Monday, April 16, 2012

On the Horizon.......

Something we've been talking about as a family for over a year now, is…….what next?
Many of the cruising families we've met along the way have since sold their boats and/or returned to land life, and we've been thinking, praying, wondering and listening to which direction we are to take from this point forward ourselves.

A lot of families come to this point where as their kids get older, they are eager to start their own life. They want to make plans for college, relationships, careers, and the future. And while cruising is an absolute incomparable way to see the world and experience cultures and places most people only get to dream about, at what point is it unfair to the late teens that want and need to move on in their own life? We feel like the time has come for us to try and give them opportunities to make steps in those directions.

This is the part where I would love to have a pause button for life, and keep things just as they are and have been for these past 3 years on the boat, even though it's an extremely challenging lifestyle in a lot of ways, cramped quarters, totally dependent on the weather, missing family, seasickness, etc., there is no question for us that it had been an incredible experience for our family and we have all grown together because of it. There is also no way I as a father would have been able to spend this much quantity, and I like to think sometimes……quality :) time with my family without having made this decision.

Something that's also been incredible is the addition to our family during this adventure: Miles John. For our whole family to be able to spend two whole years non-stop with him has made him feel secure and bonded together in a way we haven't seen in any of our other children, and we feel extremely blessed. We can't deny this whole experience has been a gift and please don't think for a minute we take it for granted.

Another huge drawback we feel like we've missed from 'normal' life is family time from our extended family. We haven't set foot in the US in over 3 years, and that has been very difficult to miss out on that time from other family. It just was too difficult on our budget to be able to fly 8 people back and forth for visits, the cost of airfare alone being what we usually live on for up to 6 months!

So it's with a lot of mixed emotions: some apprehension, but at the same time, excitement, that we are moving back to the US, at least for now ;) We seem to have been steered by a lot of different things and through a LOT of prayer that we are supposed to be in North Carolina. We think we'll still be living aboard Mehari while we get settled and that's another great thing about boat living......we can move along with our home as we scout out different towns.

But first: We have a 'small' but very exciting detour over the coming summer months:

Levi and I have been invited by family friends to come up to Alaska for this summer to work as commercial salmon fishermen! As we near the end of our funds, the work cannot have come at a better time, and we thought Levi and I were going to go alone, while Rachel and the kids stayed with the boat in North Carolina. But they, not wanting our family to be separated all summer, invited all 8 of us up to stay in their house while Levi and I fish. So.......we're all very thrilled to have an opportunity to spend several weeks driving and camping across the US and Canada, and spending the summer in Alaska.

We also can't begin to thank all the people who we've met and others who have been praying for us, following us, and sending us notes of encouragement along the way. It's pitifully inadequate to try and put our gratitude into words on a silly blog what it's meant to us and I wish we could all sit down together, and have a lot of laughs catching up and sharing some of the stories we've collected along the way. Thank you sincerely for your support. It makes us sure we're on the right 'trail'

We plan to keep sending updates, from the road, campgrounds, and from Alaska and back so if you'd like to keep following us, we'd love to have you along!

~Hems

4 comments:

John said...

We're sure all of that "family alone" time will still be of great value to each one as life's adventure continues for you all...just in a different place. We're proud of what you've done.

Anonymous said...

Your adventures has been an adventure for us to. Love you guys and are very proud of what you have acomplished., Mom

larry said...

I feel like we've been out there with you guys and I'm not sure I want to go to shore just yet ;) We'll continue to follow the blog knowing there will be more adventures to come.
You all have been a huge inspiration to Toni and I. We really admire your courage and outlook on life as well as your perspective on what's important in life and how to keep those priorities in focus.
I'm so glad you followed your dream to take your family sailing around the world before the kids got too old. You're truely a great father!

When you get back from Alaska we'll start planning a trip to NC so we can spend time with the family.

Sullins

Anonymous said...

You are all so amazing! A true example of putting family first. God is great, the way He calls us all to different things. I will "follow" you to Alaska too. :) Enjoy your summer! Kenzie B