Greetings and a warm hello. My name is Laeola Joy. I have been in the travel business since January of 2007. I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Those I’ve met along the way have been saying for many years that I should blog about the passion I have for Travel and Photography. I’ve also had the desire to start a blog for the past 10 years with the goal to share the love I have for Travel and Photography. There have also been requests for a book to be written about my life. It appears several more chapters will be added in addition to the adventure continuing to unfold, therefore the book will have to wait.
First and foremost, my number passion is Jesus Christ. My Heavenly Father is my first love. He created each one of us for a specific purpose and plan. He is the author of my life story. It is important to me to share what Jesus has done for you and for me. My prayer is others will see the light of Jesus in me and their lives will be touched in a meaningful and eternal way.
At this point, I’ve traveled extensively, visiting over 25 countries around the world. Looking forward, Lord willing, to many more. There is nothing like traveling to and experiencing a destination in real life, seeing it through your own eyes. It is a Joy for me to assist travelers in researching, coordinating and booking travel. Each vacation I arrange for travelers is important as my own.
In 2011, due to a surprising and completely unexpected event in my life, one which I could have never imagined ahead of time, I jumped right in, full speed ahead and agreed to move to Austria. It was the riskiest move I had ever made in my life. I gave up a comfortable secure life in America, life as I had always known, gave most everything I had in material possessions in this world away, saving only sentimental items in storage, packed up my belongings and began an unknown journey to another land having to quickly learn a new language. Family and friends stated with firmness they would never be able to do this themselves. The risk, adventure, the unknown was too great. I have been called a Dreamer on many occasions in my life. I have always believed anything is possible!
I moved to a farming village in a large open valley in Austria surrounded by foothills and majestic mountains, green pastures and breathtaking views. Wildflowers splendidly growing in large open fields, lakes, rivers running through, church bells ringing and cow bells too. In the beginning it really did seem like a Dream Come True. I believed; finally, True Love, humanly speaking, would now be a major part of my life. What happened next, I did not see coming or could have been further from what I thought was up ahead. Both literally and figuratively I lived through and experienced walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Psalm 23 became real and so very precious to me. I learned just how loving my Shepherd is. He always loves, cares, protects, supports, defends and provides. Christ Jesus is forevermore faithfully by my side. Truly, the very best of all tour guides.
It is a special privilege to share my story and to have you here to come along with me for the next chapters on this beautiful, yet often heartbreakingly painful journey called life.
Many Blessings,
Laeola Joy
