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We've been wandering down memory lane a bit over the last couple of weeks and reminiscing over some of the crazy travel adventures we have had the opportunity to experience.
What sparked all this remembering? Some friends are moving from this side of the country to the other. They're young and vibrant and have decided to check out the other coast for a while and see where God leads. As I listen to them share how they reached the decision to make the move in the first place, I am reminded of our many moves between here and the US or just between provinces here in the Maritimes. It's quite odd for us to be among the "stay-behind-ers"...seems like we're always the ones moving. But it's kinda nice to be a "stayer" for a change.
Anyone who has known us for any amount of time knows that we've moved....a lot! And in the past few years, those moves have been big...the "sell everything that doesn't fit in the car" kind of move. It seems crazy and like we're out of our minds but I've had people tell they wish they could take those kind of adventures more often. We have grown a bit wiser in the technical end of the moving adventure and we have had the opportunity to pass on that advice to our friends but now I'll share some of those tidbits with you now.
1. Get out of the plane and open your parachute...you can sit around all your life and wonder what it's like to just up and move where you think God is taking you, but if you don't jump out of the plane, you're gonna miss out on the adventure of a lifetime. God gave us planes for a good reason--to jump out! And statistically speaking, you're odds of dying in a plane crash are far, far higher than in a parachuting accident. So even if you're skeptical or afraid, you're safer in the air than in the plane.
2. Sell everything that can be easily replaced. Dishes are replaceable. Knick-knacks are replaceable. Electric mixers with removable paddles are replaceable. If it didn't cost you much, it won't cost you much. Have a yard sale...everyone should have a yard sale whether you're making a big move or not. Not only does it cleanse and purge your stuff (you'll be stunned at how much you've accumulated), but it also cleanses the soul of our materialistic, consumptionist tendencies.
3. Plan your driving realistically. The 20 hour, one shot deal might have been good when you were in college and didn't know better....or maybe you did know better and just wanted to be a highway superhero....put the cape away and take your time. Sleep is good and your friend...helps to keep you alert and danger-free. Stopping for the night earlier than you might have allows you time to smell the roses wherever you find them. That sign luring you to the world's biggest ball of string...well, if you're driving 20 hours today you'll miss. But drive 10 today and you'll have time to see the famous ball-o'-yarn and visit the ice cream stand across the street.
4. Do not over estimate what your vehicle can handle. Most of us drive ordinary vehicles; not Bat-mobiles. If hauling a trailer as part of your move, use the right kind for the stuff you're hauling. That Beverly Hillbillies looking vehicle was us on our initial move to the US. (Please don't try this at home...we are trained professionals.)
Those are a few tips that we have learned along the way and passing on to you for your adventuring enjoyment.
Party on, Wayne; party on, Garth.
