Finding HolyPlaces in the Everyday Adventure: Family, Faith, and the Journey Home

The greatest adventures aren't always found at the trailhead or deep in the backcountry. Sometimes, they are found in the intentional, messy, beautiful gathering of a family—a day trip to a local spot, a birthday celebration, or even navigating the unexpected pause of quarantine.

For those of us who define ourselves by the open road, the annual field trip, or the promise of the next great gathering, the spirit of "adventure" is fundamentally about anticipation. It’s about looking forward—to the next state park, the next semester of world schooling, or the day we finally gather in a HolyPlace, together. This recent glimpse into the life of the Rietzsch family is a powerful reminder that the journey of faith and family is constant, regardless of the zip code.

The Field Trip at Scale: From Backyard to Antelope Island

The family's day trip to Antelope Island perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Rogue Adventurers. While many of us plan our annual overlanding trips to BLM lands or deep into national parks, they show us that the adventure mindset can be practiced right in your own backyard—or, in this case, a local natural wonder.

This isn't just a day out; it's a full-scale, family-on-the-road field trip. When you approach every outing with the intentionality of learning and gathering, every moment becomes rich with meaning. It’s the perfect time to bring out the tools of the trade: the decorated Currency Kids bills for a little ‘Holy Rogue Network’ souvenir, or maybe even setting out a few painted CRockyGo rocks at the overlook, leaving a little signpost of remembrance for the next wandering believer.

Gathering and Preparing for What Is To Come

What struck me most about this episode wasn't just the birthday cake or the puppy pickup, but the underlying theme of preparation. Whether they were decorating for the season, planning the next meal, or simply celebrating a milestone, everything felt intentional—a gathering of love, memories, and anticipation. This mirrors our own life as believers: we are constantly preparing for the gathering, for the ultimate homecoming.

This is the magic of the Rogue Adventurers: we take the practical mechanics of life—the road trip, the school semester, the family gathering—and overlay them with the deep, steady hope of the Gospel. We are always watching for the convergence points: the corner store, the local bakery, the scenic overlook, where we can pause and remember that we are part of something bigger than our current location. We are believers who are also travelers, and our journey teaches us to be present, resilient, and ready.

Beyond the Hookup: Building the Adventurer Life

The convergence of interests in this community is beautiful. We are the RV families planning the world schooling year, the climbers tackling a trad route in the backcountry, and the homeschool co-ops planning their first big trip beyond the county line. All of us are seeking the same things: meaningful experiences, deep community, and a constant reminder that we are moving toward a promised gathering.

We might not be at a National Park right now, but we are still preparing. We are gathering the resources—the memories, the faith, the community—that will sustain us until the day we can gather in a HolyPlace, literally and figuratively. Our journey, whether in a Skoolie, a van, or a borrowed tent, is always pointing us toward the promise of Christ’s return.

If your family is planning a field trip, or if you're looking for a local gathering point that embodies faith and adventure, we encourage you to get involved. Find a local meet-up, list a field trip, or claim a creator profile. Let's keep the faith journey moving forward, one decorated bill and one painted rock at a time. We are Adventurers, and we are always looking forward.