I haven't really shared very much about what's been going on with us the past 2 years and I'm realizing I really need to open up more about what we're up to and why we're doing it. The following is a little glimpse into our life and some of the lessons I've been learning - good? Good.
It's been over a year and a half since we left our home practically overnight. A year and half ago we took the jump into the land of uncertainty and living day to day wondering what tomorrow holds. Within the first six months we had gotten rid of a majority of everything we owned and had smushed what was left into our car - shoving ourselves into whatever room was left over. Tightly gripping the each other's hand and with eyes wide in anticipation, we headed off into the unknown.
Our journey started way back before we ever thought of leaving Wisconsin. It was a series of things that brought us to the ever growing realization that God had other plans for us. Everything from verses we'd mull over, books we'd read and conversations we'd have - even putting us in a house with mold. Mold which not only made me sick, but forced us to get rid of our belongings. which in turn made us much more flexible and even more ready for change.
Sometimes God would prick us softly and sometimes with gut wrenching force - but in His perfect plan He kept making it more and more evident that the feelings and thoughts we had were part of His way of leading us where we needed to be.
And as much as the future wasn't perfectly spelled out, we took a leap of faith and yes we've had our moments, but nothing could be more comforting than knowing you're doing what you've been called to.
The blessings of this season have been too many to list. As a family our eyes have soaked in some of the most incredible sites America has to offer. We've encountered some of the most uplifting and inspiring people - many of whom we now call friends. And, you want to talk about togetherness? My word. We've taken it to a whole 'notha level. There has only been a handful of days Phil and I have been apart since we've been married and I wouldn't have it any other way. Our son has become a seasoned traveller, a lover of coffee shops, "friends," and any type of water and mountains. It's been a blast.
However, I'd be lying if I didn't put it out there that there's also been a lot of not so pretty moments. Moments where I felt like I had nothing left. Just fried. Running on empty. Realizing you gotta' get it together and wondering how in the world you're going to be able to. It wasn't just me. Phil had his bad days too.
Times where all we wanted was just a little bit of clarity. Moments where we craved the security of our own space and the comfort of our own bed. Wondering what was coming next. Good thing the dips were short lived and usually ended with us in a big family group hug - which is pretty good stuff. Of course this is a super condensed, abridged version. What's important is that the good and the bad in all these times have been equally important in the making of our story. Life would be pretty boring if there were only just ups, right?
Here's my top 5 take-aways from our nomadic life:
It's been over a year and a half since we left our home practically overnight. A year and half ago we took the jump into the land of uncertainty and living day to day wondering what tomorrow holds. Within the first six months we had gotten rid of a majority of everything we owned and had smushed what was left into our car - shoving ourselves into whatever room was left over. Tightly gripping the each other's hand and with eyes wide in anticipation, we headed off into the unknown.
(picture courtesy of Jonathan Zoeteman)
Our journey started way back before we ever thought of leaving Wisconsin. It was a series of things that brought us to the ever growing realization that God had other plans for us. Everything from verses we'd mull over, books we'd read and conversations we'd have - even putting us in a house with mold. Mold which not only made me sick, but forced us to get rid of our belongings. which in turn made us much more flexible and even more ready for change.
Sometimes God would prick us softly and sometimes with gut wrenching force - but in His perfect plan He kept making it more and more evident that the feelings and thoughts we had were part of His way of leading us where we needed to be.
And as much as the future wasn't perfectly spelled out, we took a leap of faith and yes we've had our moments, but nothing could be more comforting than knowing you're doing what you've been called to.
The blessings of this season have been too many to list. As a family our eyes have soaked in some of the most incredible sites America has to offer. We've encountered some of the most uplifting and inspiring people - many of whom we now call friends. And, you want to talk about togetherness? My word. We've taken it to a whole 'notha level. There has only been a handful of days Phil and I have been apart since we've been married and I wouldn't have it any other way. Our son has become a seasoned traveller, a lover of coffee shops, "friends," and any type of water and mountains. It's been a blast.
However, I'd be lying if I didn't put it out there that there's also been a lot of not so pretty moments. Moments where I felt like I had nothing left. Just fried. Running on empty. Realizing you gotta' get it together and wondering how in the world you're going to be able to. It wasn't just me. Phil had his bad days too.
Times where all we wanted was just a little bit of clarity. Moments where we craved the security of our own space and the comfort of our own bed. Wondering what was coming next. Good thing the dips were short lived and usually ended with us in a big family group hug - which is pretty good stuff. Of course this is a super condensed, abridged version. What's important is that the good and the bad in all these times have been equally important in the making of our story. Life would be pretty boring if there were only just ups, right?
1. Learn what you can live without. We can live without more than we think and then some (or a then a lot), and it's way too easy to re-aquire stuff along the way.
2. Expect the unexpected. The only thing we're 100% sure of is that everything is gonna' be alright and that we are not in control.
4. Embrace the closeness. The Phils' are my best friends. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the season of happily nomadic living we've experienced together. Little Phil might not remember many of the details, but I can already see how these times have shaped and molded his little, or not so little, personality.
5. Find joy. Don't put joy off until the journey is over. One day will be here sooner than you think and the last thing you want is to look back and regret not enjoying the journey. I'm constantly reminding myself to relax and soak in these moments - to be excited for the in-between stages, not wish them away for what I think could be the "destination."
(photo courtesy of Matt Zoeteman)
Esther
Post a Comment