People from all over the world moved to the Los Angeles area to pursue their dreams. It is hard for some people to have new cultures move into their corner of the world, but it’s an excellent opportunity to meet new people, especially if you are into sharing the Good News of Christ.

 

It’s like in the book of the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which I am currently reading.  I can see how God moved people out of their comfort zones to keep them close to Him, so they stayed tuned into doing His work, which spread Christianity. Several apostles were moved to foreign places to share the gospel with people different than themselves. It was part of God’s plan to bring the Good News to everyone, everywhere. It’s amazing to remember that most of these men grew up in Galilee, probably thinking they would spend the rest of their lives there, probably fishing for fish, not people.

 

Moving keeps you on your spiritual toes. You develop extra reliance on God like a deeper layer of trust is needed. I think about Abraham when God called him to leave his homeland for a place that God was going to show him. He didn’t even know where he was going, but he went, trusting God. That amazes me.

 

Currently, I live in the City of Nashville, but I do most of my business and errands in the small town just north of us. The traffic is never an issue, and the folks there are very kind.

 

I recently visited my dentist’s office in this small town. Amongst the small talk with the hygienist and dentist, there was a strange—let’s call it curious—vibe between me and my dental experts, who had both been born, raised, and lived in this small town for their entire lives; I’m guessing between fifty to sixty years. While this seems unimaginable to me, I got the sense my long-term vagabond life seemed odd to them.

 

However, moving to different places has allowed me to witness many miracles during my relocations. I saw God provide financially each time. He also gave me things I didn’t know I needed and things I never dared to ask for. He also gifted me things I didn’t know I would love. But He knew.

 

My 1959 ranch-style home in Nashville has large windows in the open living /dining space with views of trees on each side of my home. It’s like living in a tree house. I love it so much. I regularly thank God for my beautiful views.

 

The trees are grey and barren in the winter, with their own beauty. Soon, spring will be here, and the green of the grass and trees will be so vibrant it almost hurts my eyes. The beauty of it fills my heart with gratitude to my Heavenly Father, who gives me this daily gift I didn’t know I would love. But He knew. He’s good like that.

 

Along with moving locations, I’ve also learned geography lessons from traveling. One of the most important aspects of traveling is always to be a shining light to everyone. In Berlin, Germany, I took a break from sightseeing and stopped at a little café to get a sweet treat and a coffee.

 

All the tables were outside, which was fine with me; as you can imagine, the view was as interesting as the people-watching was, and the weather was nice for July. A sweet college-aged woman brought my order out to me, and we chatted a bit in English (I must look American, hmmm.) Her German accent was heavy, so I nodded and smiled. I believe that’s universally polite to do.

 

When I finished my food and drink, I brought my empty plate and coffee cup back inside the café and put them in the dish bin, which I noticed when I walked in. The young lady looked shocked (bummer) and said, “Thank you” exuberantly. I returned her smile, and attempted a butchered “danke schön" (“thank you very much”). German is a tough language to learn and speak. But I’ve been told English is, too.

 

To wrap up my musings on traveling and the lessons of living among people of different geographic origins, here’s my Top 5 list of my favorite places I’ve visited, and some of my recommended things to do there:

 

5. Boston, MA, U.S.A. – Go to the North End (think little Italy), preferably at Christmas time. Get a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry. There are so many to choose from; you might consider two or three. Also, Boston’s Old Town Trolley tours (a “hop-on-hop-off” tour) through Boston are fantastic. There is so much history there.

 

4. Berlin, Germany – so much to see and history. The Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie is fascinating, as is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It’s eerie to see bullet holes in the side of the building from WWII. Also, there is a photo of Kaiser Wilhelm’s funeral, with a certain infamous Austrian dictator attending.

 

3. Negril, Jamaica – So beautiful. The snorkeling is tropical fish everywhere. The local people are so kind. If you stop and talk to them, showing genuine interest, they say to you, “Yeah, mon, respect mon.” The food is fantastic, with such fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables. My favorite pepper sauce comes from there, Grace Hot Pepper Sauce. HOT, but it's so tasty as a dipping sauce for pizza and burgers. It’s always on our dinner table.

 

2. New York, NY, U.S.A. – The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street is one of my favorite places on earth. The iconic Rose Main Reading Room is my favorite place to write and think. The worn wood table, chairs, beautiful windows, and painted ceilings inspire me. You’ve probably seen it in a movie or two. Outside the library is Bryant Park, one of my favorite places to bring something to eat and sit, people-watch, and relax. There are so many great museums, too. My favorites include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and if you are into fashion, visit the Museum at FIT NYC.  Explore displays of beautiful vintage designer clothing.

 

1. Southern California – Don’t we all have a special place in our hearts for the place where we were born and grew up? My favorites include Disneyland, Newport Beach on the Balboa Island Peninsula, Olvera Street, Canter’s Deli, The Queen Mary in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific (also in Long Beach), and any In-N-Out burger location for an Animal-style Double Double burger. It’s not on the menu, but they will know your request. It’s oh-so-good.

 

Happy living and traveling, and as always, blessings to you!

 

 

Angela Dolbear is the author of contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. Her latest release, The Mid-Century Breakfast Club, is the fourth book in The Garden Tales series and will be released in the Summer of 2025.  Her novels are available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction. She loves reading, writing prose, and writing and recording music with her husband Tim in their studio in Nashville, TN—listen to her new album STORMS on your favorite music streaming service.  Please drop by and sign up for news, read the latest stories, and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm. Blessings to you!