Sometimes, the best adventures start with a little courage—and Jenna’s recent trip to Montana was full of just that. What began with a nervous plane ride ended in one of the most memorable visits she’s had in a long time.
Jenna was headed to Columbia Falls, Montana to visit her sister Evon, who lives on a beautiful hobby farm nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. It’s not every day Jenna gets to see her sister—they only manage a visit every other year—so this trip felt extra special from the start. The excitement of reconnecting with family helped push her through one big obstacle: flying.
Flying has never been Jenna’s favorite. The thought of takeoff, landing, and especially turbulence used to bring a lot of anxiety. But this time, she was determined to make it work. Traveling with her mom helped, and so did a special surprise before departure—Jenna got to meet the pilots and see the front of the plane! That simple gesture made a big difference. The pilots greeted her with smiles, answered her questions, and even gave her some cookies. Being able to meet the people flying the plane helped calm her nerves and gave her a sense of trust and reassurance.
With her headphones on and snacks ready to go, Jenna powered through takeoff and landed safely in Montana—where the real fun began.
Evon’s farm was a peaceful retreat from the moment Jenna arrived. Mornings started with the cheerful crowing of roosters, and the days were filled with nature, laughter, and quality time with family. The farm is home to a variety of animals—chickens, ducks, pigs, and a fluffy bunny named Buttercup, who quickly won Jenna’s heart. But the real highlight came when Jenna had the chance to ride a horse for the very first time. She spent time with two gentle horses named Six and Tyson, and the experience quickly became one of her favorite parts of the entire trip. Although Jenna grew up on a farm, she had never gone horseback riding before—and she absolutely loved it.
The rest of the week was filled with simple joys that made the trip feel truly special. She and her family went hiking and took in the fresh mountain air, shared movie nights complete with popcorn, and enjoyed plenty of laughs together. One evening, they went out to Jagz restaurant where Jenna ordered a delicious dinner of steak, shrimp, and salad—an extra treat to cap off the day.
When it was time to head home, Jenna felt proud—not just of the memories she made, but of the steps she took to get there. She still doesn’t love flying, but this trip helped her feel more confident and empowered to travel in the future.
Jenna’s story is a reminder that facing our fears can lead to the most rewarding experiences. And for her, the reward was well worth it: a joyful week with family, new adventures, and the feeling that she’s ready to take on even more.
