What an experience. Where do I even start?
When I first signed up for this trip, I thought I had a decent idea of what to expect…But I didn’t. Not quite, at least. I had the packing list and itinerary, and was in awe of pictures from past trips. But what I did not expect was for the little moments of the trip to mean so much. From the breathtaking views to the unexpected conversations with locals, every day brought something new, and I found myself constantly challenged and amazed by God’s creation. I didn’t expect grocery stores to feel like adventures, or that I’d learn so much just by sitting on trains and watching people live their lives.
One of the things that stood out to me most was watching the way people ate in Europe. They slowed down, were intentional, and didn’t seem concerned about getting to their next destination. I admired the families that gathered around long tables outside, laughing over stories and sharing food, never once checking phones. Even in parks, people sat and stayed. It’s as if time slowed down while they ate. That simple shift of slowing down, being fully present. It challenged the pace I’m used to and made me rethink how often I rush through things that could be meaningful. To slow down because people and connection are what matter. It’s what Christ prioritized, and something I want to practice daily back in the States!
Some moments during the trip felt effortless, but in others…we definitely stood out as tourists—like the night we were soaked and muddy, hopping on a train in Salzburg, only to realize we were on the wrong one. It was after a long day biking through the rain, and we were tired, hungry, and ready to rest. Half our group sat in one train car, the rest in the one behind it. Just as we started eating our to-go dinners, a train worker walked through shouting, “This train isn’t going where you think it’s going!” Insanely confused, we quickly grabbed our stuff and jumped off in a panic, just in time to watch the half of the train we weren’t on pull away! We all stood there frozen for a second, realizing just how badly things had gone off track. Thankfully, a kind ticket worker let us catch the next train an hour later. We laughed it off, grabbed snacks, and talked until the next train. But we learned something important: not all trains stay connected…and to always double-check where you’re headed.
This trip taught me far more than I expected—about the world, handling unfamiliar situations, connecting with people, and what truly matters when we were far from everything familiar. I saw God working in big ways throughout the trip, and I’m so grateful for all the faculty and the way they invested in all of us.
