We have taken a big risk, trying to make the most of a crappy situation, and it is a struggle.
Our decision to renovate an older van instead of buying brand new was motivated from a sense of environmental responsibility and consumer activism. Every choice has been made with these questions in mind:
- Can we save it?
- Can we re-use it?
- Can we do without it?
- Can we make something with what we already have?
- Can we buy it secondhand?
- Can we source it locally?
- Can we buy Australian made?
- Can we buy a quality product that will last?
So far, we have managed to uphold these values. But our van, which was originally only in need of a paint job and minor re-upholstering, has since been completely gutted and requires major and extensive, often expensive, repairs.
Thankfully the mechanics of the van are in good condition - as far as I know the chassis and the A frame and the undercarriage etc are all in good working order. We would like to put new tyres on for safety's sake. Wish we still had the farm at times like these, we could re-use the old tyres/wheels in the garden! Anyone want some tyres for a garden bed? They grow great potatoes! If not I will donate them to Gold Coast Permaculture, as I'm sure they will use them!
And of course, we have had several minor financial hurdles crop up which has meant funds have been low. And I mean .... LOW. So we are compromising on more and more for our trip, and prioritising what we need now, and what we can do later. It's been stressful, to say the least.
I can't help feeling that it's actually a good thing.
Sometimes we all need a reminder to spend less, do without more, and think about our purchases before we buy. Don't you agree?
We are behind two weeks in our schedule. Geo has been exhausted, working two and sometimes even three jobs around the clock while also trying to work on the van. Stages have been dependant on funds flowing in, and time uninterrupted by work commitments.
This weekend just gone was supposed to be a solid two day vanfest, with no other commitments on the calendar so we could spend all weekend building the cabinets and installing the ceilings and wall.
But things never work out the way you plan, do they?
No funds last week meant we couldn't order in the timber we needed, and then we had some interpersonal problems with the owner of the warehouse we were working out of. He thought it was fair to double the rent without notice and demand it immediately with threat of violence to our possessions.
So we moved into a new warehouse space at Ashmore over the weekend. We are forever grateful to our mates who have helped us though all this - we will never forget. You have really stood by us in a crazy hard time in our life and it means the world.
The new space is smaller, and didn't have the power connected (hopefully Energex have turned it on today) but it is ours for a month with no threats and unannounced visitors demanding cash out of the blue. And it just so happens to be right next door to a classic car detailer and spray painter! With a spray booth! If time and funds allow we could really take advantage of that! It's almost "meant to be". ;)
So sometimes things happen for a reason. Sometimes, the universe pushes you away from something and toward something else. You might not be able to see why at the time, but soon it will become clear. And I am grateful! Grateful for our new space, grateful for the opportunity for rest, grateful for my wonderful family who make every day amazing. Grateful for the reminder to trust the plan and to believe. Grateful for our privileged life.
I say: Live your Life intuitively! and with an open heart! Relax and ride the wave, for it is pushing you toward your destiny.
I am dreaming of the day we all lie in the shade of the trees and look out at the open horizon and sigh. Not a sad sigh, or a disappointed sigh, but a contented, relaxed, all-is-right-with-the-world kind of sigh.
In spite of everything this last week, I feel content. I feel that we are where we are supposed to be. And I'm grateful for this journey.
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