For several years we have dreamed of taking an extended east-coast motorhome trip. As a homeschooling family, the idea of "road-schooling" for a season excited us, but the pieces never seemed to come together for this dream to become a reality.
Earlier this year, however, we found ourselves in a unique season of transition between places. As we laid out a multitude of strategies, the idea of our motorhome trip kept emerging. MANY conversations later, the decision was made and we felt this time had been presented to us in the form of a gift.
As I type this post on the other side of our amazing adventure, I am still in humble gratitude for how it all unfolded. Rather than taking time to post on the road, we deliberately minimized time on our phones and computers (except for work, of course). So here I am, many months and 33 states later, going through photos and documenting our trip of a lifetime.
We started in Idaho and made our way back 33 states later. Follow me: Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine. Breathe. Now back down. This time hitting West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. And last, north through Montana and North Dakota on our way to Minnesota. Then back home. Whew!
We experienced so much richness on this trip in our relationships with each other as our hearts awakened together as explorers and students learning the rich history of our blessed nation. I know our situation was unique to be able to take this trip, and I am so grateful.
There is a beautiful world out there to explore and learning history is so much better in person than through the written words and pictures of others (although those are valuable too). The way our minds are free to think driving out on the open road is astounding, and the bonds forged out of our normal routines and surroundings are priceless.
Pretty soon, hunting season will begin and we will enjoy our traditions of venturing into the wilderness together. But this motorhome trip was a different kind of hunting: hunting for beauty, heritage, history, culture, adventure and so much more.
A gift.
