Welcome to Coffee + Camo!

I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself – Maya Angelou

 

Hi there, I’m Maggie. Welcome to Coffee + Camo. I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m a Jesus follower, military spouse, dog mom, an INFJ, and an Enneagram 6. I drink lots of coffee and work hard to notice the small, magic things in each day.

I write to inspire you to find your place in the world by encouraging you to explore your faith, invest in your home + local community, and connect with yourself + the world through travel.

 

Finding My Place

I have spent much of my life in fear. Although I didn’t put words to this until recently, looking back, I can see that fear dictated many decisions in my life.

I chose a college close to home because I was afraid to move.

Afraid of the unknown, I turned down an opportunity to work abroad.

I stayed with a job that took a toll on my mental + physical health because I was afraid I wouldn’t find anything else.

To fight fear, I spend countless hours researching things, asking people’s opinions, and what-if-ing situations to death. I tried desperately to control outcomes, despite knowing I couldn’t.

But these days, I’m learning not to let fear drive. Fear can be in the car with me, we can be civil to each other, but she does not get to drive. Honestly, I won’t even let her hold the map.

Working to get fear to give me back the wheel has been hard. But in doing so, I’m finally acknowledging that I’m allowed to be here and that what I have to say matters. I’m finally finding my place in the world.

I want you to find your place, too. You belong here.

A Little More About Me

Raised in Southwest Virginia, I grew up surrounded by nature. Some of my favorite memories are the sound of distant train whistles echoing through dusky evenings, and the smell of a stocked woodstove.

I graduated from college with a degree in art history, unsure of myself or my place in the world.

Unconvinced that further schooling was the answer, I moved from retail and restaurant jobs into child + after school care. I loved hearing what children thought about the world, and it is still the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

In 2015, I met my husband online, and my life shifted. I left my hometown of nearly 30 years and moved to a new state, a new apartment, a new community.

The change from my known civilian life to an unknown role as a military spouse was harsh, and our first year(s) of marriage was full of growing pains.

Moving to Japan in 2018 helped me reawaken the muscles needed to build and maintain a community. I get so much joy out of practicing hospitality.

We all need a place where we know we belong.

I’m a natural observer who spent years dreaming of traveling the world, and I’m thankful to have explored more of the earth than I ever thought possible. Travel allows me to engage with different cultures, see a different way of life, and learn a bit about myself along the way.

I’ve visited countries in Central America, Africa, and Asia, as well as numerous states in the good ol’ US of A.

In addition to travel, I’m also quite fond of doing the thumbs up in photos, houseplants, moleskin journals, photography, rainy days, and clean sheets.

About Coffee + Camo

If you’ve read this far, you might find yourself thinking – “why the name Coffee + Camo?”

Well, I like alliteration for starters.

But, for me, Coffee + Camo names two facets of my personality, and spaces I often find myself in life.

Coffee is the familiar, a place of comfort. It’s a friend’s house, where you grab your glass straight from the dishwasher and tuck your feet on the couch. It’s a chat with your sister across a café table, knowing there’s no judgment, asking the hard questions in love. Truth, warmth, and connection reign here. Coffee is quiet, reflective, and simple.

Camo is an adventure, unknown and unfamiliar territory. It’s standing up and saying, “send me,” even if you’re not feeling as brave as you sound. Strength and resilience reign here. It’s doing hard things, but also being present and savoring the sweet moments. Camo is bold, sacrificial, and flexible.

At C+C, you’ll find stories, recommendations, and musings on faith, home, community, and travel. I hope you’ll join me on this journey of finding our place in the world.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and stay awhile. You’re always welcome here.