5 Questions About Our Road Trip

We're about three months away from our scheduled departure and the questions are flying. Are you selling your house? Where will you go? What will you do? How is it going to work? What is your plan? How long will you be gone? What are you going to do with all your stuff?

We are learning that people are fascinated when they meet someone who embarks on a new adventure. An adventure that is full of uncertainty and requires faith to go. We learned this when we adopted three children, and we're sure it will be no different as we leave all that we know to live in a tiny space for the unknown foreseeable future.

Since we are asked so many questions about our trip, we thought it would be good to really think about them and answer them to the best of our ability.

QUESTION #1: When are you leaving?

We've thought about this question long and hard. This trip has been on our minds for four years. We knew long ago that we would need a designated time to heal from the stress of parenting three children from hard places. Please understand that our kids are not the root of our stress, but the simple fact that working against the enemy forces of darkness seeking to destroy them and us is quite exhausting. And when broken systems, such as the Department of Human Services and others, come in to try to "fix" things, the results can be horrifying. Not that it's this way for everyone, but there are more than a few cases out there that could have been handled differently.

Our situation took a turn six months ago, so we have had time to pursue healing as a couple without kids in our home. While we wouldn't say we've arrived, we have definitely made substantial progress through individual and couple's therapies. Plus, we've simply had time to slow down and smell the fresh green grass in our backyard!

Even though all our kids have chosen other places to reside, we did not want to leave them under the age of eighteen, or if they truly needed and wanted our support. Our youngest turns eighteen in May, so that left the door open to leave anytime after that.

We spoke to a property manager about renting our home and she told us the May/June time-frame was the ideal time to do so. We can lock in the highest rate possible for our house and it's the easiest time for people to move, or for us to return in the future.

We took into consideration Matt's job, summer being the busiest and most stressful for him. It would be nice to avoid another season of hectic RV sales and transportation to sites all over the state. Plus, summer is one of the best months to head north in the U.S.

That brought up our desire to spend time in Washington with friends and family while the weather is perfect to visit and spend time working on projects together.

Last, we took into consideration the June holidays: our anniversary, Matt's birthday, and Father's Day. Plus, Matt's sister will be having a baby early in June and his aunt will celebrate her 80th birthday! These are special moments we just don't want to miss.

That tentatively sets our departure for June 22nd, Lord willing.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. - Proverbs 19:21 NIV

QUESTION #2: Are you selling your house?

No WAY, is the short answer.

We have invested countless hours and finances into our property since 2016. The real estate market has been good where we live so we just might break even if we sold. However, the rental market is even better where we live right now. We can supplement our income while we are on the road and still have someplace to return in the future, if we want.

Of course we would sell our home if God asked us too. We just don't feel led in that direction at this time.

QUESTION #3: What are you going to do on the road?

We're going to do our best to follow the Lord. One of the challenges of leaving is that we haven't been given clear instructions on where we will end up in the process. We have a general idea of where we are going initially, but we are holding our plans loosely.

While we are traveling, we want to serve others in any way possible. This might be working on construction and maintenance projects for camps or disaster areas, or, we might be spending time loving on friends and family who just need some encouragement. Matt enjoys museums and site-seeing, while Golden enjoys sitting on a beach or at a park relaxing.

We are also going to keep our eyes open for opportunities to work as a couple. This might be at a campground, a retreat center, in a retirement community, or somewhere else. With Matt's service skills and Golden's administration skills, we feel like there should be a wide variety of choices out there. We just need to find the one God has for us.

Golden does have her Etsy Shop, Goldenjoyed, which she will continue to manage from the road. She enjoys using and creating inspirational planners for women and homeschoolers. Matt looks forward to her release of a KETO Friendly cookbook in the future.

QUESTION #4: Are you rich?

No, definitely not rich, financially speaking. We are richly blessed by our Heavenly Father who has always satisfied our needs as we seek to obey Him.

In the process of preparing to leave, we have had to do some soul-searching about why on earth we have the material possessions we do. This has resulted in the mass exodus of tools, engines, toys, clothing, kitchen gadgets, and more. Downsizing is one of the hardest tests a person can face. We must ask ourselves in what are we placing our trust? In lots of things we "might" need someday, or in an Almighty God who wants to provide for our every need?

Selling our possessions on Facebook and Craigslist helps support our departure. Living frugally probably contributes the most though.

Over the years, God has taught us how to live with less of everything - entertainment, eating out, gift-giving, spontaneous splurges, even food and clothing. We still live with the same furniture we got when we were first married. Golden has driven the same car since high school. We use things as long as they have use in them. Now that those things are ready to be retired, it makes it easier to leave before we have to purchase all new stuff.

QUESTION #5: What about your kids?

Our kids are survivors. They are strong and independent thinkers. They have learned what it takes to live in an ever-changing world. They are absolutely amazing at getting through hard stuff and making it look easy. We love them dearly and that's why we are okay letting God take care of them.

This isn't how we imagined our lives when our trio came home one summer day. Young as we were, we thought we would be necessary in our kids lives long past high school. But the reality is they need Christ more than they need us. If we're in the way, we say, "Lord, get us out of the way. We will not take Your place in their lives."

God has provided support systems for each of our kids separate from us. This is simply amazing. Families that we barely know have stepped in to continue facilitating the healing process for our children. In addition, our marriage has been revitalized and strengthened through this outstanding process. If this is what it takes for God to change hearts - ours, our kids, and even those around us - then we would do it all over again.

As we remember back to what we were like at 18, 19, and 20, it doesn't surprise us that our kids would be similar. After a confusing childhood, they need to go on a journey of self-discovery as they enter adulthood. During this time, they will decide who they want to be. We've shown them what it looks like to follow Christ, to sin and mess up, and then get back on track again. We trust they won't forget the messages of God's love for them which we shared over and over again.

A FEW ANSWERS TO A FEW QUESTIONS

We hope that helps answer some of the questions floating out there about our trip. It has been good for us to consider all these things as we embark on this new journey. Whether our road trip lasts a few months, or a few years, we trust God to provide. We don't expect the ride will always be easy, but it will be worth it.