By Ariel
“Hold my Bible and goggles—I think I just found a way to travel through time!” I whispered, practically bouncing with excitement.
Alice blinked twice. “Wait… does that mean we’re gonna meet real explorers? Like ones who eat bugs and ride camels and sail ships with maps made of sea monsters?!”
Exactly.
We had barely finished taping our “Adventurer Badges” to our backpacks (mine said Faith-Fueled Fact Finder and Alice’s said Snack Captain + Map Spinner) when Mr. Fluffernutter squeaked, “Coordinates confirmed!”—which totally means he approved our idea, because even stuffed bunnies know when you’re on a God-sized mission.
That’s how our day began: with a whoosh of imaginary wind, a swirl of paper journals, and a whole lot of “What if God wrote bravery into every explorer’s story?” kind of thinking.
Our destination?
A journey to meet some of the most amazing women in history—the ones who climbed mountains, crossed deserts, charted seas, and trusted God with every uncertain step. Women who didn’t wait for permission. They packed faith and courage and went anyway.
We met Sacagawea carrying a baby while helping Lewis and Clark understand the land. We spotted Junko Tabei scaling Mount Everest—like, way up where even prayers probably echo longer! We watched Nellie Bly speed around the world without a smartphone (how?!), and Isabella Bird snap notes about volcanoes with a pen and a fearless grin.
Everywhere we “went,” we saw faith in motion. Adventure wasn’t just about discovering new lands—it was about discovering strength inside themselves, too. I kept thinking of Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
That verse? It’s like the secret compass hidden in every brave woman’s pocket.
So whether you’re climbing your first tree, solving a math problem, or praying about something big—you’re already on your own expedition. And trust me, God is the best trail guide.
Ready to time-travel with us and celebrate some world-changing women?
Let’s zip up our faith packs and go!
🐊 Mary Kingsley: A Brave Explorer of West Africa
Guess what I learned today? There once lived a woman who journeyed through the heart of West Africa in the 1800s—with only a canoe, a journal, and a whole lot of courage! Her name was Mary Kingsley, and her faith-fueled curiosity led her deep into lands that were, at the time, uncharted by Europeans.
🌍 Her Adventures Through the Unknown
Mary didn’t just travel—she explored. Like, really explored. She paddled her canoe through wild, twisting rivers (some full of crocodiles!), climbed rugged, remote mountains, and entered places that made even the bravest adventurers nervous.
But here’s what made her truly amazing: She didn’t go to change the people she met. She went to learn from them.
She wrote about West African cultures, farming methods, and vibrant traditions in such respectful detail that her books became treasured time capsules of knowledge.
“I think God gives us ears to listen before He gives us words to speak.”
— A thought I had while reading about Mary’s travels
💫 Why Mary Kingsley Still Inspires Today
Most explorers back then tried to bring their own rules into new places—but Mary? She honored the wisdom of the people she met. She saw beauty in their ways and believed the world needed to understand Africa with open hearts and open minds.
Her writing helped others see the value in cultures they didn’t understand—and that takes real bravery. Kind of like standing up for someone when others stay silent.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
🤯 Fun Fact: Crocodile Showdown!
One time, a real live crocodile lunged toward her canoe. Mary? She didn’t scream. She didn’t panic. She calmly used her paddle to guide herself away, like it was just another Tuesday. Talk about bravery in action!
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What would you do if you saw a crocodile? 🐊
- Can you think of a time when listening helped you learn something new?
- How do you show respect for people who are different from you?
💚 Mary Kingsley reminds us that discovery isn’t just about finding new places—it’s about opening our hearts to God’s creativity in every culture.
🏔️ Sacagawea: A Young Mom Who Led Through the Wilderness
Guess what? History has its own version of superheroes—and one of them carried a baby on her back while helping explorers cross wild, untamed land! Her name was Sacagawea, a courageous Shoshone woman who helped guide the famous Lewis and Clark expedition across what is now the western United States in the early 1800s.
🌿 Her Role in the Journey
Imagine hiking for months across mountains, rivers, and plains—with no GPS, no snacks, and no paved trails—and still knowing exactly where to go and how to survive. That was Sacagawea.
She served as a guide and translator, helping the explorers:
- Navigate unfamiliar terrain
- Find edible plants for survival
- Build peaceful connections with Native American tribes
Her deep knowledge of the land made her indispensable to the success of the expedition.
