What Happens When a Homebody Drives Cross Country?
Her world changes…
Why in the world does a self confessed homebody agree to a cross country trip?
Does the idea of driving cross country send shivers down your spine? You are in good company. I never imagined myself driving my daughter to her new home without the entire family in tow. Since I left corporate life, I’m pretty comfortable hanging out at home; Covid19 took that ease to a whole new level.
Our daughter accepted a pastry job fifteen hundred miles away and needed her own car. I assumed that hubby was going to drive with her and then take a flight home. But when I heard him say, “I can’t take her — I’m working on a project that week, it needs to be you,” I confess to my heart sinking.
Don’t get me wrong. I drive a lot. For years, both kids attended summer intensives and festivals and I was their driver. My max, though, was eight hours. A trip to Utah was a bit more daunting but out of love for my girl, I agreed to go.
And, I am so glad I did.
Facing lifelong fears
Was I a little scared? Yes. Did that get worse when a freak ice storm hit the middle of the country and I scrambled to find new routes and hotels? Absolutely! Did I almost lose my resolve when I found out how many canyons we were crossing and the heights we needed to climb? A thousand times,YES! And, if all that wasn’t enough to make me regret the trip, the check engine light turned on in New Mexico. But, what’s a cross country trip without a few wrenches? Gulp.
The middle of the country is WONDERFUL
Yes, this trip positively changed my world. What surprised most is how people in the middle of the country behave compared to the east coast where I live. As a result, I find many things back home — like rudeness, lack of civility, open hostility — normal. I met and interacted with kind, polite, respectful, happy people from Texas through Utah. It was pleasant. People made eye contact and were gracious — from auto repair shops to hotels to eateries. This made me happy but after I got home, I missed those moments.
Also, the long drive allowed me to experience many beautiful places along the way. The USA is a spectacular country with lots of different landscapes and only by seeing it in person did I appreciate how glorious and vast it is. So many fresh perspectives and ideas gained.
I learned more than I bargained for on this trip
What did I learn about myself? A lot. I’m stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. Thirty plus hours in a car tested my mettle. It wasn’t a lack of fear but resolve in spite of it that helped me get to my destination. Somewhere along my life, I’d forgotten who I am in Christ and what he can do through me.
This trip was a giant leap of faith where I stepped out of my familiar space and did something unexpected. There were lonely stretches with no civilization in sight. Icy, slippery roads that scared and kept adrenaline pumping. Windy, endless upward climbs — and heights are not my favorite thing. Yet, we made it to our destination in one piece.
Did we do it on our own? No! We had support from our home base — aka hubby and son along with myriads praying for us. Also, I reached out to friends in Utah who helped us navigate safer routes. Appreciate everyone who helped behind the scenes.
The trip woke me up to new possibilities. Is it time to move out west? Am I too comfortable being uncomfortable (allergy ridden and content hiding out at home)? I remembered that I like traveling and want more of it. I also rediscovered the joy and satisfaction that writing and sharing my experiences bring me. The trip changed how I see the world and my place in it. Am anticipating my next adventure and that is new for me!
