Tuesday, April 30, 2013

More Changes...

In my last post, I mentioned that more changes were coming.  Here's a bit more info on that =)

Back in March, Sarge received PCS orders.  Since then, we've been trying to figure out exactly what we were going to do.  We made a few jokes about living in a van down by the river...  


And then realized that it wasn't as crazy as it sounded.

Sarge is being stationed in Tulsa, and we own property about 3 hrs east of there.  Last fall, Sarge's parents moved into a house on the property.  Since his dad's health is not good (terminal stage 4 cancer), we've been trying to figure out a way that we could get out there to help them out and to spend more time with them.  So, this is what we came up with...

Sarge is going to be staying in Tulsa during the week and coming home on the weekends.  The kids and I are going to be staying at the property...  In a camper...  And a GP medium tent, so we'll have *plenty* of room ;)

We will build a house.  It's just the move to OK came up a lot faster than we had originally planned.  But, the more we've been thinking about it, the more we realize we don't want another mortgage.  So we plan on building as we have the funds.  Which gives us a lot more flexibility in what we build.  We can actually put in a greywater system and not have to retro fit the plumbing to do it.  We can build a cordwood house and not worry that the bank won't finance it because there are no comps in the area.


This new plan is going to allow us so much more freedom in so many areas of our lives.  I know it's going to be challenging.  I know there are things that we haven't thought about or planned for at this point, but that's what makes this so exciting.  

This last week a friend gave me 7 by Jen Hatmaker.  Sarge and I are even more convicted now that what we're doing is the right thing.  By downsizing, paying off our debt and living well below our means, we will have more time and money available to actually help people.  We will be in a much better position to be the hands and feet of Christ.

So, we're stepping out in faith that everything will work out.  And even if it doesn't the kids will have some great stories to tell.

"Remember that summer mom and dad thought we could live in a camper..."

5 comments:

  1. Wow. Sounds like you have some exciting days coming up. I'm sure you'll be a true blessing to your in-laws and you'll cherish your time together.

    My family traveled with my husband's job and lived in a motor home for 18 months. There were some trying moments, but my family is really close as a result. Plus, it was really freeing to downsize.

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    1. Downsizing is what I'm really looking forward to doing. It's amazing how much stuff we've accumulated in the 3 years we've been in TX.

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  2. I think this is brilliant.

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  3. And isn't it funny how we think "stuff" is necessary for life and happiness, but less stuff brings freedom and peace? To be honest I'm a little jealous of this fresh start. I know you'll do magnificently well.

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    1. We're getting that same response from a lot of people... It's amazing how many people feel *trapped* by what they have but can't seem to figure out how to change it or don't want too.

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