Following the Way: A Journey of Trust in Sierra Leone

There are few places on earth that feel as profoundly *other* as the moment you step off a plane and realize you are truly somewhere new. Whether you’re navigating the dispersed camping fields of the BLM, tackling a multi-day thru-hike through the Sierra, or setting up camp in a foreign country, the initial journey is always a mix of breathless anticipation and utter chaos.

The story of arriving in Sierra Leone is a masterclass in navigating the unexpected. It’s a reminder that even when the plan falls apart—when the hovercraft catches fire, or the crowd surges with unpredictable energy—the only thing that truly matters is who you trust, and where your focus remains.

The Way Forward: Trusting the Guidance

The transcript details the immediate, overwhelming sensory input of arriving at Lungi airport—a place where logistics are a puzzle, and every person seems to have a service to sell. The group, moving through the initial hurdles, faced a genuine test of direction. In the face of a chaotic, surging crowd, the advice to trust a companion and follow a clear path became paramount. This is the kind of real-world, high-stakes guidance that makes for incredible field trips—whether you’re taking a deep dive into local history in a European town or simply following a trail guide through the backcountry of a national park.

The Promise of Gathering

What struck me most about this journey was the sense of inevitable gathering. Despite the confusion, the chaos, and the logistical hurdles, there was a clear, defined destination—a mission president waiting to guide them to the next stage. It’s a beautiful metaphor for the life of the Rogue Adventurer: we are all on a road trip, moving toward a specific, glorious convergence. The journey might feel overwhelming, but the destination—the gathering—is always waiting.

For those of us who are planning a major family trip, whether it's a month-long overlanding excursion in the Southwest or a week-long world schooling adventure, these moments of forced reliance on others are what shape the story. They teach us that preparation isn't just about the right 30-amp hookup or the perfect vehicle; it’s about the spiritual preparation to trust the guidance you are given.

Leaving Your Own Waypoints

Every adventurer needs waypoints. For the outdoor enthusiast, it might be a perfect overlook or a trail marker. For the Rogue Adventurers, we have two ways of marking the path and uplifting the journey:

• CrockyGo Stones: These painted rocks are perfect for any roadside stop, trail, or overlook. They are physical markers of remembrance, a quiet way to leave encouragement for the next traveler, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey.
• Decorated Currency Kids Bills: Every dollar spent at a local vendor—a bakery like Proof Breads, a gift shop, or a local tanner—is a chance to leave a small, traveling message. These bills become little gospel tracts, supporting the local economy while spreading encouragement along the way.

Your Next Adventure Angel Awaits

This convergence of faith, family, and the open road is what makes our community so rich. We are always planning the next great field trip at scale: a rock climbing meet-up in the Tetons, a deep dive into local culture, or a simple, blessed gathering around a campfire after a day of dispersed camping.

Whether you’re planning your first big road school trip, or you’re an experienced overlander looking for a new stretch of BLM land, the next chapter of your journey is waiting to be written. We want to hear about your path, your destination, and the angels who guided you there.

Ready to plan your next gathering? Find a local meet-up, list a field trip, or claim a creator profile to share your epic story with the community. We are always moving toward the promise of coming home together.