A Journey: An Attempt (and Sometimes Struggle) at Being Real in This World is the remarkable story of one man's richly diverse and unexpectedly blessed journey through more than sixty years of life. From growing up during the 1960s and 1970s to traveling across Europe and the Middle East as a young man-including a fourteen-month stay in Israel-Timothy Gates invites readers into a life shaped by adventure, service, family, and unwavering faith. His memoir chronicles military service as a combat medic, married and family life, a career as a paramedic firefighter and nurse, and humanitarian missions to Kurdistan, Iraq; West Darfur, Sudan; and Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Along the way, readers will also discover the unforgettable family trip to Vietnam that reflected his desire to serve in Southeast Asia. Through moments of joy and hardship, wise choices and painful mistakes, Gates has come to one unmistakable conclusion: the Creator of the universe has been faithfully present through every chapter of his life, caring deeply about even the smallest details of his family's journey. More importantly, he believes that this same God cares just as deeply about every reader. Inspired in part by Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, A Journey is an honest, deeply personal memoir that encourages readers to recognize God's presence in ordinary life while embracing faith, purpose, and authenticity. Perfect for readers of Christian memoirs, inspirational life stories, travel memoirs, military memoirs, and true accounts of faith in action, this book offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that every life has a story worth telling.