As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to the coming year, we thought it only appropriate to look back and be reminded of some of the most unique moments in our travels and lives of this past year. So sit back and take a short journey with us as we count down (in chronological order, more or less), our best of 2025.

1. Snow in Florida – As we started the year, we found ourselves in the Florida panhandle with skoolie friends for a month. They were there to visit their son. We were there to avoid the cold. Instead, it dropped to 18 degrees and snowed! No plows, no snow shovels in all of Florida. Everything came to a grinding halt as children and adults alike emerged from their homes to build their once-in-a-lifetime snowmen and make snow angels in the field we were staying in.

2. Oak Alley Plantation – Being from the north, visiting this quintessential southern sugarcane plantation in Louisiana was a unique experience for us both. The enormous house and arching live oak trees that lined the pathways were stunning. But hearing their stories of the slaves and seeing how they lived was so heart-wrenching that it brought tears to my eyes. Such beauty and such cruelty colliding in one place. My heart still aches as I think about it now.

3. E-Bikes – We upped our game this year and splurged on e-bikes. Since their purchase, we have enjoyed traveling roughly 150 miles on them, through parks, on bike trails, over the hills of rural Indiana to Amish markets, and we even strapped a pizza and groceries to the back to take to the bus for dinner!

4. Edison-Ford Winter Estates – Walking the grounds of the Florida winter homes of Edison and Ford drew us back in time, inviting us to experience how they lived their lives, spent their days, dreamed their dreams and made them a reality. We were inspired by their ingenuity and their collaboration with the likes of Firestone, Goodyear, and Tesla, as well as their focus that led to their incredible inventions. They never contemplated if something could happen, only how it could happen.

5. Toccoa Falls – It was at this beautiful Georgia waterfall (that is slightly taller than Niagara Falls) where God confirmed to us the name for our monthly Zoom meetings, The Overflow. Since then, we have held 6 Overflows, and God showed up at each one, bringing unity, love, encouragement, and hope to all those who joined us.

6. Pretty Place Chapel – Tucked atop a mountain that spans the border between the Carolinas lies this amazing outdoor chapel that looks across miles and miles of expanse. People were there for different reasons – some to pray, some to worship, some to take Instagram selfies. The peace was palpable, the view indescribable. We could not help but sit and thank God for the beauty of His creation and His amazing love.

7. Finger Lakes region & Watkins Glen – This glacier-formed picturesque wine country area of upstate NY did not disappoint. Rolling hills, glistening lakes, waterfalls of every size, gorgeous gorges (say THAT 10 times!), and the amazing people we met along the way – it was a time of relaxing, refreshing, and contemplating this beautiful world God has blessed us with.

8. The Statue of Liberty – What can I say? It’s an icon! How did I never visit this place growing up only 45 minutes from it? Ellis Island wrapped us in history as we learned about the greatest melting pot era this country has ever known. Then we were off to Liberty Island to see Lady Liberty herself up close, both inside and out, and get our obligatory photo ops!

9. Friends and family – As with any other year, 2025 would not have been the same without all the friends and family we were able to see along the way. We visited a total of 14 states and either made new friends or visited with old friends and family in each one. God has blessed us with an ever-growing network of people who love us and make us feel at home no matter where we are. They encourage us, make us laugh, open their hearts and homes to us, and inspire us to continue this journey God has called us to. We thank you all for your incredible love and support!

10. Ministry – Watching God move never gets old. Whether we are praying for the one or ministering to a church full of people, it never ceases to amaze us how close God is and how He knows exactly what each person needs at just the right moment. He loves us so much! We are so blessed to get a front row seat and watch Him do what only He can do. Yes, He uses us, but it is God who does all the work. We are simply vessels who are thankful to be used.

May God bless each and every one of you this coming year, that you may know Him more deeply, experience His love and His presence in your lives, and live more fully surrendered to His goodness and grace as you journey the path He has laid out specifically for you! Love you all!