The Courageous Solo Backpacker

This is our friend Jung. Faith and I both knew him at Wheaton College (class 97, yeah!!). I have some fond memories playing floor hockey with him. At any rate, he has earned the (dubious?) distinction of being the first backpacker to stay with us here in La Coruña. He is on a 6 week trip through Europe with a trip to China tacked on at the end.

At any rate, he is doing this backpacking thing alone. I have much respect for those that choose the adventure of traveling alone. We were blessed to hang out with Jung for about 36 hours. It was nice to catch up, and nice to hear about his travels. I am convinced as ever that something much more elemental than tourism occurs when people travel the world in this manner. Sure, hostels and hotels are booked, tours are taken, and meals are eaten. There is undeniably a sense of holiday for such trips. But that is just the surface for many backpackers. For many there is a sense of experience that goes much deeper than checking off landmarks. There is a sense of searching and finding. There is a curiosity to see where, and how others live. There is some thrill in watching other cultures live out their daily routines. There is often a desire to experience something larger and different from yourself. I am glad Jung has the opportunity to experience it.

I am also convinced that God likes it when we seek, and is invested in helping us find. The New Testament speaks of living as strangers and aliens where we are. When we leave comfort and familiarity behind, we can be surprised by what we find as an outsider in a new place. Jung, we wish you all God-Speed, blessing, and adventure for the rest of your journey.