We recently had the honor of spending an afternoon with our full-time RV friends, Molly and Jonathan, when they passed through Austin last week! It was truly such a fun, refreshing time to be around these dreamers and doers-- we left feeling so inspired and reminded that you really can do whatever you put your mind to (with a lot of hard work, time and commitment, of course.)
Real food for the road.
Molly and Jonathan came up with the idea about 5 years ago, while they were both working and living in Philly-- Molly as a teacher and Jonathan as a chef. They knew there were going to be a lot of steps between where they were and where they wanted to be, but they also knew that it was important enough to wait for and work toward. Over the next few years they got serious about budgeting, saying no to life's many temptations like eating out on the reg and making purchases they didn't absolutely need. They saved as many pennies as possible and eventually sold the home they owned and purchased a new one on wheels.
There was a lot of research to be done when it came to renovating because, as it turned out, there was a lot they didn't know! What kind of RV do we need, how do you install electrical outlets, tile a shower or build on a budget? There were all kinds of surprises that popped up throughout the process and they had to learn their way through them! (If you ever get the chance, be sure to ask them about the RV toilet procedures ... but don't tell them we told you to!)
After about 2 months of painting, building, tiling and wiring Molly and Jonathan continued asking all of the questions, making mistakes and working through them until finally the day had come that their house was sold, their RV was ready and it was time to the hit the road!
When there's not a lot of storage space, choosing the snack necessities is key.
When I arrived to their campsite, Molly was set up with her laptop at a little park bench and Jonathan was lounging in a hammock among the trees. I was VERY happily greeted by two little furry buds named Ziggy and Watson and immediately welcomed with smiles and stories from the road. It became very clear, very soon that living this life was NOT as easy as it looks on Instagram. There are significant and sometimes scary mishaps along the way (they actually had to change a flat tire immediately after I left them). Life on the road is not for the faint of heart. You are always saying goodbye to people and possessions, always having to adjust to whatever gets thrown your way and always having to think a little bit ahead to make sure that there will be a place for you wherever you are headed. Jonathan was still in the process of figuring out how to pursue his passion for cooking on the road, and Molly admitted that she wasn't entirely sure how she was going to have guaranteed wifi to teach her online classes.
In the midst of all of these very real challenges, what stood out to us the most, was how resolved Molly and Jonathan were to continue pushing forward. "This is our life," they said matter-of-factly. It's not a vacation-- they don't have things laid out for them, ready to go before they wake up in the morning. In order for it to work each day, they have to make it work. And they do. And with all of the challenges that arise, even more beauties seem to surface as well. We heard so many stories about new friends in new places, breathtaking views and exciting adventures! As with any pursuit in life, nothing good comes easy... but it does come :)
too well, so they decided to part ways with her and
leave her with us to grow in Austin.
We really appreciate the opportunity to have stepped inside a small moment of the big adventure these two have taken on together! And, more than that, we appreciate the honesty and candidness with which they described their experiences. Molly and Jonathan aren't trying to make it seem easier than it is, or tie a bow to the top of things. As freeing, exciting and adventurous as their lives are on the road, it can and has also been challenging, confusing, gross (again, you don't even KNOW what has to happen with the toilet) and uncomfortable. But, to these two adventurers, it's all worth it. And that's what matters.
Texas Down! Time to officially place the sticker
for the Lone Star State on their travel map!
Don't ever forget about what matters to you or what your dreams are. We live in a real world-- it's not easy to achieve your dreams, but it is possible. Even if you have to spend years planning, saving and preparing for it. Keep one foot in front of the other and don't stop moving toward the life you desire, because you're only gonna get one. And, of course, whatever you do, make sure it's #FueledByThunderbird!
Bon Voyage, friends! Good luck out there!