“God can use anyone—no matter their age or challenges—to lead others through unknown places.”
—Ariel’s journal thought 💡
💪 Why Sacagawea Is So Inspiring
Sacagawea faced tough conditions—harsh weather, physical hardship, and constant travel. And she did it all while carrying her baby boy! Her strength wasn’t just physical—it came from within. She stayed calm, wise, and focused while others might have given up.
She reminds me of this powerful verse:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
— Proverbs 31:25
Even without loud words or fancy maps, Sacagawea led with quiet determination. Her calm presence and thoughtful decisions made all the difference on the journey.
👶 Fun Fact: Her Baby Helped Keep the Peace!
One of the most amazing things? Her baby didn’t slow the group down—he helped protect them! Why?
In those days, if a group had women and children, it usually meant they were not there to fight. So when other tribes saw Sacagawea holding her baby, it was a sign of peace.
That one act of motherhood helped:
- Ease fear and tension with other communities
- Open doors to friendship and trade
- Keep the journey safe and full of learning instead of conflict
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- How do you think it felt for Sacagawea to be both a mom and a leader?
- Can you think of a time when staying calm helped solve a tough situation?
- What are some “gifts” God has given you that help others?
💚 Sometimes the quietest leaders make the loudest impact—and God can use every part of your journey, even the hard parts, for something good.
🐎 Isabella Bird: The Victorian Adventurer Who Rode Past Every Limit
Can you imagine a woman in the 1800s climbing volcanoes, crossing wild mountains on horseback, and writing books so vivid you could feel the snow in your boots? That’s Isabella Bird—one of the boldest, kindest, and most faith-rooted explorers I’ve ever read about.
She didn’t just travel—she galloped past every rule her world said she couldn’t break.
🌋 Her Daring Explorations Around the World
Isabella lived during a time when most women were expected to stay home and sip tea—but God placed a spirit of adventure in her heart that simply wouldn’t sit still.
Here are just a few places her courage carried her:
- 🌴 She hiked up volcanoes in Hawaii, feeling the heat of lava plains underfoot.
- 🏔️ She rode horseback across the Rocky Mountains, describing the golden meadows and snow-capped peaks like a poet with a compass.
- 🕉️ She ventured into Tibet, learning from a culture few outsiders had seen.
Her journals weren’t just travel diaries—they were portals. Readers felt like they were with her, riding into clouds or discovering new kinds of kindness in every land.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
Isabella saw the whole world as a canvas of God’s glory.
📚 Why Isabella Bird Still Inspires So Many
Even though society told her “no,” Isabella followed a bigger “yes” from within.
Her passion for exploring didn’t just open roads—it opened hearts and minds. Through her books and lectures, she brought the beauty of the world into the hands of people who never got to leave their hometowns. She showed them that God’s creation was wider, deeper, and more breathtaking than they had ever imagined.
“You don’t have to go far to explore. You just need a heart ready to see what God made.”
— A note from Ariel’s explorer journal
💛 Fun Fact: Her Favorite Day Ever!
Isabella once said her horseback ride through the Rockies was “the happiest day of my life.” She felt completely at home among the mountains and meadows, trusting each turn in the trail like a prayer with reins.
That joy? It didn’t come from having everything planned. It came from following wonder—and trusting that God would guide each step.
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What would your happiest adventure day look like?
- Have you ever felt God calling you to do something brave or different?
- How can we honor God by exploring, learning, and listening like Isabella did?
💚 Isabella Bird reminds us that true adventure begins when we follow God’s voice—even if it leads us beyond what others expect.
🏔️ Junko Tabei: The First Woman to Conquer Mount Everest
Do you know who climbed all the way to the top of the world—literally—with a heart full of courage and a mission to prove that women belong on every mountain? Her name was Junko Tabei, and in 1975, she became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest!
That’s 29,032 feet above sea level—higher than the clouds, where the air is thin, the ice is slippery, and every breath is a prayer.
🌍 Her Record-Breaking Achievements
Junko didn’t stop with Everest. She also became the first woman to climb the Seven Summits, which means she scaled the tallest mountain on every continent!
Her journey took her across:
- 🗻 Asia: Mount Everest (Nepal)
- 🏔️ South America: Aconcagua (Argentina)
- ❄️ Antarctica: Mount Vinson
- 🌋 Africa: Kilimanjaro
- And more—each one a challenge, each one a triumph!
