‘So I’ve been thinking about combining adventure, photography, motorbikes and philanthropy. I’d like to ride around the world raising awareness for Water for Africa. What do you think?’
His facial expression suggested fear, perhaps fear of me saying no. Perhaps fear of me saying yes.
It took less than a few seconds for me say, ‘That’s wonderful. You should do it.’
In the last year, he assembled a team, worked out the details of the route, built a motorbike, secured visas, signed up for insurance, got vaccinated and, in a few weeks, he’s leaving on an eight-month Odyssey around the world.
While my husband is riding around the world, I’ll be writing around the world. We’ll meet up in various places and, in between, I’ll be writing, visiting friends, volunteering, and having my own adventures.
That’s how a lot of stuff in our lives goes. We think of a crazy idea, say yes, and then work out how to make it happen. The duelling banjos of faith and fear play a constant backdrop to our lives.
All the What-ifs? All the What-were-we-thinkings? All the battles between faith and fear, combine in a life we feel called to live.
God whispers and we follow.
Webster's definition of adventure is:
(noun) an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
We step into typically hazardous territory every day. When we step into a new relationship, when we end something, when we begin again, when we start a new business, we hear the duelling banjos of fear and faith and life becomes typically hazardous.
The space between fear and faith is filled with courage, wisdom, determination, mistakes, tragedy, success, failure, joy, peace, anger—the whole gamut of human experience.
None of us knows how things will turn out—our plans are just plans and life has a way of stretching us in the interplay of fear and faith.
Trusting in God, having faith in His purposes, and being true to the specific calling He has put on our lives can take us all to to typically hazardous territory.
Follow the journey: www.elainefraser.co
Loved your post Elaine. Wow! What a grand Adventure! I love the word ''adventure' and use it often - thinking of life as one, so your post really resonated with me. How exciting for you to be meeting your husband in different places of the globe. Love what he is doing - and that he is blessing Africa through what his ride around the world. Life is short so it needs to be grabbed by the horns. Which is what you both are doing. May God give you many amazing writing adventures and may He use you both to extend His kingdom. Happy travel and happy writing! Looking forward to hearing more about it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anusha. I'm very fortunate and think a lot of people live with this spirit, even if they don't get to physically journey around the world. xx
DeletePS Loved your beautiful quote too! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteElaine, what an interesting lifestyle you two have together! I laughed at the way you described your husband's attitude; fear you'd say 'no' and fear you'd say 'yes'. You have a generous spirit and that must be a great strengthening tie in your journey together. Allowing your mate the freedom to express and take on his heart's desire is exactly how the Lord works in each of our individual lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rita. We have learned over the years to release each other to do what God is calling us to do. We also love the intersection of those passions and purposes as God uses us separately and together. xx
DeleteWhat a great adventure for a wonderful cause - so desparately needed with so much of Africa in drought or people without easy access to water. I love that as a couple you release each other to follow the dreams God has put in your hearts. All the best for you both. May God go with, before and after you, your might rock, your strong tower.
ReplyDeleteWater is a world-wide issue. From Australia to Europe to the Americas and Africa, water is an issue in different ways. I'm looking forward to seeing the work in action. xx
DeleteWhat an exciting adventure - and how generous you each are in letting each other pursue your dreams.
ReplyDeleteFaith and fear are companions for us all in out walk with God - you have described this so well! I'm sure He will stretch you both along the way- look forward to hearing about your adventures.
I love your quote too.
Thanks, Pam. It's been a journey to get to the place of release for both of us. Cheering each other on has become a way of life and it enriches our relationship so much.
DeleteWhat a wonderful adventure for you both, Elaine! God bless and protect both of you in the months that lie ahead. And I am sure so many more books will come out of this time for you, Elaine.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo-Anne. I'm hoping for a lot of inspiration this year as we travel and learn new things. xx
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