number one comforter! He will be there with me every step of the way. God showed up!! Ironically, solo African American female going to Afghanistan for work sat next to me on the plane.  Felt reassured if she can go to Afghanistan alone SURELY I CAN TRAVEL to Cape Town.

Landed in Doha, Qatar Middle East country for 8-hour layover. News has destroyed positive perceptions about Middle East countries that are majority Muslim! What we hear is bad, negative, and terrorist attacks. Of course, I wasn’t comfortable in the airport as a black woman solo what could happen to me? BUT God showed up! I had so much peace and felt protected. The Doha staff especially men seemed to go out their way to ensure I was okay.  If needed directions (huge airport) staff politely assisted me in the right direction. The fear vanished. I thought okay God!! It’s just you and me. I do trust you!!!

• Second fear to tackle: trusting others.

Two days later arrived in Cape Town. Anxiety kicked in because had to trust the host personal driver would be at the airport to take me to final destination. Felt uncomfortable getting in a stranger car not knowing if he would take me to right destination. God showed up and heard my concerns. Unexpectedly, the host assistant was at the airport with driver to take me to the hostel. Assistant was so friendly immediately my level of discomfort disappeared. I arrived safely at the hostel even though assistant had to stay at airport to wait on another person.

Met host face to face for the first time! Loved her! Up next meet 10 women! Loved them! The rest is history!

My life goal is to have better interpersonal relationships. So you know God put me to the test in Cape Town. Cool thing we had daily prayer partners. My prayer request was always interpersonal relationships. Must admit fear of public speaking, craving to be alone in my own space (introvert problems), and old habits that don’t reflect type of relationships I want became overbearing. At the same time had memorable moments. Most nights talked for hours with my sisters. It was epic, girl’s night in, best sleep overs, and team no sleep. Because took the risk to fellowship with women never met we bonded, had some of the best belly laughs, talked about purpose, encouraged each other, learned from each other, and talked about real life issues.

My prayer was answered! In my times of weakness God power was sufficient. I’m not perfect only God is! The only way to improve is to be tested. Holy Spirit led me to 2 Corinthians 12: 8 – 10  “ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.

• Third fear to tackle: heights.

I hiked for the first time about 2,000 feet at Lions Mountain. It was scary but I climbed to the top with a lot of faith and self-motivation! I MADE IT TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP! Do you know on the mountain my purpose was confirmed via a stranger!!! I wanted to make sure so I said to myself God if that’s my confirmation let him say it again and he did! I WAS SO SHOCKED! GOD SHOWED UP!!

THEN WENT TO TABLE MOUNTAIN 7^TH WONDER OF THE WORLD ABOUT 3,563 FEET IN A CABLE CAR. I was out my comfort zone and silently screaming wanting to turn back but the fighter in me looked down as my life flashed before my eyes (so dramatic) in a tiny car on a thin wire to the top of the mountain. But it was soooo worth it!! Felt like I conquered the world and could fly!!

• Fourth fear to tackle: deep water.

Kayaking in the deep sea in a tiny boat was terrifying because barely can swim. Plus had to TRUST sister just met to work together to bring each other back to safety. At this point I didn’t want to be a party pooper but wasn’t feeling kayaking at ALL. MY ANXIETY AND PANIC WAS ON 1,000 WHEN JESUS SHOWED UP WITH HIGH WINDS AND A WOBBLY BOAT!  I HAD A PETER MOMENT LOL (Matthew 14: 22 – 33)!! Needless to say didn’t pass the test but at least stepped out my comfort zone!

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy”. – Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

SOLO ADVENTURES!!!!

AFRICAN SAFARI:

After getting use to the ladies was time to move on to the next adventure African Safari. Super duper excited to explore the home of wild life! I love wildlife!!!

Although was alone never felt lonely. African Safari was truly a dream come true. How crazy was I to be within arm’s length from lions without doors or windows.

SPA DAY:

When I travel international like to treat myself to massages! HAD THEE BEST AFRICAN WOODEN MASSAGE!!!! (Literally fell asleep snoring with drool on my shoulder and all lol).

Sipped on hot rooibos South African tea while coloring (so soothing and tranquil)!!!!

WATCHING THE STARS:

Before went to bed grabbed snuggle blanket reclined on pool chair to stare at the stars!! At that moment the stars twinkled like never before. How amazing it is to stop and experience the fullness of the earth!! I was living my dream! I was present in the moment to feel it ALL!! It felt REALLY REALLY GOOD!! All praise to my God!! Imagine if I didn’t take the risk? What if allowed fear of what could go wrong to stop me for experiencing this moment?

DATE NIGHT:

Dressed up with South African jewelry and high heels bolder than ever! How epic was it to be in Wakanda watching the Black Panther movie! Afterwards, treated myself to yummy in your tummy steak and potatoes dinner! Had lovely date night with my provider, protector, and best friend!!! God is the man!! So happy for this solo experience to grow deeper and madly in love with my creator who completes me in every way.

FAITH WON!!!!

Throughout the trip God presence showed up, my purpose was confirmed, overcame fears, deeper relationship with God, went kayaking and hiking something would never do on my own, danced with locals (love to dance), praise and worship with Hillsong Church, bible study on the beach, maintain relationships with Cape Town sisters, and served at local after school program, school for physical disabilities, and hospital to encourage mommies with sick babies.

“ I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” – Psalm 34: 4 (NIV)

CAN I ENCOURAGE YOU?

What are you missing out on because you’re afraid or don’t have anyone to travel with?

I want to encourage you to step out on faith! Trust God to show up and blow your mind! God has big plans and adventures for those who trust and obey Him.

You can do it afraid as long as you do whatever God is calling you to do!!Just trust him!!  You can’t do supernatural faith moves without trusting God!!– Go Patty

My dream vacation was Paris. Went to Paris. Then came Thailand trip of a lifetime! Now Cape Town. I’m speechless! At this point I know the best is yet to come. The same applies to you! Be brave, bold, and relentless as you pursue your goals and dreams!!!!!

Brave by Faith Travel founded by Juliette Bush encourages women to travel, Christ centered retreats, and live by faith. If you would like to learn more about brave by faith travel retreats which I highly recommend visit bravebyfaithtravel.com

HOPE YOU ARE ENCOURAGED!

Peace, Love, & Blessings!

XOXO Go Patty💋 😘

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