From Broken Down to Blessed: A Faith-Filled Fall Adventure in Northern Indiana

Faith • Family • Adventure • Everyday Wonder

 God’s Perfect Timing

When we moved to Indiana a year ago, we didn’t know a soul. After three years of full-time travel and homeschooling, settling down felt exciting yet a little lonely.

Two months after meeting a wonderful family in town, we experienced God’s providence in a big way. 

While towing our trailer, we broke down nearly 100 miles from home on the side of the road. And that very same family — whom we had met just a couple months prior — came to our rescue.

Since then, they’ve become some of our dearest friends: fellow carnivores (although we fell off the wagon), lovers of simple living, proud Hoosiers, and kindred spirits who share a love of God, creation, homeschool and deep conversation.

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Double Date Through Northern Indiana Backroads

A few weeks ago, we set out on a double-date adventure — just the adults — through the backroads of northern Indiana to chase fall foliage. And to our surprise… we actually found hills!

We wound our way through golden fields, fiery trees, and lake after lake, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” – Psalm 19:1

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Freedom to Explore: A Homeschool Perspective

When we spontaneously got an invite for a family adventure to Hanging Rock and Salamonie River State Forest, we almost didn’t go. 

The kids had mountains of schoolwork before their Thursday in-person day.

But one of the best blessings of homeschooling is the freedom to explore God’s creation — especially on a Tuesday at 10 a.m.

And you know what? They didn’t finish all their schoolwork that week.

But it worked out, because we’re part of a community that understands the beauty of homeschooling — that learning doesn’t only happen at a desk. 

It happens on trails, under turning leaves, and while discovering God’s fingerprints in nature.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

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Hanging Rock Over the Wabash River

Our family adventure began at Hanging Rock, a sandstone bluff with breathtaking views of the Wabash River. 

A small sign warned the trail was closed, but we decided to keep going, in our defense, so did the Amish group ahead of us — and according to oral tradition, generations have traversed this rock before us.

Do you hear your parents’ voices echoing, “If everyone jumped off the cliff, would you jump too?” Well… we did. And it was amazing.

The climb reminded us of our bouldering days in Joshua Tree, and the view from the top — even though the leaves hadn’t fully changed — was stunning.

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S&S Bait & Tackle: Local Flavor

After our climb, we stopped at S&S Bait and Tackle, a charming little shop full of character. 

We bought some local summer sausage and apple butter because they are delicious on their own—and even better together.

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Salamonie River State Forest & Kissing Falls

The highlight of the day was hiking Kissing Falls in Salamonie River State Forest.  It reminded us of topography you would find in Kentucky or East Tennessee. 

Despite the slippery mud, we all made it to the top — muddy boots, fear conquering, and plenty of conversation.

Our friends were excellent guides, teaching us how to spot Indiana’s state tree, the tulip poplar, and pawpaw trees along the trail. We even discovered old stone foundations — quiet reminders of lives long past.

“Creation is the first missionary. It speaks of God before we ever say a word.” – John 

 

At the Salamonie River, the stairs were open for a final descent. My son found tangled fishing line on the rocks and fashioned his own rod from a stick and a piece of a Coke can — no luck catching fish, but plenty of fun trying.

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Fireside Fellowship & Gratitude

We ended the day gathered around a fire, enjoying a makeshift dinner, good conversation, and fellowship that lingered long after the flames died down.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart, but never without God.

From breaking down on the road to breaking bread by the fire, God’s hand has been in every detail.

This family — who helped us when we were stranded — has become part of our story, part of the reason Indiana now feels like home.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

With friends like these, every trail becomes sacred ground, and every backroad leads you closer to God.

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Your Turn

• Have you discovered a favorite fall spot in Indiana? Or a family adventure that reminded you to slow down and enjoy God’s creation? Share your story in the comments!

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