Chasing Sunshine

Our annual quest

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— Mary & Patrick

When the days are long and dark, when the cold is especially bitter, and when our hearts feel a deep resignation settle in, we know it’s time to find the sun. We leave the calm, the peace, and the solitude of the Great North Woods for places that feed our bodies, minds, and souls.

Pulling out from the Winter White Forest

The warmth of the southern sunshine helps ignite a new spirit of excitement within us. We are grateful for the chance to explore this beautiful country God has made for us in our little camper. It has taken us from coast to coast on an incredible journey in multiple parts — not vacation, but to live our life in the deserts, valleys of mountains, and at the edge of oceans. Work continues, school presses on, meals must be prepared, and laundry awaits, all keeping us rooted in reality.

Laundry and school on the beach

Sunrise on the Atlantic, Sunset on the Pacific

We usually find ourselves in places surrounded by elders: grandmas and grandpas. With the loss of both my parents, time with the older folks is so needed and appreciated. Our kids have learned so much from their friendly interactions — age has no bearing. There is such a beautiful wisdom within them that will be lost if we do not seek it out. They see our crew, and sometimes help us out by folding our laundry or by playing cards with the kids. Some extremely patient pickleball players let Hilda join in the fun, and Hanna was delighted to join the crocheting/knitting club!

We’ve made so many great memories traveling in our camper over the years. Like the time we were driving down south, it was late, and I called a campground to see if they had availability for that night. They said yes, but their limit was 4 people per site, to which I replied it would be just a quick stop, just for the night. After a pause, they responded by saying, “Well, I spoke to my manager, and we both agreed… you can have all 4 of your kids with you.” (oh good, because it would be a real shame to have to leave 2 of them on the side of the road!)

Maybe the tiny space allows us to stay close, to be challenged and become stronger for overcoming the inconveniences. We hold each other accountable, and that’s important in a time when temptations and distractions can so easily pull us away. Patrick effortlessly balances an important work call, a funny story, a school question, and an urgent camper situation.

The sunshine draws us outside. It invites us to climb mountains, take long walks on the beach, and soak up its radiant light. It is a gift, and one we hope never to take for granted.

We travel to historic places and sacred spaces which only deepen our love of simpler times. In so many ways, we try to bring these values to the homestead. The level of effort that men of old invested into dwellings and holy spaces is truly inspiring.

Invigorated by the sun, we head home with new plans, new ideas — indeed, new motivation to live more honestly.