 Since my husband and I are without a home at this time (our townhome construction in North Carolina has been delayed until spring), we are wanderers and sojourners, traveling across country, visiting friends, house-sitting and staying with very generous church family members a few weeks at a time. Above, you see me in a "here's proof I was at one of the most popular spots in the US" pose. I'm the Happy Sojourner. . .. . .and he is not. Dan is a home-body who can spend his vacations in his workshop or music studio, and not leave the house. He loves ritual and hates change. I, on the other hand, love variety and crave changes. It inspires me and tickles my little grey cells (as Poirot often says). So, I must applaud my hubby for his bravery. I am coming very quickly to the conclusion that it's the thing we dread that keep our minds sharp. Getting adjusted to a new lodging and routine every couple of weeks (not to mention moving our belongings), jiggles our thought processes and comfort zones. Last month, we spent four weeks at Conference Point Camp in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. We volunteered three weeks, and attended our annual family Bible camp the fourth week. Working in the kitchen was exhausting, and ramped up our appreciation for restaurant and camp meals. During our last week of volunteering, I was asked to manage the snack shop for a friend who flew out west with her husband to visit their daughter and family. The first part of the week, I worked alongside my friend as she showed me the ropes. But come Thursday, I was on my own with two well-trained and capable (thankfully) teens. Occasionally, my husband, Dan, would help out, but he was even more of a novice than me. I was amazed at how my multi-tasking abilities returned (thank you, Jesus!) as we served a hoard of 107 band kids who literally swarmed in for their ice cream, smoothies and slushies. Whew! It confirmed my hope that I was not ripe for assisted living just yet.  Our view from the chapel at Conference Point Camp in Williams Bay, Wisconsin So, What Does Sojourning Have to Do with Writing?Ready for a surprise? I am moving my focus from Middle-Grade Historical Fiction to Memoir and nonfiction, specifically addressing aging and its many facets. Of course, I will offer ways to grow older gracefully, and point out the issues we silver-haired folks face daily. Does that sound like something you resonate with? I would love to have you comment below, if that is the case. What is your biggest roadblock to moving forward as you age? What are your fears? If you receive this blogpost via email, click on the title of the post, and it should bring you to the blog itself, where you can comment below. I truly want and need to hear from you! Even if you are in your 40s and 50s, I want to know what concerns you about the future. The Serious and the Silly Looking forward to your comments. And I guarantee some of them will show up in my next book!
8 Comments
8/11/2022 11:23:17 am
Hats off to you and your hubby, Jarm. As you say, it's not easy to travel for extended periods of time, especially if you are going from place to place with your belonging and needing to pack up and lug everything each time. When I went around the world in 2019, I stayed with kidlit friends for weeks at a time - it was wondrous...but at times, wearisome. One thing that helped me was that I traveled light...one small roller bag and a small backpack. And because I stayed with friends, I was able to do laundry every week. Another thing that helped was to use small, refillable toiletry containers instead of carrying the weight of regular-size or spending a fortune on those mini toothpastes and such that often cost more. 8/12/2022 09:50:31 am
You are amazing, Vivian! Talk about living outside your comfort zone. I'm sure you were touched by your friends’ generosity, as are we. If you are ever near Wilmington, NC after spring of 2023, I'll have a lovely guest room waiting for you!
Kelly Lentine
8/15/2022 10:11:01 am
Vickie! Love the new journey of writing. I will be looking forward to your memoirs, as I've enjoyed hearing of many, and will look forward to more. Aging. yes, it creeps up on us! How about life without children? As Tom and I watch our young adult children go "out there" making their own choices, we find it's a challenging time to sit and watch.....with little to no council. Hard times indeed. 8/16/2022 11:22:52 am
So, true, Kelly—that is indeed a challenge! We can't raise and launch children without the help of the Lord. Great to hear from you! 8/15/2022 12:16:01 pm
What an exciting time for you, Jarm! My husband and I have made a life of traveling for ministry. Sometimes we have a house to go back to, but often we do not. So I understand your journey somewhat. But we are reversed. My husband loves the adventure. I prefer routine and stability. I am still learning to find those things in Christ, for He is the true Rock of my Salvation. We both turn 50 this year! I think I fear the future because of the unknown. How do we continue ministering when our bodies are slowing down? How will our needs be met? But the truth is, we must trust in Lord with all our hearts, and lean not unto our own understanding. I know this, but it's always good to be reminded! Praying for you as you embark on this new journey! 8/16/2022 11:25:28 am
Those are great insights, Stephanie! I will include those in my book. Yes, without the Lord’s guidance, we are lost and without strength. May the Lord provide what you and your hubby needs to serve Him in the future!
Allyson Lewis
8/24/2022 02:20:12 pm
Hi Jarm! I'm praying your new journey with writing this book about aging goes fabulously well. I can add comments about having parents with Alzheimer's that passed in 2010. I miss them every day and missed them before they passed. My husband's mother is currently suffering from Alzheimer's and has recently become non-verbal. Needless to say, we are both careful about diet and exercise and maintaining healthy and hopefully preventative measures to guard against this horrible disease. 8/24/2022 04:33:09 pm
So sorry, Allyson, to hear about your parent's battle with Alzheimer's, and now your mother-in-law. I can't imagine how difficult that continues to be. You are smart to keep healthy both in body and spirit. Thanks for your prayers—and for stopping by to comment! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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