Faith is one of those things you don't realize you lack until you're forced to have it.
Last year, we had a house with a yard in suburbia, two vehicles (three if you count Tim's dirt bike), a modest but comfortable income, and medical and dental insurance. We shopped at Target and Trader Joe's.
I even had my own craft closet (I seriously miss that):
Now? We're traveling in under 400squarefeet - without a dishwasher, an icemaker, a garbage disposal, a steady income, or insurance. We have to taken turns in between showers to "wait for hot water." We bump into each other when we cook dinner. If people come over, we don't have a leather couch to offer them. We shop at Wally's.
It's hard to describe why we chose this.
By most accounts, it's crazy. Who gives up everything to learn how to give? It doesn't make sense (even to us sometimes).
I can't tell you how many times we've been brought to our knees. So often, we pray with two words: "Help, Lord."
In a society that tells us to save up storehouses, we're giving up ours. We're letting go.
I don't know what's next for us after this year, but I know now that I'm ready to jump. Faith is a lesson I'm learning.
(I just wish it wasn't so hard to learn it).
It's been awhile since I checked in with your blog... but this post definitely jumped out at me. For us, since being on the road and opening our plans up, I've come to realize that even when we think we have things under control and totally planned out, God has a way of knocking us out of our comfort zone whether we like it or not. Sometimes it's good shake off that mirage every once in while before He does it for you.
May God continue to bless you all and keep your safe! I'm excited to see where you land and how you like the Pacific Northwest if you make it up there. Now is definitely the time to go!
Hi Melanie! It's so nice to see you here! Where is your family now? I popped over to your blog and your map is showing Washington State. Is that correct?
That is absolutely amazing! I admire you and your familyl The Lord has your back :)
Thank you so much for posting that. I just recently heard that friends...a missionary-minded and God-seeking family (with two incomes) had their house forclosed. I am trying to understand all the comings-and-goings of faith, obedience, responsibility, availability, godliness, shrewdness, giving, trusting, etc.
Hi Stephanie,
I'm still in my house, but working twds the RV living dream. I keep praying/meditating and asking and telling "if it's for us, then it will happen, the universe knows more what's better for us." But I so hope the universe agrees with me because I so want to move into an RV.
So far, I haven't missed anything I've gotten rid of. We'll see how I feel after all is set and done. Congratulations, you've done the hard part of the work!
Warmly,
Mariza
The fact that you are where you are and doing what you're doing show that you have a tremendous amount of faith Stephanie!! ;D
Thank you for sharing your heart. For shining.
We are praying for you all, my friend. You are amazing. You are doing amazing things.
Most of all- God is amazing. And don't you guys just KNOW it:)
More hugs (and craft closet drooling...)
D
I feel the same way {shocker, right? that we feel the same! Ha}
This past year has been one of great faith...meaning leaping from one lily pad of faith to the next, just hoping that we don't fall in the water along the way and trying not to be distracted by the "frogs" on the side who are telling us how we are hopping wrong, how stupid we look while hopping, or how we shouldn't be hopping in the first place.
I don't know if this makes sense to you, but since you are a children's story book writer...I think you would "get" my analogy!
Hugging you from afar!!
Yes. I get this, Lindsey. I totally get it.
Wishing you hope for today...
What??!?!! Give yourself some credit! The fact that you are living your dream is incredible. We are a society that dreams big, but lets fear hold us back. You and your family are exceptions to that.
Oh, you of ginormous faith! I admire you more than I can say!
Hang in there Stephanie!!! (((hugs)))
You are very kind, Melinda. I so appreciate your encouragement and your comment. Thank you.
Sending you and your family hugs and many, many prayers! What your family is doing is amazing. I couldn't imagine not having the security of a steady income. That takes an incredible amount of faith and guts.
PS - Love the craft closet too!
Wasn't my craft closet great? I hope to create another one like it someday when we settle down again.
OK... I'm bookmarking this page for the craft closet inspiration :) that would be an awesome addition to our work/craft/sewing/school room I hope to have one day.
I'm one of those people who likes to be in control of what is going on in my life - the faith part, the letting go of my security part - all of that is hard, but like you, I've found that it's oh-so-worth-it! Hebrews 10:35-36 has long been a challenge and a promise that I cling to - "Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
I'm a "control" person too. I like to plan out my life about 20 years ahead. As such, you can imagine how this year is ripping at my heart seams...in a good/hard way. ;)
(Hope that makes sense).
Your story amazes me and inspires! In a world where I am trying to spread a positive message, I am learning things are easier said than done. God is a driving force in me and I see that in your words and what you as a family are doing! Keep going and know he will take care of you! What you and your family have sought out to do will be blessed! You are a huge example of positivity, kindness, and taking the right kinds of chances!
May God continue to bless and guide your journey.
Stay strong!!! You are such an inspiration to many and I've enjoyed following your family on your mission to give back. What you are doing is amazing and you are touching so many...many of whom you will probably never know. I admire you. You are a hero. So keep doing what you are doing. Plod on. He's there with you :-) Keep smiling!!
I can't remember if it was yours or Tim's post but it was a list of everything your oldest wanted to do when she grew up: translate bibles, be a nurse, be a mommy...WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY LIST!! You've given all of us so much by sharing your story,but what you've given your girls is even greater.
I'm a working mom who would love to quit my job to be with my baby. I would love to live simpler. I would love to do so many things. But for one reason or another - I'm not. You're really living with purpose. Many of us are just getting through the day.
I wish you comfort!
I've said it before but I mea it: what you're doing takes pure guts. So few people put their money where their mouth is. This is what I love about you and Tim, you're the real deal.
Steph I love this post. I think giving up all our comforts makes us appreciate the "little things" so much more. I realize how easy it is to get caught up with "stuff" and wanting more--until you step away from it all. Since Andy and I got back from our travels from 2nd world countries, we live life simpler than I think we would have had we not left. We still have no TV, everything in our home was either donated or thrifted--but we are completely content and not in want of anything--its truly amazing to see how God provides our daily bread.
it is unelievable how much you guys gave up and continue to give up every day.
I cant imagine how you manage to do everything you do and not only take care of your kids but teach them and give them the best possble experience.
However, I cant imagine a better way for kids to learn and develop other than travelling through the country and seeing and visiting different places every single day
Are you having a bad day? Do you need a pick me up? I know this journey is harder that I could even image but just try to think about the future and the memories of this journey you will have. Picture yourself and Tim and your grandkids talking about that crazy year when you sold everything, bought an RV and travled the country, and then picture all of the fun memories that you know have about the places you saw.
You're right. This is going to be a year we never, ever forget. I'm proud that we were able to step out and follow a dream despite our fears.
I can't wait to see where we end up after this extraordinary adventure.
Wow. I envy your old craft closet.
I can't imagine what it's like -- the not knowing, the constant moving -- but all I can say is I think you're doing a great thing and touching so many lives.
The not-knowing part is definitely hard - especially for a longterm planner like me. ;)
Hang in there, girl! You're doing an amazing thing... for others AND for your family.
I know this post is about so much more, but I just had to say that I'm so in AWE of that craft closet. That is seriously awesome!
I have no idea if I could do what you all have done, in fact I do know that I couldn't do it. It's not that I'm a hoarder or very materialistic, but I have a creature of comfort and I couldn't give up all my comfort. I think it's amazing that you and your family are so willing to give up all of your comfort to help other people. It is wonderful.
I loved that craft closet so much. I hope to replicate it when we eventually settle down in a house again.