New Mexico: Dunes and Caverns

Admittedly, we've often treated New Mexico as a mere pass-through state. Hailing from a desert background, our initial perception was, "Oh great, more desert." However, I must correct that mindset. We set out to spend some real time in the “Land of Enchantment,” and I’m glad we did. New Mexico unveils stunning cliffs, rich Native American history, captivating starlit skies, and breathtaking sunsets. It is fair to note that most full timers we have met from the East Coast absolutely fell in love with New Mexico.

First Stop: White Sands National Park

Upon entering the National Park, make the visitor center your first pitstop for sled rentals, wax purchase, maps, and facilities. Driving into White Sands National Park creates a visual paradox as the sand mirrors the appearance of snow. Despite the bustling crowds, we found solace by parking and hiking to the dunes at the loop's end, immersing ourselves in a world that felt entirely different.

Sledding down the dunes was an absolute thrill, surpassing the speed at Monahans Sandhills State Park—perhaps a testament to the impact of wax. Trust me, get the wax!

Our photo collection from White Sands is unparalleled, making it a standout destination in all our travels. If you find yourself in the vicinity, it's an unmissable stop, perhaps one to put on your bucket list. We absolutely loved it!

Our Accommodation: White Sands Missile Range

Settled within the White Sands Missile Range, our revelation of lodging on military installations not only saved us a significant amount but also served as a dependable fallback when facing fully booked alternatives, such as during the peak winter season in Florida.

For a mere $15 per night, the base presented eight sites with full hookups, complemented by $10-per-night electric-only overflow spots. Clean, level, and situated by a park, these sites offered a pleasant stay, complete with the convenience of a laundry room and restrooms.

Exploring Beyond: White Sands Missile Range Museum

Don't miss a visit to the White Sands Missile Range, accessible to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM—plus, it's free! Ensure you have your Real ID for a visitor's pass and be ready for a brief five-minute walk from the visitor center to the museum.

Our time at the museum was thoroughly enjoyable, resulting in some fantastic photo opportunities.

Detour: Roswell

En route to our next destination, our daughter pleaded with us to make a pitstop in Roswell. In hindsight, it wasn't the wisest choice. The narrow streets, adorned with low-hanging tree limbs and wires, added stress to our journey, especially since we were still newcomers to the road. Additionally, the town's kitschy atmosphere didn't quite align with our preferences. Admittedly, we're not avid alien enthusiasts, but if that's your cup of tea, I'd love to hear your take on the town.

Final Stop: Carlsbad

No visit to New Mexico is complete without exploring the renowned Carlsbad Caverns. In my view, these caverns are an absolute must-see. A notable departure from Kartchner Caverns, Carlsbad is vast, attracting more tourists and somewhat less pristine, yet the sheer spectacle is awe-inspiring with its extensive wonders.

We chose to embrace a two-hour cave exploration on foot, opting for steps over elevators. The cavern permits photography, and we managed to capture some remarkable shots. This subterranean adventure ranks high among my husband's favorite road trip activities.

Tip: Don't forget to bring a flashlight for your cavern journey.

Where to Stay

Opting for boon-docking at Chosa, in a free dirt lot, proved crowded but surprisingly secure with the added convenience of a dumpster. The night skies dazzled with incredible stars, thanks to the absence of light pollution.

Where to Eat

Consider making a pitstop at Lucky Bull Bar and Grill; don't miss out on the chance to savor their delectable Poutine Fries!

Overall Experience

New Mexico marked a series of firsts for us—our initial stay on a military base, our first taste of boon-docking, and a genuine exploration of this captivating state. During a reflective walk, Scott and I acknowledged the goodness of God. He graciously fulfilled my heart's desires, allowing us to explore, embrace His creation, connect with new faces, and experience it all as a family.


Trusting God wasn't straightforward; it demanded selling all possessions, leaving the familiar including family and friends, and relinquishing any semblance of security. On this unique journey, I found that trusting God with nothing brings more peace, excitement, and fulfillment than trying to control everything and possess it all on my own. Seek Him earnestly, align your desires with His, and embrace the extraordinary journey He unfolds.

Bible Verse

Philipians 2:13 (AMPC)

13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while [b]effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and [c]delight.

Reflection

• Have you ever encountered the saying "God helps those who help themselves?" It's a phrase I strongly dislike, often wielded in a demeaning manner, particularly by entrepreneurs. It diminishes the greatness of God while elevating human effort, and, frankly, it's untrue. God extends aid to the helpless, grants hope to the hopeless, and empowers the weak—not based on our merits, but because of who He is.

• Upon surrendering to Christ, it is He who operates within us, fulfills our desires, and His delight in us is realized through our acceptance of Jesus.

• Our true labor isn't defined by worldly standards. It lies in cultivating our relationship with Him: delving into the Bible, earnest prayers, fellowship with like-minded souls, worship, and sharing His light with others. These aspects constitute the essence of a meaningful life.

• Ambitions, goals, and preparedness are not inherently wrong; in fact, they are God-given to bring glory to Him.

• If anxiety, stress, or fear cloud your pursuits, it's time to reassess your trust in God, for He has everything under control.

• In our Westernized culture, we often prioritize careers, sports, and activities, squeezing God into the margins. We have it backwards. Through our connection with God and devoted time, He illuminates our workplace, urging us to slow down, relish Him, appreciate the beauty around, and cherish the people He brings into our lives.

• I promise you, when you are in His will, He will always provide, it’s not on your shoulders. You have a Perfect Father who desires you to slow your role and spend time with Him. He will provide for you if you trust in Him. My friends, I beg you if you haven’t done so already to shift your priorities from worldly ones to heavenly ones, for this is true wisdom. My family has experienced this first hand. My desire for anyone who reads this is to take the huge, scary, incredible leap of faith.

• We ought to be vessels for the Holy Spirit to reside in and radiate through—echoing the sentiment of Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (ESV).

Prayer

Heavenly Father,


I seek Your guidance and provision, trusting in Your perfect plan. May I find joy in delighting in You, knowing that, in doing so, You will fulfill the desires of my heart. Let Your will be my priority, and grant me the faith to lean on Your unwavering promises.


In Jesus’ name Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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