Sometimes when life hands you lemons, you have to make lemon meringue pie. Or maybe you go all in for lemon primavera pasta or a French lavender-infused lemon tart or Mediterranean garlic-lemon chicken kebabs! Well, you get the idea. Make lemonade if you have to, but don’t sit around feeling sour.
This past December, we were supposed to be heading to the airport to catch our flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. This was a special trip my husband Shawn and I booked for the week after Christmas as a gift to our three daughters and my parents. After almost a year of sheltering-at-home and changing plans because of the global pandemic, we thought maybe we could squeeze in an end-of-the-year, we-survived-the-craziness vacation. Our family has Polynesian roots, and we were eager to visit the place where my grandparents had met.
We knew we were taking a risk, but we were hopeful. (And the airline said our tickets were fully refundable.) We already canceled plans earlier in the year to visit friends in Germany and travel to France. I also canceled a work trip to Cabo, Mexico and plans to attend a conference in Michigan at my alma mater.
Alas, COVID-19 numbers surged in California in December. Our governor asked people to cancel their travel plans and stay home for the holidays. Hospitals were full to capacity across the state. We finally decided it was best to cancel our trip to Hawaii and hunker down at home.
Needless to say, we were all disappointed. I have to admit this travel-loving, adventure-seeking mama right here was beyond discouraged, frustrated, and shed some tears over this one. My soul was weary by the end of 2020.
That Sunday — the day before we were supposed to depart — my sweet husband suggested we host a luau at home. “If we can’t go to Hawaii, let’s bring Hawaii to them,” he said.
He encouraged me to order some Hawaiian barbecue from a local restaurant and pick out a movie to watch as a family. I perked up a bit. Sounded fun! I needed a diversion to lift me from my sadness of having to cancel four much-anticipated trips that year and my own cabin fever.
When I shared the idea with my girls and parents, they took it to the next level. My fourteen-year-old, who spent the first decade of her life traveling internationally and doing missions work with her dad and me, suggested we explore a different country each day of our vacation. She started a spreadsheet and a Pinterest board right away. I hauled out my international cookbook collection, and we all started planning not just a luau but a virtual trip around the world.
An idea was born: traveling the globe from the comfort of home.
We spent Christmas break trying out new recipes, reading books aloud, watching movies in the evenings, and discussing snippets of history we were learning about the different people groups and countries. What started as disappointing turned into a wonderful two weeks of exploration.
Our circumstances challenged us to consider why we love traveling and learning about other cultures so much. We believe God uniquely created each one of us in His image. If we want to grow in our understanding of God, we need to grow in our knowledge about each other.
In college, I spent a semester in Costa Rica and traveled throughout Central America. I delighted in new foods like gallo pinto, tres leches cake, and refresco drinks made from all kinds of fruits we did not have in the United States. As I honed my Spanish language skills, I also gained a greater knowledge and respect for Central American history. Although I do not have any Central American roots, I felt somehow at home in these cultures.
After college, I took a missions trip to Haiti. I fell in love with the people there, especially the children who were so inquisitive and innovative with very few resources. I eventually moved to Haiti to teach English to pastors and started a non-profit there with my late husband. My Haitian sisters and brothers taught me about perseverance and courage, and my faith deepened as I witnessed their exuberant faith.
As Paul illuminates in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, God created each one of us as unique parts of the same body. Each part of the body plays an important role and function. We need each other because our differences serve as an invitation to experience the nuanced glory of God.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (NLT)
We all may have to consider travel a little differently moving forward. And yet, it’s important that we still open our hearts to what we might learn from all image bearers of God. When we explore the food, culture, music, and history of people around the world, we gain a greater experience of God’s Kingdom.
___________________________________________________________________
Dorina’s family curated a robust list of books, recipes, music, dances, games, and video recommendations for your family to learn about countries and cultures you might not be able to visit in today’s circumstances. Global Glory Chasers was created in partnership with Dr. Lucretia Berry, founder of Brownicity. Global Glory Chasers will be a monthly membership program housed in the Brownicity learning community for learners of all ages.
Join the monthly membership program to travel the world from the comfort of your home!
And to celebrate, Dorina and Lucretia are giving away a FREE 3-month membership to Global Glory Chasers AND a signed copy of Dorina’s children’s book, Cora Cooks Pancit!* To enter, tell us in the comments which country you’d like to learn about, and we’ll choose one lucky winner!
