Let’s Go on a Journey Together!

What is the best place you have traveled to?  Are there beaches there, or rainforests? What speaks to your should when you enter this place of travel? For us, our experience abroad in Florence Italy brought more fun than we could have imagined when we embarked on this journey. The late-night talks until 3am when you must catch a flight the next day, the endless amount of rich food options, and staring at the Al Duomo at midnight has altered my brain in the best way possible. Now we stroll around Santo Spirito Market like we one the place and can use the transportation system like a pro (almost).

Imagine staring up at the Duomo under a quiet midnight sky, gelato in hand, knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. That’s what this journey gave us: magic, messiness, and memories we’ll carry forever. These days, we stroll through the Santo Spirito Market like we own the place—laughing, bartering, and soaking in the beauty of local life. We even (almost) mastered Florence’s transportation system. Almost. Now, let us take you deeper. Here are the places and moments that changed us. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll inspire you to study abroad too.

Our Sacred Spaces

For Ava,

Her Favorite Parts:

Marrakesh was more than a destination, it was divine alignment. From the moment she arrived, she felt God’s presence in every detail: the vibrant colors, the warm people, the stillness between the chaos. It was like the Holy Spirit was guiding her steps, reminding her she’s never alone. In the desert, she heard Him more clearly since the air left light here. She journaled prayers under starlit skies and felt a peace she’d been craving.

Exploring Marrakesh felt like stepping into a different world. Ava spent her days navigating winding alleyways lined with handmade goods, sampling foods with spices she could barely name, and observing the seamless blend of tradition and modern life. She was especially struck by the craftsmanship and detail in the local art and architecture—the intricately tiled riads, the carved wood doors, and the vivid textiles sold in the markets.

The experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone in the best way. She learned how to move through a new environment with curiosity instead of hesitation. She bargained in the souks, tried unfamiliar dishes, and navigated cultural customs with respect and a willingness to learn. One of Ava’s most memorable moments was traveling into the Moroccan desert. Riding camels across golden dunes and watching the sunset over the sand was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It gave her a sense of appreciation not just for Morocco’s natural beauty, but for the wide range of experiences the country had to offer. By the end of her time in Morocco, Ava left with more than just photos—she brought home a deeper appreciation for global cultures, a stronger sense of independence, and a collection of memories she knows will stay with her forever.

Until next time, Marrakech!

For Karen,

Morocco was pure wonder. The colors, the textures, the way the streets moved with life, it was like stepping into a painting. She wandered the souks in awe, tasting spices she’d never imagined and hearing stories in every corner. Riding camels through the desert at sunset, she felt small in the best way. The laughter with locals, the stillness in the riads, the beauty of a culture so rich and alive, it all stayed with her. It wasn’t about changing who she was. It was about experiencing something real, vivid, and unforgettable. Morocco simply gave her memories that felt golden.

Karen also found moments of peace during her stay. Staying in traditional riads offered quiet spaces tucked away from the busy streets, allowing time to reflect, rest, and appreciate the slower moments. The contrast between the liveliness of the markets and the calm of the courtyards made the experience feel balanced and immersive. A standout memory for Karen was riding camels through the desert at sunset. The landscape was breathtaking with endless dunes glowing in warm light, with a sky that seemed to stretch forever. It was a reminder of just how expansive and varied the world can be.

Morocco left a lasting impression on Karen. It gave her a deeper appreciation for culture, travel, and the value of stepping into unfamiliar places with openness and curiosity.

When Life Gets Hard, You Push Through

For Kendall,

Kendall stood before the Colosseum, feeling its ancient power hum beneath her feet. She had a stressful past week after losing her luggage, missing classes due to it, and undergoing basic 20 year old problems that she though would destroy her that month. Thankfully, all she had to do was go to Rome! This was her fave gem! The massive arches weren’t just stone, they were echoes of countless stories, battles, and lives lived fiercely. In that vastness, she felt small but infinite at once. It wasn’t just history, it was a reminder of resilience, of time bending to something greater. She breathed it in, feeling God’s presence quietly steady her heart. Right there, in the shadow of legends, Kendall felt called to live boldly, to own her story with grace and strength. The Colosseum didn’t just awe her, it awakened her.

Visiting the Colosseum was a highlight. Standing in front of the massive structure, Kendall was struck by its scale and history. The sheer presence of it—the towering arches, the timeworn stone, the stories embedded in every corner—made her feel part of something much bigger than the moment she was in. It gave her the space to reflect and reset. As she walked through the ancient arena, she found perspective. The challenges she had faced that week felt smaller in the context of a city that had endured thousands of years of change and reinvention. It was a reminder that difficult moments pass—and often lead to stronger ones. Rome didn’t just offer incredible food, architecture, and culture—it gave Kendall a renewed sense of self-confidence. By pushing through discomfort and adapting to unexpected changes, she proved to herself that she could handle more than she thought. In the end, Kendall’s experience in Rome wasn’t just about what she saw—it was about how far she’d come. And that made it one of the most meaningful stops on her journey abroad.

Now that you see how life changing studying abroad has been for us, I hope that this encourages to do anything out of your comfort zone. It takes a lot to get up and go, so this is your sign to just do it now!
Thank you!

So PLEASE go study abroad! <3

By: Karen Macias, Kendall Cason, Ava Thompson