Shannon Abroad: Israel and Greece
Since her daydreams in high school, Shannon has visited several different countries, including Australia , Fiji , and most recently, a trip planned by her mother to see the sights in Greece , Turkey , and Israel .
ìI never in the past five years have heard her say, ìI want to go on a tripî besides this Israel trip,î Huett says. ìWhich made it really cool, that it was her that picked this one.î
For 13 days, Shannon and her mom, Sharon, traveled the same roads that Christ and his apostles once walked. They explored Ephesus , and realized just how long it must have taken Paul to walk there to preach to the Ephesians. They splashed in the Dead Sea, explored the Temple Mount , and day-tripped across Israel with a group of 75 others.
ìIt was a very good experience,î she says. ìAnd I think that some people were having like religious experiences and revelations and stuff. But for me, I was just soaking it in: Okay, this is what is about. I would definitely go back.î
There are few places she wouldn't like to explore. (Well, perhaps not Russia , as Shannon freely admits she enjoys warmer locales.)
Traveling abroad has broadened Huett's expectations. She has no fear about setting of to explore a foreign city on her own. Stopping for a few days to explore a new place, even if it wasn't on the original itinerary: No problem.
When the opportunity to visit Fiji for a few days appeared, there was really no choice. It was stop at a tropical island and relax or regret that she didn't do it for the rest of her life.
ìIt was really good, except Fiji was a little different,î Shannon recalls. ìThe mainland, it was definitely Third-World country. You actually had to travel to a Hilton island to see the beautiful postcard landscape. We took a 30-minute boat ride to an island, and it was just backpackers and freeloaders and people like us. Which made us feel really at home.î
Next up: Spain . Plans to visit an international student at her home were put on hold when Shannon's mom decided they should visit Israel . But next summer, Shannon hopes to be exploring yet another part of the world. Then, if all goes as planned, she will finish her master's in business administration and join the Peace Corps.
Does she care where she ends up?
ìNot really. Just somewhere warm.î