Then tune in tomorrow, April 29th, at 4:00 pm CST on Facebook for a live conversation with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young and Becky Keife as they discuss this fabulous new course.
As one who does not have the opportunity to travel a lot, I think that this would be great! My ancestors are from Denmark and Sweden, so I would like to learn more about those countries.
Judy, I think it would be amazing to learn more about Denmark and Sweden. I’ve enjoyed trying some of the food from those cultures. Thanks for commenting and entering today’s giveaway! Would love to “travel” with you through Global Glory Chasers!
We as a family have never been out of the country. We would love to learn about any country, but I think they would like Asian countries because of the food lol, and some of the animals they have learned about.
I would love to take my kids to the Philippines, China, and Korea. Thanks for entering the giveaway. I hope we get to “travel” together!
This is a wonderful idea! I would love to visit Thailand or Vietnam. And actually after this past year, I would be happy going to almost any place in America too
Joni, I can certainly relate. Traveling anywhere after this pandemic sounds glorious! I would love to see Thailand or Vietnam too. The food from those countries is amazing!
I always wanted to travel to the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. What a great idea that was born out of lockdown!
Oooh, those two are on my list too! I have spent so much time in the northern mountains of Haiti near the border but never made it into the DR!
Our travel plans were interrupted by COVID too. Bringing Hawaii home and experiencing it as a family was a brilliant idea! My husband’s ancestors are from Germany. We would love to experience Germany and the surrounding countries.
Germany was another place we were slated to visit in 2020. I hope we get there in the future! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I retired shortly before the pandemic hit and Michigan locked down hard. My husband has health issues, so we have been very cautious throughout all of this. We have actually started trying to do this very thing, watching travel videos and virtually traveling through others. I would love to go anywhere. There are so many interesting places and people and food in this world God created. Unfortunately, we will probably never be able to physically do this kind of travel, but experiencing as much as we can from home would be wonderful.
I love that you had a similar idea, and you’re making the best of your situation. I pray this time is a surprising blessing to you!
I love all of this! We had so much travel planned last year, for work and fun. The big one was also in December–a trip to Ecuador/Galapagos, which I’d dreamed of as long as I can remember. It was planned and booked over a year in advance. We hope to go next month–but the disappointment was huge. We chose to spend the day we would have left road tripping to some state parks on Lake Michigan–at least it was a huge body of water! It’s so important to teach out kids about the rest of the world and for them to learn that different isn’t wrong–just different!
I hear you, Jill. I’m sorry for that disappointment but love that you still made space for a little road trip. I grew up near Lake Michigan in Chicago. I always thought it was like our personal ocean. So pretty in all seasons!
This past year has been chaos and challenging. We too have opened the cook books and read a couple new books. I would love to travel far with the grandkids. Just to experience other cultures and converse with others brings a smile and warmth in my heart. My first born has been in Bali 3 years. She has shared Balinese cultures and beautiful days with us through media. I’m ready to take our family as soon as borders open. We have also a new baby arriving in August. God is continually blessing our family.
Carmen, congrats on the coming grandbaby. I’m grateful for the ways technology has connected you with your daughter and a new culture. I’d love to learn more about Bali!
Dorina,
How fun! Yes, we’ve all had to get a little creative when we get tired of the same four walls. I know enough French, Spanish, and German to be dangerous. Since I head up a non-profit which benefits orphans, impoverished children, and at-risk young women in Pakistan — I’ve been trying to learn some phrases in their native Urdu and to prepare some of their dishes. When we dare to open ourselves to other cultures, we become complexly beautiful in the process.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, thank you for the good work you are doing in Pakistan. I admire how you have immersed yourself in a new culture. Those language skills are golden! Strength and wisdom to you as you serve!
Dorina!
I can not thank you enough for all the fun and work that your family has put into this project!!! My family and the Brownicity Learning Community get to benefit from your passion and expertise. You are making dreams come true!
Shalom to you and your family.
Bon voyage and bon appetit!
Lucretia
I love this idea!! So creative and thanks to you all for doing this! I would love to learn about Germany. God bless you
This is so fun! I love collaborating. Thank you for having confidence in us and encouraging us to take this seed of an idea and run with it. We are better together! And I am so proud of you that you all made lumpia! Can’t wait to see your pics!
This is wonderful Dorina thank-you…..
Blessings to all,
Penny
Penny, thanks for your encouragement here!
Enjoyed this! Could you tell me the name of your nonprofit in Haiti?
