A journey of trusting God, traveling on a budget, and learning that the best memories are made when we let go and lean in.

Photo by Patrick Rosenkranz on Unsplash

This past week was an adventure, to say the least.

What was planned to be a fun, exciting trip to Baltimore for a convention and off to San Antonio for a surprise birthday turned into a real-life lesson in flexibility, preparation, and leaning on God’s grace when things don’t go as planned.

First, it was our AirBnB — located in the west of Baltimore, past some sketchy areas.

Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash

The photos looked amazing online, promising a great space for 12 people.

Reality? Not so much.

We found ourselves in what looked like a rougher part of West Baltimore, and the “superhost” status felt misleading. No welcome basket, no local guidebook, no basics like water or snacks — and by the time we arrived late at night, everything nearby was closed. The corner store only had junk food and the sandwich shop in the back was already shut down.

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

The next day, looking for real food, we decided to explore and stumbled across Jerk at Nite — a higher-end Jamaican spot. Delicious, but definitely a place where you need to be prepared to spend some serious cash. I had the pineapple basil mocktail, nachos, and plantains, and while the meal hit the spot, it wiped out my cash on hand.

Throughout the week, trying to coordinate groceries on Instacart was another mission.

What started as a $250–300 cart got whittled down to about $120–150.

Scheduling the delivery was tricky — trying to balance groceries with tight convention schedules, waiting for the driver to find the right address, and hoping someone would be home to meet them.

It was hectic.

And let’s not forget, trying to run around during pre-convention workshops without eating or drinking caught up with me.

I found myself getting shaky, dehydrated, and desperately needing something to eat — but no EMTs were on site yet since the official convention hadn’t kicked off.

Thank God for the kindness of a staff member who brought me a croissant and some ginger ale and Gatorade from the vending machine. That little bit made all the difference.

The truth is, I realized I’m not in my 30's anymore.

Back in my earlier network marketing days, we used to power through those conventions for hours without thinking twice!

Now, I’m learning to listen to my body, slow down when needed, and recognize when it’s time to rest and refuel. (And thank God for good friends like my girl, Arisa, who stuck by me through it all!)

Transportation wasn’t terrible cost-wise (Uber is manageable when split between a group), but everything adds up. With some people on tighter budgets, we had to get creative — and my friend’s “pay me later” attitude was a blessing.

After everything, my friend and I agreed: next year, we’re booking a hotel — no more big group AirBnBs!

Planning ahead, staying flexible, and knowing what to expect is key.

Photo by Pete Alexopoulos on Unsplash

After wrapping up my time in Baltimore, I caught an early Friday flight to San Antonio for a very special occasion — a surprise birthday party for my fellow Shipmate.

While waiting in baggage claim, I found myself in a familiar place: trusting God fully.

I was literally hanging out by an outlet, charging my phone, refreshing my bank app, and waiting for my direct deposit to hit. Talk about relying on faith! His grace truly is sufficient.

Once my paycheck came through, I started searching for last-minute hotel and rental car deals. It wasn’t easy. Every option felt like a trade-off. In the end, I settled for what I could afford — not what I really wanted. I secured a rental car for way more than I budgeted and a hotel room for three nights. After those charges, my bank account was almost empty.

The rental process was another test of patience. After a long wait, I finally got the keys and headed out.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

Driving in San Antonio was… interesting. Their roads are full of turnarounds, odd exits, and winding loops. Thank God for GPS, because without it, I would’ve been completely lost!

When I checked into my hotel, I quickly realized it was not the most comfortable place.

The room was musty and smelled terrible, which didn’t help my slight cough and jetlag. Still, I pressed on — took my immune boosters, settled in, and tried to rest.

Photo by Lewis Dohren on Unsplash

The next day was the main event: the surprise party.

It was held at the Big Brothers Big Sisters facility and it was absolutely beautiful.

Seeing my Shipmate’s face light up — and even get a little teary — made every stressful moment worth it. Family, old Navy friends, laughter, hugs, and love filled the room.

Despite all the challenges, the weekend turned into a wonderful memory — one full of faith, friendship, and God’s provision at every turn.

Even navigating a tight schedule, financial uncertainty, or stretching what you have, and exploring new cities, God showed me that when you trust Him with your journey, He’ll get you exactly where you need to be and sustain you along the way.

Despite all the challenges, I’m so grateful:

For the people I met and new friendships formed
For the lessons I learned
For God’s provision that sustained me from Baltimore to San Antonio

Sometimes stepping out in faith means working with what you have — even when it feels like barely enough. And still, He shows up.

Praise God for His faithfulness — in the big moments and the small.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

What to Know Before You Go:

Preparing for a Group Trip (Without the Stress or Surprises)

Traveling with friends, family, or a group can create some of the best memories — but it also requires clear communication, personal responsibility, and flexible planning.

Here are key lessons I’ve learned that can help you (and your group) have a smoother, more enjoyable trip:

1. Don’t Rely on Someone Else to Plan Everything

Even if someone organizes the main details, take personal responsibility for your own needs (food, transportation, daily essentials).

Always ask questions upfront about where you’re staying, what’s nearby, and what the schedule looks like.

2. Communicate Early and Clearly

Group trips succeed when everyone knows the plan — and their role.

Confirm arrival times, sleeping arrangements, transportation, and expectations before you go.

Discuss things like:

Who’s bringing what?
How are we splitting costs?
What happens if plans change?

3. Contribute Financially and Respect the Budget

Don’t assume someone else will cover the “little things.” Small expenses add up quickly (rideshares, groceries, snacks).

If you’re short on cash, be honest upfront and work out a fair plan.

Tip: Always bring a little extra for emergencies or last-minute changes.

4. Plan for Food and Hydration

You can’t rely on restaurants or stores being open late, especially after travel delays.

Pack snacks, water bottles, and small essentials in your luggage or carry-on.

Research affordable nearby food options before you arrive.

5. Expect Timing to Get Messy — and Build in Buffers

Flights get delayed. Rides take longer. Schedules shift.

Build wiggle room into your plans so you’re not rushing or stressed when things change.

Be willing to pivot and keep a good attitude when timing doesn’t go perfectly.

6. Know Your Body’s Limits

Don’t push yourself too hard just because “everyone else is.”

Long travel days, little sleep, irregular meals — it takes a toll.

Listen to your body, rest when needed, and fuel yourself so you can actually enjoy the trip.

7. Prepare Spiritually and Mentally

Pray for provision, protection, flexibility, and a good spirit — before the trip starts.

Pack patience, grace, and understanding. (You’ll probably need it.)

Remind yourself: You’re here to enjoy the experience, not control every detail.

8. Stay Flexible — Keep the Focus on the Bigger Picture

Things will go wrong: wrong orders, late arrivals, unexpected costs.

Focus on the moments that matter: the laughter, the memories, the chance to grow.

Don’t let minor hiccups steal major joy.

Traveling across Baltimore and San Antonio stretched me in ways I didn’t expect — financially, physically, and emotionally. But it also reminded me that God’s provision isn’t always about comfort — sometimes it’s about giving you just enough strength, just enough resources, and just enough grace to keep going.

Every detour, delay, and unexpected expense wasn’t a setback — it was a setup for deeper trust.

I’m grateful for the friendships strengthened, the lessons learned, and the memories made.

No matter where you’re headed next — whether near or far — pack your faith first.

Because even when your plans are shaky, God’s plan is steady.