Just go, C!
I'm Charity, a proud auntie, wine lover, semi-nerd, and dreamer who can't stay in one place for too long.
Yeah. It still feels weird to even say it. But, it's happening.
I have to admit that I've thoroughly enjoyed the facial expressions and questions I've been asked since informing those around me of my "plans." The most common questions I've been asked are: "What are you going to do for a job?" "How long are you going to be in x location?" "What do you plan on doing while you're there? Where are you staying?" And, of course, "When are you coming back?" And the best part is when I give them my answer which is the same answer for every single question above: "I don't know." HA! What a terrifying response! The looks of bewilderment! The shock! The fear! The nervous laughter! But it's true. I have no idea. And that, my friends, is the whole idea. I mean, yes, I know what day I'm leaving the U.S. and I know where I'm going first (Auckland, New Zealand, for those who are wondering), and yes, I have booked my first few days in a hostel in Auckland. Beyond that, well..... ????? But shouldn't that be the point? I think a lot of people have assumed that I am doing this for a "vacation" sort of deal where I'm just going to be a tourist for an indefinite period of time. And while that would be incredibly luxurious and I would certainly enjoy that, the reality is, I WILL have to find work. I WILL have to budget my money and be very frugal. I WILL have challenges that force me to rely on my own strengths and mindset to get through them. I will probably make a ton of mistakes. I will probably get homesick. I will probably get SICK sick. But here is also what will happen: I will meet some incredible people who are in this with me and people who will want to help me. I will see some incredible sights and marvel at the beauty of this great Earth. I will become stronger, more confident, and more powerful. I will learn to enjoy the present moment and detach myself from routines, monotony, misconceptions, and fear. I will give of myself to local people and communities. I will make a LOT of friends who will stay in touch with me for (hopefully) the rest of our lives. And I will learn SO. Much. about myself and the people and cultures of this planet. I'm about to prove why "I don't know" is a beautiful thing, friends. I hope you will find some inspiration in my adventures, and thank you in advance for your prayers, support, kind words, and yes, the questions! Enjoy the ride!
22 Comments
BERNICE :))
11/18/2016 03:27:13 pm
I luv luv luv that your main plan is NOT having a plan 😉 you are one of those amazing individuals, though we've never met in person, that I feel like we've been friends forever. nothing makes a beautiful soul even more radiant, than adding the courage to experience the simple joys of unknown adventures :)) I look forward to your pics & blogs & will definitely pray for you thru your adventures! 💜🙌
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Ross
11/18/2016 03:34:16 pm
Charity, this is amazing!! Enjoy the adventure, sending thoughts and prayers towards your next "I don't know" :)
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Linda
11/18/2016 03:39:50 pm
This is amazing! I am truly envious of your choice. I wish you well, safe travels. Can't wait to see all of the updates of your adventures!
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Shari
11/18/2016 03:58:24 pm
I couldn't be more excited for you!! And I can't wait to watch your adventure unfold!! All the love and luck in the world to you my friend!!!
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Rich
11/18/2016 04:01:05 pm
This is so awesome! Have fun!!!
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Amanda
11/18/2016 04:01:33 pm
I can't wait to follow where in the world is charity!! You're so awesome and so much more grace than me!! Enjoy your adventures and remember us back here in boring ol Nebraska!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Karla
11/18/2016 04:08:31 pm
So excited for you, Charity! Safe travels :)
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April
11/18/2016 04:12:02 pm
You inspire me! I can't wait to read about all your journeys along the way. I wish you nothing but the best on this. It's so exciting!
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Jeanie Young
11/18/2016 04:28:46 pm
I'm so very proud of you!
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miranda
11/18/2016 04:32:40 pm
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Brenda G
11/18/2016 05:03:21 pm
I am so excited for you and all that you will encounter. Blog on, Sista! Blog on.
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Erin Altman
11/18/2016 05:25:25 pm
I am so excited for you! My former roommate, and good friend Casey, did the very same thing. She left this past January with a group of our friends (#girlswhoquitittoliveit) and has been abroad ever since. She is loving it! I believe she plans on heading back to the states sometime in February but you should friend her on facebook...I am sure she can help you a ton since she has been doing the same thing with the same plan for the past 11 months :) Good luck my friend.
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Corinna
11/18/2016 05:42:14 pm
What a wonderful first post about your adventure! Sending you loving thoughts as you begin your incredible journey, and looking forward to seeing your updates.
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Amy
11/18/2016 06:21:30 pm
Charity! Thomas and I look forward to "tagging along" as you travel. Enjoy!
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Tina
11/18/2016 06:57:18 pm
You got this girl! I've decided I'm living vicariously through you for the next few years or so! Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures!
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Tylene
11/18/2016 08:44:24 pm
You rock my friend! Looking forward to following along on your adventures! Hugs and Prayers my sweet...hack cough sputter...slave driver!
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Bela
11/18/2016 09:16:26 pm
Love that you are committing this season of life to adventure! We're here for you so when you get homesick or feel lonely remember you have a tribe (even people you haven't met in person!). Blog away and keep in touch, chair bear xoxo
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San Tucker
11/19/2016 08:57:14 am
Your life will be such a wonderful adventure!!!!
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Carrington
11/20/2016 10:13:11 pm
Kill it! I mean we all wish we could do this. I admire the confidence. God bless.
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11/25/2016 09:54:28 am
Hi Charity - I saw your post on "Girls Love Travel" which led me to your blog. Great first post and you have courage and determination so you will be fine. I too think it's hard to find the 30-somethings but trust me, we are out there :) I find most of them are not in the hostels, but you will find them in your travels. If you need to reach out to someone who has been through most of the same feelings as you (I quit my job and now I have no plans) please do. I've explored NZ and SE Asia, and live in Australia, so happy to pass on any tips! Take care & have a blast! xo
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Charity
11/25/2016 10:41:50 pm
THANK YOU!! I am so excited to know there are so many of "us" out there and I truly appreciate your encouragement - the offer is reciprocated, as well!
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Gina Colonna
12/1/2016 06:44:46 pm
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AuthorHi! I'm Charity. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I quit my job in October 2016 to travel the world. Archives
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