As a travel agent, I have the great opportunity to visit some wonderful places as part of my job. And since I'm single, I can take advantage of these opportunities pretty much on the spur of the moment. Such was the case with a trip to Grand Bahama Island this past February.
A co-worker had recently left our agency to become a sales rep in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. She invited me to come down there for three days to see the hotels that she represents. Of course, since I'm from Pennsylvania and absolutely HATE cold weather, I jumped at the chance.
In the middle of my trip, walking along the beach at one of the most beautiful resorts I've ever seen, I started to feel quite lonely as I watched all the couples enjoying a romantic getaway. I prayed about this, and I felt God say to me that he wanted this to be our special vacation together and that he wanted me to enjoy this beautiful place without the distraction of a spouse or even friends. I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in awe of his creation, feeling so special that he'd make all of this possible because he loves me so much.
Melissa Vuick
After my husband moved out of our home and filed for a divorce, I tried to make life for my children as normal as possible. That meant learning to take care of many tasks I previously hadn't been responsible for, including planning and going on vacation.
I decided to travel from Nebraska with my young son to meet some family members, traveling from Colorado, in South Dakota. Just setting a date for the trip was a big step for me. My sisters and I agreed on a time and a motel to meet at. I contacted AAA to plan the route my son and I would take, took my car in to be serviced for summer driving, ordered Traveler's Checks, packed, and set out with a third grader as navigator.
It was a wonderful vacation, one I hope my son will look back on when he's grown and remember how God provided for us. I also hope he learned that when your life changes, all the fun doesn't have to disappear and that we all have to adapt and learn. I learned how to read a map, check into and out of a motel, pump gas at assorted stations along the way, and drive all day by myself! I also learned that by the grace of God I could learn to do new tasks.
Janice Rihn
I'm only 22 but have discovered in the last two years what a wonderful time I can have on vacation by myself. The first time I tried it, I was a bit apprehensive, worrying about what others would think about someone taking a vacation by himself. "You mean you're going to eat in a restaurant by yourself?" was usually the first response from married or dating friends and family. I ventured out anyway and had the most amazing week in the Rocky Mountains.
Since I was by myself, I did what I wanted the whole week. I discovered I have a bit of an adventurous side. I tried ice climbing, dogsledding, cave exploring, and rock climbing. I made new friends as I was traveling and had dinner with a great couple from Australia who I met one day. This was their first time experiencing a Canadian winter, so I showed them the ropes. And they told me all about the great things to do in Australia.
I also discovered the gift of silence and solitude. Being by myself, often out in nature, I was amazed at the beauty and size of God's creation. Realizing that the God who made these enormous mountains, raging rivers, and sheets of ice the size of a city cares and looks out for me was a great inspiration. It gave me new respect for God's greatness and a new realization of how deep his love for us is.
On the lighter side, during the trip I got to eat what I wanted all the time (and no one seemed to notice I was eating by myself); I saw the movies I wanted to and had complete control of the remote. I got up when I wanted and slept when I wanted and treated myself to a massage without feeling guilty.
