A Terrifying Trek Around the Back Roads of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A very steep laneway going upwards. A sign is posted at the base saying entry prohibited.

We set out to visit Castillo de Lilo, a mountaintop restaurant with breathtaking views, but the journey quickly became a terrifying adventure. With steep, gravel roads and a compact car, we found ourselves stuck—twice—before finally making it to the base, only to be stopped by “No Trespassing” signs.

Friendly and Not-So-Friendly Costa Rican Wildlife

A very green iguana with large spikes down its spine on paved stones beside a pool.

In Costa Rica, we found ourselves surrounded by creatures: monkeys howling in the trees, geckos darting by, and even a scorpion chilling out with us for a drink. Read about our encounters with snakes, toucans, iguanas, and a feisty little cat we named Sparky Joan.

Ferryland, Newfoundland: A Lighthouse, A Wedding & A SingSong

A lighthouse on a large hill is half-covered in fog. Several people, barely discernible, gather in a group around one another near the base of the lighthouse.

Hiking to the Ferryland Lighthouse in Newfoundland, we unexpectedly witnessed a wedding. Surrounded by fog, tide pools, and retirees singing Irish tunes, we couldn’t help but reflect on what makes a place sentimental. A moment of serendipity with my teens, as we discovered more than just a wedding.

The First Time I Felt God

Mauritius Underwater Waterfall, Photo by Xavier Coiffic, Unsplash

In Fiji, while exploring ancient villages and hiking through jungle trails, I unexpectedly felt a profound spiritual connection. Amid stunning views and challenging hikes, God slipped into my soul, overwhelming me with joy and tears. It was a moment I can’t explain, but I knew it was real.