She inspired so many women and girls to believe, “If Junko can do this, maybe I can too.” 🌟
“With God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
This verse feels like Junko’s life motto—because she climbed with strength and faith, step by step.
💪 Why Junko Still Inspires Me Today
Junko didn’t just climb mountains—she moved them.
She broke through the idea that women weren’t strong enough for mountaineering. She proved that perseverance, leadership, and passion matter way more than anyone else’s doubts.
Her motto with her climbing group—the Ladies Climbing Club—was:
“Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves.”
That’s not just a slogan—it’s a declaration of courage, teamwork, and independence. 💖
She showed the world that women could support each other, train hard, and achieve greatness—together.
“Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
— 2 Chronicles 15:7
Junko didn’t climb for fame. She climbed because she believed every woman had a right to pursue her calling—and that is seriously faith-filled bravery.
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What is the biggest “mountain” you’ve ever had to face?
- Have you ever felt like someone doubted you—and how did you respond with courage?
- What goal would you climb toward if you knew God was walking with you?
💚 Junko Tabei reminds us that no dream is too high and no climb is too steep when you trust God’s strength more than your own.
🌎 Jeanne Baret: The First Woman to Sail Around the World
Have you ever wanted to explore the world so badly that you’d do something wildly brave just to be part of the adventure? Well, that’s exactly what Jeanne Baret did in the 1700s—when she became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe!
Only… she had to disguise herself as a man to do it. Yep. Back then, women weren’t allowed on scientific sea voyages, but Jeanne didn’t let that stop her from chasing her dream of exploring God’s green, leafy creation.
🌿 Her Secret Mission for Science
Jeanne joined a French expedition as a botanist, someone who studies plants. Imagine sailing to distant islands, discovering flowers no one back home had ever seen, and carefully collecting them in journals and pressed books.
She identified hundreds of plants, many of which are still studied by scientists today—like the beautiful bougainvillea. Her notes were so detailed and respectful that she helped future generations understand how plants grow, thrive, and can be used for healing and beauty.
“Consider the lilies, how they grow…”
— Luke 12:27
Jeanne studied God’s creation like it was a living treasure map—each leaf a clue in the garden of discovery.
🧭 Why Jeanne Still Inspires Explorers and Scientists Today
Jeanne didn’t have a famous title or a cheering crowd. She had something stronger: a quiet determination, a deep love for learning, and a bold heart for exploration—even when no one else thought she belonged.
She broke the rules not to cause trouble, but because God gave her a calling, and she followed it with courage. Even when the risk of being discovered could have ended her journey, she kept going—for science, for truth, for beauty.
“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:23
Jeanne didn’t wait for permission to make history. She just stepped into it—one plant at a time.
🌺 Fun Fact: A Flower in Her Name
Today, you can still find bougainvillea blooming in gardens around the world—bright pink, purple, and coral colors climbing fences and walls. Jeanne was the first to document it for European science, turning a tropical blossom into a legacy of faith, beauty, and bravery.
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- If you could sail anywhere in the world to study something, where would you go?
- What’s one part of nature that makes you feel closest to God?
- Have you ever had to stand up for something you believed in—even when it was hard?
💚 Jeanne Baret reminds us that discovery doesn’t always look loud or flashy—it can start with a question, a leaf, and a heart ready to learn.
🧭 Create Your Own Explorer Timeline!
Feeling inspired by these amazing women explorers? 🎒 Ready to grab your journal, sketchbook, or homeschool binder and start your own learning adventure? Here are two super fun and faith-friendly activities that bring their journeys to life—and yours too!
🗓️ Explorer Timeline: Track the Steps of History
Let’s chart the path of women in history who made their mark on the world through bravery, wisdom, and faith-fueled determination.
Make a colorful timeline using paper, markers, or even sticky notes! You can include:
- 🏔️ 1975 – Junko Tabei climbs Mount Everest
- 🌿 1700s – Jeanne Baret sails around the globe collecting plants
- 🐊 1800s – Mary Kingsley records West African culture and fends off a crocodile
- 👶 Early 1800s – Sacagawea guides the Lewis and Clark expedition
- 🐎 1870s – Isabella Bird rides through the Rocky Mountains
📣 Add quotes, doodles, or even Scripture verses beside each moment. You could write:
“God gave her courage to climb high.”
“She explored the earth like it was God’s garden.”
