I have discussed community before, but as we continue in this nomadic lifestyle I am continually blown away by how that need is met over and over. God truly did make us for relationship. I just did not expect relationships to be developed so quickly and the need for relationship to be satisfied so abundantly on the road. This lifestyle continues to amaze me. The travels are exciting, the environments are new and awesome to research and explore, the campgrounds are all different and fun to experience, but the people....the people are what make it.
I never know how people really feel about their pictures, especially of their kiddos being put on the social media, so I try to not to post too many photos of others on here. However, the South has been no let down in Southern Hospitality, social gatherings, and genuine kindness and helpfulness. We have been so very blessed, and by blessed I do not just mean that God has been good to us. I mean he has been good to us in a way that also puts a tremendous weight on our human shoulders as well as quite a bit of responsibility. This dream of living nomadically, traveling to different jobs and unknown environments, having a large family (by today's standards) in a small space, and raising our kids differently,(as well as having a marriage built on miracles and obvious touches of God's hand)...has all been a blessing, but with much faith, strength, and responsibility required. I am so grateful that God, through relying on Him, has trusted us with all of this.
We have also been given people along the way that have been a huge part of blessing us as well as lightening the load. We are sharing stories, breaking bread, working alongside, praying with and for, truly loving and being loved in ways I never thought possible, and the fun so much fun with others, not to mention the social life of our kids is off the charts! I don't think I know kids with more friends, and they remember everyone's name that they have met and encountered over the last year or so. I am always hearing "remember when, insert name, did"....with such a fondness in their voice.
As the girls and I gear up for travel to Tennessee, I have to reflect on the community that has been quickly established in Georgia and the anticipation of a reentering community that I grew up with in Tennessee. People continue to be the heartbeat of our experience in the midst of this most interesting of situations...having a baby on the road. The best solution for us has been for me to finish out my pregnancy at my parents house. I am at a point in my pregnancy that extra rest and help with the kids will be a huge weight lifted. Scott could also use some rest from his very long work days without having to be "on" as soon as he walks in the door. I am praying that we are restored and renewed during this time away. Then, when baby girl arrives we will be able to greet her and adjust to our expanded family life together in a good place surrounded by family, and a few weeks away from the RV and the job.
We have remained in our current campground (approximately 1hr 15 min) from Scott's job site. And it's the people that have kept us here. The community here has been so welcoming and they are aware of all the craziness that is our life right now. Shiloh and Jocelyn have friends their same age, that are being homeschooled basically on our same schedule, and they spend much of their free time with them. It has been such a joy to watch them run around bare foot, climbing trees, gathering eggs, getting drenched and covered in mud in a downpour, exploring, imagining, making a game or a toy out of the most random things, and just experiencing life differently. No play dates or activities scheduled, just spontaneous fun. The campground makes a point to try to bring everyone together through group activities, potlucks, and a bible study. We have met a wide range of people in different stages of life, and we regularly have someone stop by just to say hello or chat. I have to admit the first few weeks here, anytime someone stopped by on a golf cart, I thought I was about to be asked to pick up some of the kids' toys or told one of us is breaking some rule that I wasn't aware of.
Everyone is aware of our family's temporary separation, and they have been very sympathetic and thoughtful these last few days. Everyone is prepared to keep Scott fed and included in all social aspects of the campground. We really could not be placed in a better area during this travel season of our lives. There is much anxiety as we separate for a time period, try to get Scott to Tennessee at the right timing, and pray for a safe arrival of a healthy baby girl. But we are surrounded in both places in so many ways, and it will be such a joy to have our baby arrive in our hometown as well as return to a place that feels so much like home already. The other campers, the church we have been attending, and encounters with other patrons of our favorite beach spot has also added to our Southern experience. We know we will be moving on from Georgia eventually, but we have been so touched at such a special time in our lives, that I know we will have some lasting friendships come from our little spot in the sticks of Georgia.
Side Note: The bugs are still completely out of control and driving us to insanity on a daily basis, and the humidity has its unrelenting moments. But we have been assured that upon our return near the end of September that we will be much more comfortable. And the mild Winter will be well worth the Summer intensities.
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