NEWS FLASH! Our family of four returned home from a six month road trip just a few short months ago. I figured it was time to explain the why behind our road trip.
When we first thought up the idea of taking a big road trip, it felt like a total dream. Doesn’t everyone love traveling? Aren’t we all just wishing to quit our jobs, pack up, and hit the road?
Apparently not. Most people who heard about our six month road trip were more so appalled than amazed. Not everyone shares the dream of traveling around the country while you’re still young. Much more to people’s horror, we were considering putting our house up on Airbnb during our time away.
“Aren’t you nervous about strangers in your house, sleeping in your bed?!”
Honestly, I wasn’t nervous about sharing my house because it’s not my house. Even “my bed” is really God’s bed and however he asks me to steward it, I’ll follow.
Whether you’d jump in or jet off at the thought of extended travel with your spouse and kids, I thought it might be interesting to explain the why behind our six month road trip. Maybe it’ll surprise you!
Our Reasons Why
People fascinate me. I want to know everything about everyone and I strive to maintain very close relationships. Well, that’s impossible with every single person I ever meet. But legitimately, I love getting to know people.
Equally, I like to be known. If people wonder why on earth we’d take a six month pay cut, manage two toddlers on a giant road trip, and commit to an extremely frugal lifestyle in the name of travel, I’d like to explain it.
Our travels were certainly not all love and smiles, but these pictures remind me how much we learned to care for one another more in just six months.
I’ll focus on three of our reasons why we took a six month road trip:
- Because God allowed the plans we made.
The summer before our road trip, I started listening to The Jetsetting Family Travel Podcast about a family that sold everything they owned and “jetted” off for full-time travel. I loved that idea, but also valued our roots in Wisconsin. I started wondering what full-time travel could look like on a smaller scale.
Two months later and we were legitimately planning the road trip of my dreams. Was the actual execution of our six month trip as dreamy as I made it out to be? No. But God used the trip to teach us a myriad of things and that’s really all that matters. We planned the trip with lots of prayer and careful financial planning.
So many of the plans we originally made before leaving for the trip fell through. We changed up locations and swapped out places to stay. Ultimately, God directed our steps. I’m thankful God actually allowed our six month road trip to happen, but even more grateful that He allowed it on His terms, in His way.
“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ~ Proverbs 16:9
- Because we needed a fresh perspective on life.
The nine to five just doesn’t do it for us. Sometimes routine is good. It’s nice to have predictability and some sort of financial stability. But if you’re just living for the next paycheck, the next bonus, or the next bigger house, I think you’ve forgotten why God created you.
Besides that we needed to make ends meet each month, there was nothing tying us to Travis’s job. Our family never really had a collective vision for our future. The American dream preaches to make more and more money each year, buy a bigger home every ten years, and be ready for retirement as soon as possible. But that’s not what God preaches.
We needed fresh perspectives on what God calls us to on this earth. It’s not about us. It’s not about our kids. It’s all about bringing the gospel to others who need it, whether by meal, message, or maybe just a hug.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” ~ Matthew 6:19-20
- Because of our family.
Maybe no one else could have imagined taking a six month road trip because no other family has a Travis, Somer, Ragen, and Levi.
I’ve always felt like our family was different than the rest. Becoming a mother was nothing like I expected. Loving my kids came easy, but teaching and shepherding their hearts did not. Travis has been a kind and compassionate father, but it’s hard to get to know your children when you’re working 80% of the week.
After having our second child, I was more than struggling as a stay-at-home mom and Travis felt directionless at work. One particular child has always been way harder than the other and if I’m being completely transparent, I didn’t feel like I could parent her alone as a stay at home parent. I needed Travis.
I wanted to stay home with the kids, but it also felt impossible mentally and emotionally.
Our mission was no longer how to make enough money to survive, but instead how to prioritize our family first and make money on the side. We do make enough money to survive right now. Admittedly, it’s not a lot. But the unity Travis and I feel in the way we’re taking care of our family’s spiritual needs FAR outweigh any amount of money we could be making.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ~ Joshua 24:15
A Few Things To Note
As a bonus, one of our favorite parts of the trip was catching up with friends and family we hadn’t seen in years. High school friends, college buddies, old church pals, and even some new Instagram friends. We saw them all and loved on one another well. If for no other reason, plan a big trip to be reminded that other families do exist and they could likely use a visit from a good friend.
If you’re curious how we’re actually surviving financially, head over to my recent blog post Making Money. It may give your own family some ideas for making more passive income!
A huge thank you to the generous friends and family who made our dream trip a complete reality. You lent us beds, cooked us meals, bought us treats, and sat through our children’s tantrums. The kindness you all showed us is forever cherished. Remember, you always have a place to stay if you’re ever in Wisconsin.
See ya around!
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