DOWN BY THE RIVER

In April 2019 a truck quickly swerved into my car knocking me up and over a meridian smashing me into an oncoming truck which brought me to an abrupt halt.

Suddenly, just like that, my life changed.  Unable to work, I bought a 3500 Dodge Promaster and began to work on my new home.  I thank the grace of God my previous car had been paid off because instead of my new address being 007 S. Under Burnside Bridge, Portland Oregon, it became 3500 N. Dodge ProMaster Drive, Anywhere, USA. Amazing how the trend of #VanLife can save you from the embarrassment of being homeless.  For many, along the highways and Bi-ways and backroads of the United States, Van Life for some is just the fancy world of homeless.  Friends I've met have said" We are not homeless, we are houseless!"  We mingle well with the those that travel to see the National Parks, rock climbers, hikers, traveling nurses and other travel enthusiasts.  For those of us that have originated in the North we’ve become known as the new “Snow-Birds” joining the many that have second homes in California, Arizona, Florida, and other desired destinations. The many sides of adventure.

There are two sides to every coin.  Many of my friends believe me to be living out my adventure of a lifetime, saying, “You are living the dream” or “I wish I could do that.”  VanLife has become glorified over the internet in the highlights of the traveling adventures.  It depicts glorious sunsets, the stillness of the desert, snow peaked mountains and rushing rivers. Strangers become friends in the picture of the moment with all smiles, but the reality of VanLife depends on what side of the coin you are staring at, when the coin comes to rest.  The head of the coin being everything Ive stated above. The tail of the coin…well, that side is the side you won’t see every day on the internet.  Many hours being alone, messy vans, cleaning the porta potty and where to rest every evening.  Now mind you, just as with life, you take the good and the bad.  It is how we grow.  Everyone loves a great adventure because of the risks taken and the joys of overcoming.  And so far…I would do it all again and I love the lifestyle I that has thrust upon me.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My van is simple.  I created my bedroom and living room into a much tinier space.  Tiny home?  No…tiniest home.  Imagine cutting your wardrobe by three quarters.  And then deciding you need to cut that in half.  I hate clutter.  I love functional.  I do not have running water and I do not have propane in my van as I do want the extra expenses or hassles if something goes wrong.  That means I truly am learning the lifestyle of a minimalist and more like glorified camping on wheels.  I used to laugh at the people that would talk about leaving a smaller carbon footprint.  Now I am actually taking notice of it.  The less garbage I have in my van the better.  I’m learning how to make it more efficient.  Not so much with gas mileage, but the everyday living functioning within my van. Learning how to bring even my emotions back into a central point of simplicity.   Taking time to listen to my heart.  Asking what my heart needs and two words come to mind.  Rest…..and glory!  From a place of rest comes much authority. Being centered. 

Throughout life people often experience traumatic events of the soul and don’t even know how to recognize it.  The soul cries out to be recognized and validated but our minds won’t allow the body to heal because we are too caught up in the business. Our soul often craves solitude but we won’t allow it.  Why?  It is all in the balance of the coin.  It’s the story of Martha and Mary all over again.  The world demands you help, much like Martha did.  The heart strings pull at you like Mary….come…sit…rest…ponder…reflect…wonder and most of all…imagine.  

 The imagination is the beginning of all creation.  Your original thoughts.  Are they yours or did they come from somewhere beyond yourself?  No matter the case, my challenge to you is to take that imagination and dream.  And not just dream, but act.  If you have a thought of any creativity at all…create.  Even if it is the most simple of creations.  Your mind can only do so much…your heart and soul and body need to come into alignment to make any dream a reality.  And if you don’t know where you are going its ok.  Just be still and listen.  One day at a time.  In your moment  living out your purpose in that creative moment.  And one day you will find, that you are not just someone who is living in a van down by the river, but a wild creative wide eyed child living out the most imaginative life ever lived in brilliant colors that makes even heaven sparkle.  And thats when you say…Ahhhh, life is good!