Our non-profit was Christian Friendship Ministries now Haiti Gospel Outreach. It was based in the Northern mountains in Pignon. My late husband’s grandparents were the Bells – pioneer missionaries on the island – with so many from their original churches starting ministries on their own today across Haiti today.
For some reason Ireland has always been on the top of my places to visit. The scenery & cute little pubs are so enticing to me. Honestly though, I’d be happy going and seeing most anywhere in the world.
I would LOVE to go to Ireland. The scenery draw me too. I have heard of some great adventures for trail runners there. Definitely on my list!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m from Costa Rica and when I read about someone who’s been here it feels great. I’m glad you had a wonderful experienced here and Central America.
This is such a great idea, Traveling the Globe in a virtual mode.
God bless you and your family!!
Hola Dina! What a joy to meet you here at (in)courage. Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to take my three daughters there one day. The Parque Nacional de Manuel Antonio is still one of my all-time favorite beaches. Pura vida, amiga!
Dorina,
My ancestors are from Scotland on mom’s side. When I was younger I always wanted to visit Scotland & see the beautiful landscapes. What a great idea your daughter has to cook food from other countries & learn about the heritage. God made us for community. We need it now more than ever. An adage from Sweet Tea for the Soul If you want fellowship, the first thing you have to do is get to know the fellows on the ship. The best way to have community is to learn about other cultures-their heritage, foods, etc. I may investigate some Scottish foods & cook them.
Blessings 🙂
I love that you are exploring your Scottish cultural roots. My late husband was Scottish and Armenian so that’s part of our family heritage too! Let me know if you find any good recipes. It’s a privilege to learn about others and how God has designed all of us as part of His family! We are siblings!
I would love to learn more about Australia &/or New Zealand – they seem so exotic and cool!
Ooh, I have friends who live in those places and would really love to visit one day too! Thanks for entering our giveaway!
I have always been fascinated by Japan…I’m not even sure why but I would love to learn as much as possible. I love the idea of exploring cultures virtually. I am originally from Portugal but would love to explore other European cultures as well.
Japan is one of the countries on our list to explore this year. We love the culture and the food. My daughter got a sushi-making set for Christmas, and we’ve been making homemade sushi!
Oh, to travel the world. There are so many wonders to see! The mountains in Sweden, the beauty of Fiji, the culture of the land down under….alas, I will not make it physically out of North America due to a very cautious husband. But love this idea of traveling the globe at home and venturing this adventure with my kiddos! The history, biblically and otherwise, the diversity of nature…amazing.
Jennifer, I love your heart! I hope you will join us for “traveling from home.” It sounds like it’s right up your alley!
I could not love this more. Last spring, my family had to cancel a trip to Paris. We were going to go for my daughter’s 5th birthday. Traveling is my love language. I love alllll the planning that goes into it and learning about new cultures. It’s the best thing I’ve found to both keep me humble and remember that my way of seeing the world is not the only (or best) way. Just last week I booked a crazy flight deal for Tokyo in early 2022 for my family. I’ve never been to Japan and can’t wait to explore with my husband and two small children. I can’t wait to learn more!
Katie, we had to cancel our big trip to Paris last year too. It was heartbreaking after we all had participated in so much planning. And now our friends who lived close have moved. I’m still dreaming we will make it back there one day! In the meantime, we have loved learning about French culture from home and trying some delectable recipes! Excited to hear about your Tokyo trip!
I love the way your family took a deep disappointment and turned it into an opportunity for joy, creativity, learning, and connection! Dorina, you are a true global glory chaser and it’s beautiful to watch!
Thanks, friend. So fun to lean into this new adventure as a family. I really love seeing my kids lead and use their gifts and interests!
I work at an international mission board, so this sounds like fun! I would love to visit Australia some day. It’s unlikely but we have dear missionary friends there I would love to see.
Australia does sound amazing! I would love to run on some trails there! I love that you have a window to the world through missions!
What a wonderful idea! I was hoping you would have a book, but a list is just as good. My family roots are in England, Wales, France, Scotland, Ireland, and possibly Native American. and I would also like to see Israel. However, it is unlikely that my husband and I will get to most of those places, since it is difficult for us to travel either by plane or ship.
Hi Clara, so good to hear about your heritage! My oldest daughter is 14 and wants to get baptized in Israel. I’m not sure if that will happen, but we are dreaming! Thanks for entering the giveaway!