There was, of course, the constant change of environment. And while living in an RV or tent or cabin presents a new array of challenges, they are just that: challenges. Maybe after a while, they wouldn’t be so appealing. But in the moment, stripped of the usual comforts, every day was a new adventure.

I miss the company. I’m an introvert and need time alone like I need air, but still, I love people. I love forging new friendships. I love that in the hardest of times, we could still rally together.

There were things I missed about home…

Hugs. I missed hugs. To go from a family that prizes physical affection, from friends that greet you with a hug, to people who barely know you well enough to share a seat…that was hard.

I missed being around people of faith. To be honest, there are things about the stripped down simplicity of road life that causes spiritual discipline to come easily. Less distractions, for one. And those little roadbumps (if you’ll excuse the pun) that send you to your knees. I was the only ‘religious’ person on the trip. Not to say that my travelmates were antagonistic; in fact, all I received were a few curious questions, and perhaps more consideration when matters of religion arose.

But respect and support are not at all the same thing. I had no one to talk to or confide in, no one to seek out for spiritual guidance. It’s not just me, Jesus and my Bible. I missed community. I missed friends and family that wouldn’t just laugh with me, but pray with me.

And I missed my pets.