Where Relationships Outweigh Miles: Joshua’s Story

You know that feeling when you’re standing in an airport, waiting to board, and your bag tells more stories than your itinerary ever could?

Joshua knows that feeling well. And his story is a reminder that the most meaningful journeys aren’t measured in distance, but in relationships.

Joshua travels the world doing mission work. Each country looks different. Each season carries its own purpose. But the heartbeat is always the same: people.

In Costa Rica, he partnered with an organization building homes for families who needed them most.

In Haiti, his time was spent serving in mobile medical clinics and supporting pastors and their churches.

In Uganda, he stepped into everyday life at a 150-child orphanage, bringing students along to experience the beauty and responsibility of presence.

Indonesia meant seven weeks at a Christian college, pouring into students, traveling into local communities, and building relationships that stretched far beyond the classroom.

Most recently, in the Philippines, he spent time with a church and hundreds of young people, encouraging them, loving them, and yes, playing a lot of basketball.

But when Joshua looks at his Wander Club tokens, he doesn’t see projects.

He sees people.

“The special moments for me with my tokens are when I am in airports or hotels and I look at my bag and see them hanging there. I love looking at all the places I have been and reminiscing on the relationships I have built around the world.”

Each token holds more than a country name.

“When I look at a token saying Indonesia, I see people, places, food, buses, planes, and so many relationships that are so connected. The tokens in my mind are more special because of what they represent than the actual product. Great product for sure — don’t get me wrong — but it’s what they stand for.”

Along the way, something powerful has taken root.

His collection doesn’t just remind him where he’s been. It reminds him who he’s met. Who he’s served. Who has shaped him.

“The Wander Club truly helps me keep those core memories intact. It encourages me to continue to wander. And ultimately keeps me a ‘Wanderer on a mission.’”

In the end, Joshua’s story isn’t about how many countries hang from his bag.

It’s about the conversations.
The shared meals.
The basketball games.
The prayers.
The homes built.
The lives intertwined.

Joshua, thank you for reminding us that wandering is not about collecting places. It’s about investing in people.

Do you have a story behind your Wander Club collection that marks a season of your life?

We would love to hear it! Share your journey with us on social @thewanderclub or email hi@thewanderclub.com for a chance to be featured as our next Wanderer of the Week.