RV Life: From The Outside Looking In
- 4 Nuts In A Shell
- Nov 30, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22, 2021
What Others See
From the outside looking in, others see an old rig sitting on an overgrown lot--its decals cracked and worn with age. There is a small dent in the back bumper, and the storage hatches are warped and sagging.
There is a large, green tarp covering the roof and extending from the side to keep the rain from the entrance. The bottom of the door fell off, leaving a half inch bar of daylight shining through.
Plastic covers the outside of all the windows, and a large outdoor mat lay nestled on the ground next to the rig. Kids bikes, toys, a couple of old, worn benches, a gray folding table with a small barbecue on it, and a bright yellow rain jacket hug the side.
Others see fogging windows from the humidity inside, and a yellow generator surrounded by old logs sitting out front.
Many would think, "these people are homeless", "these people are poor", "look at that riff raff", "how do people live like that", "those poor kids", "why don't these people get jobs", "how do they get water", "where does their sewage go", and other negative comments.
What I See
When I walk down the driveway, I see an old rig sitting on a partially cleared lot. I see all the beauty and adventures it has had--all the joy it has brought two growing families--and wish it could speak to tell us its tales.
There is a small dent in the back bumper and I wonder if it was hit, or if it was backed into something during one of the adventures it went on.
The storage hatches are warped and sagging and I see every scratch, mark, and scuff, and think of all the strength those containers have to hold precious belongings for the last thirty two years without much repair.
There is a large, green tarp covering the roof and extending from the side to keep the rain from the entrance. What a great use of outdoor space during the rainy season. It looks so homey.
The bottom of the door fell off, leaving a half inch bar of daylight shining through. That door, that has been opened and closed hundreds of times in its lifetime, has held on tight through crazy weather and storms, providing refuge for those inside, and even now offers ventilation.
The hours of work spent putting plastic over the outside of all the windows, shows a family who loves so deeply, they have found ways to weather any storm.
A large, burgundy, gray, and white outdoor mat lay nestled on the ground next to the rig, creating a barrier from the runoff and cold ground outside. It brings a warmth to the outside area upon returning home.
Kids bikes, toys, a couple of old, worn benches, a gray folding table with a small barbecue on it, a cooler, and a bright yellow rain jacket hug the side of the rig. These kids have never, ever been without things that bring them joy. I think of all the memories shared through those toys, all the meals prepared on that barbecue, the many uses that table and cooler have had, and how much protection that jacket has provided.
I see fogging windows from the humidity inside, and think how warm and cozy it is during chilly, winter days.
A yellow generator surrounded by old logs sits out front. As I listen to its whir, a feeling of pure joy engulfs me, knowing that all the warmth and meals inside have been possible because of that single machine.
When others think, "these people are homeless", "these people are poor", I think what a brave, inspiring, life changing choice we made and how rich we are not to "need" all the extra "stuff" to be happy. I see a beautiful home full of love and laughter.
Other thoughts about us, such as, "look at that riff raff", "how do people live like that", "those poor kids", "why don't these people get jobs", is all due to a preconceived notion and huge misunderstanding of our life. I feel sorry for those people, for they will never know the grace, joy, or fulfillment that remote jobs and an off grid lifestyle provide.
Ignorance saddens me. We have been asked "how do you get water", "where does your sewage go". Recalling all of the walks we have taken up the hill to cart back water, creates so much respect for how people lived years ago. It keeps us fit and reminds us we are human and have needs that we are capable of filling.
Every time I hear the sewer truck pulling into the driveway, I am grateful to all those workers for making services attainable, even when the world is experiencing turmoil.
Seeing with only your eyes and hearing with only your ears will never show or tell you the whole story.
Sometimes you can see far more with your head and your heart than you ever will with your eyes.
...and sometimes you can hear far more with your eyes than you ever will with your ears.
It's in being silent--in the stillness of a crazy life--that we can take note of every glimpse of wonder that surrounds us.
To support us on our mission to purchase a new home for our family, please check out the links below. We offer quite a few books and courses to help us earn money to achieve this necessary goal.
The PYHOOYA Challenge (90 day challenge to change your life)
Whole Food, Plant-Based, Here's the Truth in Your Face, We're a Brainwashed Human Race, Guide to Complete Health (paperback or ebook)
The Road to PYHOOYA (life changing paperback)
The Road to PYHOOYA (life changing ebook)
Operation PYHOOYA 365: Life By Design (rewrite your life paperback)
Operation PYHOOYA 365: Life By Design (rewrite your life ebook)
The Magic Pill (formula for a better life ebook)
PYHOOYA to Wellness (health guide ebook)
The Whole P.I.E (passive income empire course)
P.I.E For Beginners (passive income empire beginner course)
Blogging For Dollars (complete blogging course)
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Thank you all very much for being such a huge part of our lives!
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