- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
A Nebraska road trip reminded us that God often meets us through ordinary people, unexpected conversations, and a simple change in perspective.
Some states leave you with unforgettable landmarks. Others leave you with unforgettable people.
After leaving Iowa, we headed west toward Nebraska after driving some of the roughest roads we've experienced since Alaska. What should have been an ordinary travel day turned into a long eight hours of bouncing down the highway.
Thankfully, we had Unoffendable by Brant Hansen playing through Audible. One thought from the book kept coming back to me:
so much of our peace comes from the perspective we choose.
Ironically, once we crossed into Nebraska, the roads smoothed out. It felt like a fitting reminder that rough stretches don't last forever.
By the end of our time in Nebraska, I realized God had been teaching me that lesson all along.
JB Acres: More Than Just a Place to Stay
Our first stop was JB Acres near Lincoln, Nebraska.
As soon as we arrived, Joel came out to greet us and helped us back into our campsite. After a long day on the road and temperatures climbing, being able to plug into 50-amp power for just $40 felt like such a blessing.
Once we settled in, I made chicken tacos for dinner before Joel gave us a tour of the farm.
We fed alpacas, petted llamas, and even got to take the alpacas for a walk.
I think my son's favorite part was leading one around the property. He'd probably be embarrassed if I admitted this, but watching him made me think of how much he loved stuffed animals when he was little.
Honestly, walking an alpaca is about as close as you can get to walking a giant stuffed animal.
Before calling it a night, we wandered through the farm store filled with beautiful alpaca products and handcrafted items made by Indigenous artisans.
We slept comfortably with power, and the next morning we were back on the road feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.
A Lavender Farm With a Beautiful Story
About five and a half hours later, we arrived at our second Harvest Hosts stay: Our Lavender Co. near Big Springs, Nebraska.
The drive there was smooth, even the last couple of miles down a dirt road. Soon after arriving, we met another Harvest Hosts couple from South Dakota who were also veterans before spending time talking with Nicole, one of the owners.
As we talked, she shared the story behind the farm.
What began as a simple lavender field actually grew out of one of the hardest seasons of her life.
After the birth of her second child, Nicole's sister experienced postpartum depression.
She shared how God used something as simple as gardening to begin restoring her joy.
In the spring of 2018, she started gardening again, and through growing flowers, God began bringing her back to life.
One year later, Nicole, her mom, and her sister convinced her dad to let them plant five acres of lavender on their family farm.
Today, that small beginning has grown into a thriving family business that welcomes visitors from across the country.
Hearing her story while standing among rows of blooming lavender made the farm even more beautiful. It wasn't just a field of flowers.
It was a testimony of God's faithfulness through difficult seasons.
Before long, our conversation turned to our shared faith, and it was one of those moments that reminds you your family in Christ can be found almost anywhere.
We wandered through the lavender fields, explored their geothermal greenhouse, and enjoyed the peacefulness of the farm.
The next morning, before heading toward Colorado, we were sent off with fresh homemade cinnamon rolls waiting for us in their beautiful small-batch store.
It was such a thoughtful way to end our stay.
Why We Love Harvest Hosts
One of the things we've grown to love most about Harvest Hosts is the variety.
Most people immediately think of wineries, but as a family in recovery, we've found ourselves choosing farms, museums, churches, and unique small businesses instead.
What we love most is that every stop tells a story.
We've been able to:
Support local families and small businesses
Experience places we never would have found otherwise
Give our kids unique memories
Meet people who often start as strangers but leave feeling like friends
These stays have reminded us that travel isn't just about the places we visit. It's about the people God places along our path.
Choosing a Different Kind of Joy
People sometimes ask why I don't drink when alcohol was never my struggle.
The answer is simple.
Supporting my husband is certainly a big part of it, but my decision isn't rooted in fear. It's rooted in gratitude for what God has done.
After watching Him restore what alcohol nearly stole from our family, I have no desire to invite it back into our story.
I don't feel like I'm missing out because I've discovered something better.
Choosing not to drink has created more space for the things that matter most: our faith, our family, and the memories God is allowing us to create together.
Some of our favorite moments have been feeding alpacas, wandering through lavender fields, sitting around campfires, watching sunsets, and sharing conversations with people who began as strangers but left feeling like friends.
The Lesson God Taught Me in Nebraska
As we drove across Nebraska listening to Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen, one quote stayed with me:
"Being offended is a tiring business. Letting things go gives you energy."
The more I thought about it, the more I realized how easy it is to focus on the rough roads instead of the unexpected blessings.
I could remember the trip to Nebraska for the endless bumps in the road.
Or I could remember Joel's warm welcome after a long day of driving, my son laughing as he walked an alpaca, homemade cinnamon rolls on a quiet morning, and conversations about Jesus in the middle of a lavender field.
Perspective changes everything.
When we choose to let go of resentment, frustration, and the little inconveniences that steal our attention, we begin to notice how faithfully God has been caring for us all along.
His kindness often arrives through ordinary people who open a gate, share their story, lend a helping hand, or simply make us feel welcome.
Looking back, I don't think Nebraska will be one of the states we remember most for its scenery.
We'll remember it for the people.
Because long after the miles fade together, it's often the people God places along the road who leave the deepest impression.
Travel Notes
📍 JB Acres
Lincoln, Nebraska
Harvest Hosts stay
📍 Our Lavender Co.
Big Springs, Nebraska
Harvest Hosts stay
🚐 Length of stay: One night at each location
⭐ Favorite memories: Walking alpacas, exploring lavender fields, sharing conversations about faith, and experiencing the kindness of strangers.
💡 Travel Tip: Make sure to fill up with water and fuel for your generator on the way! Harvest Hosting is often boon-docking.
Scripture
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
— Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV)
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the countless ways You show us Your kindness through ordinary people.
So often we allow frustration, resentment, or unmet expectations to shape the way we see the world. Forgive us for the times we hold on to offenses instead of remembering the grace You have so freely given us.
Help us remember that we, too, are recipients of undeserved grace. May the forgiveness we've received in Christ shape the way we forgive others.
Teach us to be people who forgive quickly, love generously, and reflect the heart of Christ in our words and actions.
Open our eyes to the evidence of Your goodness all around us. May we never become so focused on life's rough roads that we miss the blessings You place along our path.
May our lives point our children...and everyone we meet...to the lasting hope and joy that are found in You alone.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
I'd Love to Hear From You
Have you ever traveled somewhere expecting very little, only to discover God had something special waiting there?
I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.
If you enjoy reading about faith, full-time RV living, and the unexpected ways God meets us on the road, I'd love to have you join us.
Subscribe here so you never miss another adventure as we continue rolling with faith and discovering God's faithfulness one stop at a time.
Comments
Post a Comment
I would love to here from you!