The Desert Awaits

As newlyweds, Thomas and I decided to spend three months working and traveling around Arizona. Only four months into marriage, the desert became our landscape of transition—full of unexpected events, beautiful moments, and quiet lessons.

In the Bible, the desert represents transition, encounter, judgment, and renewal, and this trip held each of those elements in its own way. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wander for forty years, but we did find ourselves sleeping off the land, continually seeking new adventures, and experiencing countless encounters with the Lord’s stunning creation. I hope it doesn’t sound like this trip was a hardship; while hard things happened, each moment was met with smiles, problem-solving, and a closeness that pulled Thomas and me into this season of early marriage.

Here’s What Happened—

We spent most of our months in the mountain town of Show Low, a place that is somehow half desert and half pine forest. Strange, I know. It felt like a blend of an old Western and modern small-town life. Our nights were filled with trying new restaurants (all American food), rock climbing, playing pool, and exploring the area.

One thing I noticed again and again was the kindness of the people. As an introvert, encounters can sometimes feel intimidating, and I often worry conversations might linger too long. But every person I met showed interest without overwhelming me. Coffee shop workers, trail wanderers, and church members all made me feel welcome in a way that surprised me.

After a few weeks, Thomas and I took our first side trip to Sedona. The original plan was Yosemite (too cold), then Red Rock Canyon in Nevada (the van engine had other plans). Thankfully, Thomas’ friend Chaim, who also built a van, came to the rescue and drove us the three hours from Show Low to Sedona. We camped for four nights on dispersed land, waking each morning to the red mountains that cradle Sedona.

We rock climbed, ate good food, and lived fully in the moment. Mornings were spent cooking warm meals; nights were filled with games or guitar under abnormally clear stars. There was one moment of panic when a rock-climbing adventure stretched later than expected and into the dark, but family was nearby, and God provided the light and guidance Thomas and Chaim needed to find their way back safely.

Halloween passed, and the trees around Show Low began glowing with golden leaves, a perfect contrast to the brisk air. After more hikes and wandering, we slowly built a list of our favorite spots around town:

Coffee: The Depot

Bakery: Baked In Pinetop

Dinner: The House / Red Barn Creamery

Pool: Rocky’s Cocktail Lounge

Lunch: The Italian Lady

Drinks: Wine Mountains

We didn’t get to try everything, but these were the places we returned to again and again.

Being able to take this journey at the beginning of a new season in my life is something I now recommend to everyone. Stepping into a new environment, navigating unfamiliar situations, and surrounding yourself with new people lets you see how you’ve grown, and gets you excited about what lies ahead. Every moment in life, whether hard or joyful, holds something to learn. And it certainly helps to see some mountains along the way.

Thank you, desert, for what you taught me.