Travels

It had to be sometime towards the end of 2016 I decided to visit New Zealand. Why? I cannot readily say there was and still is a fixation with the country.

There was an uneasiness which I couldn’t shake. These feelings started in 2014. As I examined my Life, some things weren’t adding up. My Life was off-balanced and a bit grey. It wasn’t exciting, and I was going through a motion. My focus was on work and everyone else but myself. The only sunshine was my granddaughter. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew I would need this little person. She kept me from a full-blown funk. But, in my quiet moments, the nagging question would surface, ‘What next’?

While praying and asking God for clarity and directions- I was being Paula, encouraging everyone to travel, identifying the value of travelling and the opportunity to experience something new.

It was after one of those “you should be travelling” lectures to my niece Kajanna while she was silent at the other end of the phone. I got a revelation,’ Instead of telling her what to do, why not do it myself.‘ The reasons I was telling her and everyone else to travel applied to me also. Kajanna was in her early twenties, single had no kids and should be exploring the world.

I am single, with no minors; maturity and financial resources replaced youth. My revelation removed the glum I felt, and nearly two years of “what next” disappeared. It was God’s answer.

I was excited; my plans started for a trip- which took me to New Zealand. It was my first solo overseas trip. I felt alive and had no fear of being in a strange country at the other end of the world; I was at peace and not scared. I didn’t plan any activities except for a walking tour.

My goal was to enjoy the experience and to be fully present. I was very present. There was calm and exhilarating freedom.

My visit to the Wellington Botanical Gardens brought everything home. The flowers, landscape, tranquillity, and every little nook and corner were benches. On one of those benches, I sat and started to cry. It was tears of joy and praise. Thanking God for the privilege, He had afforded this Guyanese girl. He has given me the strength to hold on, seeking His guidance while I continue encouraging others amid my sadness. It had to God, and I was grateful.

My trip to New Zealand made me aware that I love solo travel; it was the first of many. It also introduces an area of thriftiness that I never knew existed.

This website is part of my continued growth, and the journey continues.