Hi there, welcome to my blog! Today I want to share with you the most amazing adventure of my life: how I traveled across Europe and the Middle East for seven months on a shoestring budget, studying theology, church history, archaeology, and Greek language and culture along the way. Sounds crazy, right? Well, let me tell you how it all started.
I have always been fascinated by religion and spirituality, and after getting my BS in Civil Engineering, I decided to pursue a MDiv at a Theological Seminary. But before I enrolled in graduate school, I wanted to have a firsthand experience of the places and people that shaped Christianity. So I came up with a plan: I would take a gap year and visit the most important sites of Christian history and culture, from Rome to Jerusalem, from Istanbul to Mount Athos. I would also enroll in the Institute of Holy Land Studies for a month, where I would learn more about the biblical lands and languages.
But how could I afford such a trip? Well, here’s the catch: I had a very tight budget of around $2000, which included my flight tickets, transportation, food, and tuition fees. How did I manage to survive on such a low amount? Simple: I free camped. Yes, you heard me right. I slept like a homeless person, on the beach, in bushes, churches, or wherever I could find a spot. I know it sounds crazy and risky, but trust me, it was very rewarding and enlightening. I learned to appreciate the simple things in life, like a warm shower or a hot meal. I also met some amazing people along the way, who helped me out or shared their stories with me. And most importantly, I felt closer to God and nature than ever before.
Of course, it wasn’t all roses and rainbows. I faced some challenges and difficulties too. Like getting lost in unfamiliar cities, dealing with language barriers and cultural differences, coping with faithliness and uncertaintly, or avoiding trouble with the authorities or some shady characters. But none of these problems were life-threatening and they all built character. They also made me more resilient and adaptable to any situation.
So that’s how I spent my gap year: traveling, learning, praying, and growing as a person. It was the best decision of my life and I don’t regret it for a second. If you are thinking about taking a gap year yourself, I highly recommend it. It will change your perspective on life and yourself. And if you are interested in theology and church history like me, you will love visiting these places that are so rich in history and spirituality.
How about you? Have you ever taken a gap year? How did you plan and fund it? What did you learn from it? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more stories like this one. Thanks for reading!
