Haley
Though we’ve been planning our year of adventure since last summer, that doesn’t mean our journey to the open road has been easy. Sure, many of the fine details have lined up fairly easily thus far. During the past 9 months, I’ve learned how to minimize our stuff, say goodbye to the stability of James’ business and give up our home of nearly three years. But quite honestly, the details aren’t the hardest part of preparing for our RV trip.
The hardest part will be giving up our current security blanket, our safety network of friends and family, and our preconceived notion of what family life should be. We won’t be living in a town that we know inside and out, where a trip to the grocery store, the pediatrician or a local park is just a mile away. We will no longer be within driving distance of family, especially the Grandmas who come to help at a moment’s notice when we get sick. We won’t have our local friends to lean on, to share laughs and meals and games with. And we also won’t have that suburbia routine we’ve happily embraced: weekend soccer games, morning preschool, church on Sundays, birthday parties, playdates, cookouts.
This is the life we have known for nearly three years–and it’s been a good life–but now is the time for a leap of faith. And as with most seasons of change, the fear of the unknown trails closely behind the more exciting ideas of adventure and discovery. Do I have questions and doubts and hesitations? Naturally. But do I believe in the infinite potential of such a leap? Absolutely.
Personal and spiritual growth are rarely found in complacency. Growth is discovered when we trust and persevere and step out on faith despite the doubts, despite the odds. Growth happens when we remember that life is bigger than our tiny, comfortable bubble. Growth happens when we realize that we don’t have all the answers and must rely on Someone other than ourselves to direct our course.
Not every step of our journey toward a cross-country RV trip will be easy. Goodbyes will be heart-wrenching and obstacles unavoidable. But until we spread our little wings, we’ll have no idea how far we can fly.
This is so incredibly true, and so fresh in my heart. Those steps and leaps in faith can be very unsettling and sometimes humbling, but they can/will also be some of the most amazing memories and life experiences of our lifetime. Each one adding a new chapter to our book for life. I am so happy for you 5, and can’t wait to watch your adventure unfold! I hope to see you all again before you head out!
Thank you! Yes, it’s a bit scary but I’m so excited for growth. We will probably get one last haircut at the end of next week!