More Than Beautiful Places, It’s the People Who Make Travel Unforgettable

A couple of blocks away from the turquoise waters of the Bohol Sea, my family of seven gathered in a tiny coffee shop for lattes and smoothies. We were eight months into our trip around the world and pros at finding quaint coffee shops in any place. As my teens played another round of Monopoly Deal, I noticed a man stumble outside in front of the shop. Under the influence of something, he spread himself out on the ground in front of the door, blocking anyone from entering or exiting.

What Can I Learn Here?

One of my favorite aspects of international travel is watching those around me and learning from whatever I notice. I often imagine how situations would play out in my community and compare and contrast them to the new place I am visiting. Glancing around the coffee shop, I wondered what would happen next. Would there be anger? Annoyance? Grumbling & complaining? How would the man be treated?

The employee stepped around the counter, gently opened the door, and asked the man to move. No response. A new customer approached the door and gingerly maneuvered around him to come inside. A couple of minutes passed. He didn’t budge. A college student stepped away from his laptop and joined the employee in encouraging the man to move again. Nothing. Two more students approached and together they lifted and sat him at one of the shop’s outdoor tables. The employee brought him cold water, and the four encouraged him to drink—no yelling, belittling, side comments, or even grumbling. The response was compassion. The man did not treat himself with dignity, but others did. In their words and actions, they honored him and elevated him from the low point he had reached. I think about the four of them often.

Creation Reflects the Creator

The Philippines’ natural beauty is spectacular. However, a couple of blocks away from the turquoise waters, our family was reminded yet again of how people are the most beautiful part of a place. When we take the time to slow down and pay attention, we get to see the ways the created reflect the Creator.

The best international travel involves observing and experiencing places with curiosity and an appreciation for what can be learned. In each place, I gain glimpses of God’s creativity. Experiencing new cultures broadens my view of both the world and its Creator.

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Photo provided by Ashley Campbell