Thursday, March 10, 2011

Where is our home?

Our little life is fun but different. I get looks of confusion every time new people we meet try to figure out where we live.
Here is a typical conversation -
Other Person: "So, where are you from?"
Me: "Well, we came from Colorado and have a house there we are renting out."
Them: "So you will go back there?"
Me: "Someday, but not for a while."
Them: "So then where are you going?"
This is where I hesitate - it sounds too dreamy or something. Like I'm being prideful or boasting - but I want to be honest too. But I certainly feel spoiled that the honest truth does sound dreamy.
Me: "We'll we are going to Hawaii and South East Asia before we spend the summer back in Colorado with family."
Them: "So you will move back to Colorado?"
Me: "Kind of, were just there for the summer and then going back to Hawaii for the school year for me to work in the schools. Our goal is to live in Colorado and Hawaii."
Them: "That sounds nice. Why do you want to be all over the place?"
Me: "Partly because we enjoy traveling and partly because that is how we've figured out how to make our finances work."

Of course the answer to the last question is quite a bit more complicated, travel and finances kind of sums it up. Seems strange that traveling around can be more financially stable than not? I guess it is mostly true - but it is also true that we could buckle down, try to find jobs somewhere and be stationary. But then we'd loose all our flexibility - one location, Aaron possibly being salary and working 50-60 hours a week and little vacation time. So we must choose between stationary, stable and committed or flexible but somewhat unknown. Right now it is taking both of us to make things work for insurance and finances. Aaron can work from anywhere and has been really blessed with plenty of work for his business. I can find contract or PRN work almost anywhere and make more money doing that kind of work. More money for less time is very appealing at this stage in life. So right now we are choosing flexible and adventurous over stationary. We really feel our hearts belong in two places - Colorado and Hawaii, but to make this possible we have to be a fair bit more flexible.

Although it is a bit of a crazy life and certainly strange and very foreign to most people - it is a life we like. Everyday I'm very thankful that Autumn goes with the flow and is happy where ever we are! The best thing about the little adventure we started at Christmas time, is that everywhere we have been and will be going includes really great friends and family! Sharing life and experiences with those you love is really what life is all about! Well, second to following what Christ has for us! We are excited to see how God will use our flexibility in this life to serve Him. We do not have a clear picture or calling, but are ready to follow what he lays before us each step of the way.

It will be interesting how this life will turn out and where home will eventually be! What will we do for school for our children? What will work look like when we fall into more of a pattern of living in both places? Where will we live? Will we try to buy a home in both places? Time will tell our story!

3 comments:

Rebecca said...

You're on such a great adventure. I completely understand how difficult it is to answer the question "Where are you from?" or "Where do you live?". Hopefully we'll be able to see you in CO this summer before we head out on our next adventure too.

Ashley Beth said...

I love your adventurous spirit! I can relate because we call two states our home too--Colorado and New Mexico. We travel so much between the two with our stores being in both states, it just feels like the natural thing to do. Which, of course, is one of the reasons we homeschool our kiddos (among a list of lots of other reasons). When the time comes for you to make choices such as schooling, you'll be led by the Lord in one direction or another. Until then, enjoy your freedom and family time. Blessings to you...

Kendra said...

I can relate too-I don't know what I would do if we didn't do our yearly 'migration' to Alaska! Probably travel somewhere else...we haven't been able to do that in quite some time.