Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and have a lot to be thankful for. I haven't written since we got to Florida. We have stayed in the same spot since we got here a month ago and there hasn't been much to write about. We have had visits from Justin and Jessie a few times, and we have gone inland to visit some friends and stay for Thanksgiving at Judy's (Pam's mom). Other than that, it has pretty much been taking care of the trailer, truck, and motorcycle. What do you mean "take care" of them? Glad you asked.

After just two weeks on the beach everything metal began to rust. One would think that we were staying at the Dead Sea shoreline with the salt-concentration. Pam and I spent about an hour-and-a-half cleaning the rust off with CLR. Thankfully it worked with a little elbow grease. Eventually, I took the motorcycle to Judy's house where it now stays in the garage until we move in a few days. We have been on the beach for almost about five weeks and our time here is up. We are heading inland to be closer to family and friends. We will be there for another month before we begin the journey to leave Florida and make our way to California. We may just have to take out a small loan while in California for fuel.

We have had some pretty gloomy days on the beach, it rained six days in a row and recently the temperature dropped as though it's winter or something. I know people in Minnesota will feel bad for us so thanks for that. Since it's Thanksgiving season, although it's already over, I would like to tell you what I am thankful for.

1. My sobriety. Without it none of this was possible. This life we live simply couldn't happen without my being sober. I thank God every day for pulling me from the flames of addiction.

2. Pam. She has had to endure my shenanigans over the years (including my addiction) and she has remained by my side through all of it. I am truly blessed that I get to be loved by her.

3. Family. In this journey we have spent a lot of time with family. Without them our destinations look different, but the time we have spent with them has been great.

4. Friends. When we first left we stayed a couple of nights in Wisconsin with some friends. Between Wisconsin and Florida we had no friends to visit but that was ok. Since arriving in Florida we have spent plenty of time with close friends we got to know well from the years we lived here. Solid people, solid relationships.

5. God's creation. We are so fortunate to be able to travel and see some of the things He has created. From the mountains to the ocean, and everything in-between, we have seen some of the most beautiful places and scenery. We are looking forward to the adventure ahead of us and the things we will see.

6. Retirement. Ok, maybe this one isn't true since I didn't really retire, but I am enjoying my sabbatical. I am, however, getting somewhat frustrated at the lack of job opportunities. I am not sure what the plan is that God has, but the clock is ticking. I am ready, send me!

7. Our resolve in our new living quarters. Our trailer is small, but we have adapted well. The transition to get here was gradual which, I think, made living in the trailer more palatable. We sold our 4/3 house, moved to a 3/2 townhome for a year, then moved to a 0/.5 cabin on the property where I worked. The trailer is a one bedroom, two bathroom with a small kitchen. Anyone who knows me knows I love to cook. The transition from a full kitchen to a tiny one hasn't been easy, but we have figured it out. Pam has only set off the smoke detectors once.

Most of all I would like to express my gratitude toward my Savior . . . Jesus. The entirety of the above list is only possible with His guidance. He has been sown into the fabric of our lives. I simply don't know what people do without Him in their lives. I have learned a lot over the years, and especially while in seminary. But the one thing that never fails to amaze me is the love and grace given us. The below video is one I would frequently play for my group of boys in treatment. I have probably seen it more than fifty times, and it gives me chills every time. I hope you are as blessed by it as I have been over the years. Have a blessed day, and happy trails!