Several months ago, in the middle of research and planning the basic logistics of this adventure, The Lord reminded us to have courage.

There are many things about this adventure that were unknown to us before we started. I’d never owned a truck, and though I’d driven a few, I had never, ever attempted to tow anything remotely similar to a 28 foot long, 7,500 pound trailer. The life we considered and researched was foreign and unknown. Challenges of every variety most certainly lay in our way. There were definitely scenarios that filled our mind with doubt and fear.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear — Nelson Mandela

Full of faith and trust in the Lord, we went. Within a few short months, we would find ourselves living an uncommon lifestyle. Regular school replaced with home (road?) school. Work, already at home, moved onto the road and performed quite literally here and there. Schedule known only a few days in advance, and subject to rapid change as both circumstances and opportunities require. Family relationships strengthened as adventure ensues. The utmost required of us as parents and companions, in service and support of each other and our children.

Courage then, is what we required. Perhaps not the type of courage required when faced with physical danger, but the courage of feeling fear and yet choosing to act. Of following your heart and letting go of the familiar. Of taking a chance.  To live intentionally requires courage in the face of unknown challenges and even greater unknown joy.

 Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. — Lord Chesterfield