“With faith and grit, she changed the world.”
🖍️ Try taping the timeline across a wall or door for a colorful walk-through history!
🧳 Adventure Passport: Travel the World with Imagination
Design your very own Explorer Passport! Include:
- 📍 A map with travel stamps for places like:
- West Africa (Mary Kingsley)
- Mount Everest (Junko Tabei)
- The Rocky Mountains (Isabella Bird)
- The Missouri River (Sacagawea)
- Tropical islands (Jeanne Baret)
- ✏️ A section to write what you’d want to learn, explore, or pray about in each place
- 🎨 A mini flag, flower, or explorer badge for each stop
💡 Ariel Tip: “Use scrapbook stickers, washi tape, or even paper cutouts to make your passport feel extra real!”
🐰 Alice’s Mini Mission: Mr. Fluffernutter’s Faith-Fueled Travels
Guess what? Alice made an official adventure passport for Mr. Fluffernutter—with bunny-sized climbing gear (tiny boots, tiny compass, even a snack pouch for imaginary carrots!). She said he was preparing to scale Mount Everest… and then stop by West Africa for tea with Mary Kingsley.
We had a long talk about what explorers really pack: sturdy boots, weatherproof clothes, journals, maps, and sometimes even Bibles. Because when you’re heading into the unknown, you want to carry faith and preparation in your backpack.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
— Proverbs 16:3
That’s true for explorers, too!
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What would you pack in your explorer bag?
- Which woman explorer do you admire most—and why?
- How can you be brave in your own life, even if you’re not climbing mountains (yet!)?
💚 God made this world full of wonders—across oceans, up mountains, inside jungles, and deep within you. So keep exploring, keep learning, and always carry courage and kindness with you.
💡 What These Women Explorers Teach Us Today
You know what’s wild and wonderful? The idea that exploration isn’t just about climbing mountains or crossing deserts—it’s about growing your heart, stretching your mind, and trusting God to lead you into the unknown. 🌍
These incredible women explorers in history didn’t just travel far—they thought deeper, stood taller, and listened better. Each one showed us that real adventure begins when we’re brave enough to follow the path God puts in front of us—even if it’s rocky, risky, or totally unexpected.
🧭 More Than a Map and Compass
Whether it was:
- 🌊 Navigating winding rivers (like Mary Kingsley)
- 🏔️ Scaling snow-covered peaks (like Junko Tabei)
- 🌿 Documenting wild plants (like Jeanne Baret)
- 🤝 Bringing peace while carrying a baby (like Sacagawea)
- 🐎 Riding solo through the Rockies (like Isabella Bird)
They all taught us that adventure is so much more than a physical journey.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
— Psalm 37:23
That means our boldest steps—into science, creativity, compassion, and courage—are still part of His plan.
🌱 Adventure Is About Becoming
These women weren’t just travelers. They were:
- Truth seekers
- Story sharers
- Barrier breakers
- Joy builders
- Faith walkers
Their legacy isn’t only about where they went—it’s about who they became along the way… and who they inspire us to become, too.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
— Proverbs 31:26
💬 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What kind of adventure is God calling you into right now?
- Is there something new you want to explore—like a skill, a story, or a part of God’s creation?
- How can you use your courage to help someone else take a first step?
💚 You don’t need hiking boots to be an explorer. All you need is a heart ready to learn, eyes open to wonder, and a faith that believes God made you for big, beautiful journeys—inside and out.
💌 Your Turn! Let’s Talk Exploration
Okay, brave explorer—it’s your time to shine! 🌟
Have you discovered a favorite explorer from history? Maybe one of the women we learned about today made you think, “Wait, I could do something big like that too!”
Or maybe you’ve already gone on a mini-adventure—like hiking through the woods, planting a garden, or learning about faraway places from your kitchen table.
🗺️ What’s on Your Explorer Timeline?
What would you add to your adventure passport?
Where does your curiosity want to travel?
- Would you hike with Junko across a snowy trail?
- Collect plants like Jeanne?
- Ride horseback with Isabella through the Rockies?
- Or maybe explore your own neighborhood like it’s a brand-new map waiting for footprints!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
— Matthew 7:7
Adventure often begins with a question and a little faith.
💚 Until next time… stay curious, keep discovering, and trust that every journey—big or small—is part of God’s amazing story for your life.
With explorer hugs and trail mix prayers,
Ariel 🧭💫
