I have had a crazy notion in my head since the beginning of last year, well, probably since fall. The notion is I want to buy an RV, one big enough so the kids can have one end of the RV, a kitchen/living area in between, with Mark and I on the other side of the RV. I want to live life on the road.
This notion started taking place last fall, but I didn’t pitch this idea to Mark for a couple months after I started thinking it. There are some ideas that are just better left inside ones head until the time is right. So, I started mulling and chewing on this idea, I started thinking through how it could be possible, and what it would like like, and what it would take. Then Mark and I got to take a road trip without the kiddo’s and this was a great time to unleash my good idea. Whenever I start a phrase with, keep an open mind, Mark knows to be leery and he also knows to wait for all the details before responding. I have to admit at first he was skeptical at best and was not sure it sounded like a great idea. Once I shared it was to enhance his photography and feed our adventurous side he started to not only get more on board, but he began dreaming with me!
We decided first it would take a job that would allow Mark to work from where ever we happen to be. Which, in Mark’s profession is possible, he’s a web developer, and if he has access to the internet and a computer it could work with the right company and right situation. A situation we have full realization that God will have to fit all the pieces together. Second, we’d need an RV, right? Because, let’s face it, I’m not doing this in a tent! We need a home away from home. We don’t have an RV, but again God is a big God and can provide this if he sees fit.
Well, really, we would need the first and the second to fall in place to make any of the other concerns viable. Why? Why would we want to live on the road? Well, for very good reasons I promise! Mark is a photographer and has dreamed of being a photographer his whole entire life. Nothing makes my man happier than the thought of spending all day, everyday, outside in the woods shooting and taking pictures of God’s creation. Whether it’s the tall Rockies, the amazing Smokey’s, the deep blue sea, or the eagle in the sky, Mark wants to capture it. Mark has an amazing ability to capture emotion within a photograph. His images make you feel as if there is something, someone bigger and more awesome than we can ever imagine. His pictures speak of a great I AM, a creator. Mark desires to point others to Christ, to the Creator God, through his images.
Another reason for wanting to hit the big open road is because we home school and what perfect way to teach our kids than by sitting by the place we are learning about. This next year we start US history with Maddie, what better way to study our history than by experiencing it and visiting the places were the history took place. Minnesota has experienced the coldest snowiest year I can remember Minnesota having since I was a little girl. This has convinced Mark and I that we would love to head south for the winter and come back in the summer. But, more than likely we’d RV for about a year or two and then come back to great ole Minnesota.
Rving feeds Mark and I’s need for adventure, it gives us the chance to help our kids see a bit of the world God made, the places that helped establish us as a nation, and more importantly we will build a deeper relationship with our kiddo’s. Having the freedom to meander around the United States also gives us a chance to spend time with family and friends we have all over the country. Family and friends who are near and dear to our hearts and who we would love nothing more than to hug in person. This would give us a chance to do just that. I don’t know if we will ever get the chance to live out this dream, but just thinking about it makes my heart giddy with excitement. I do have to say the reason it makes me giddy is because I know when we are ready, we would have a home, family, and friends, waiting for us when we got back.
Will the dream of RVing happen? I don’t know, but I am thankful that I don’t feel a need to runaway and I’m excited that I have a reason, an excitement to come back! I have to say I am thankful for a contented heart to stay were we are if God never calls us out on the open road. But, if he does, I’ll have my suitcases ready!