the sign we've
been waiting for!
Under Contract! WooHoo!
So ... how are you managing in such a small space?
We've been living in Faith (the motorhome) for a full month now. We moved out of the stick-and-brick house in order to accommodate all the showings and to make it easier to keep it clean for the next wave of lookie-loos. Most people that I share this with ponder this "great inconvenience" and express concern ... "How do we manage to live in such a small space as an RV?"
[Ken 08/15/2015] The question is often presented as if asked in sympathy or condolence. It's as if they expect to hear a response like, "Well ... we're making some sacrifices ... it's kinduv rough, but we will struggle through...." I get the sense that some of them want to bring by a casserole as a gesture of support in our disadvantaged struggle.
While it is true that we are now living in 2060 fewer square feet than our stick-and-brick house provided, we are really not making any compromises. Not including the basement storage area, we have about 440 square feet of living space, and in that space we have all of the comforts that the S&B house provided (except for a washer and dryer, which we opted not to have, but that is another story).
Environmental comfort inside Faith is managed by a system that monitors available solar energy and supplements with standard AC electrical power (if we are at a place where we can be plugged in). There is a 7500 watt generator on-board when that power is not enough. In all, there are three electrical systems (one 12-volt, and two 110 volt) that power Faith's interior lights, TVs, coffee maker, forced-air-gas heat, microwave, water pump, and air conditioning. There is a separate 12v electrical system that makes Faith a driveable vehicle.
Filtered water can be supplied from external connections or from an on-board 100 gallon water tank. We also carry propane for the two furnaces and the stove. In total, there are ten car batteries in "the belly of the beast." The picture above and on the right is the panel that allows us to manage and monitor these systems. It's geeky; I like it.
[Ken 08/15/2015] The question is often presented as if asked in sympathy or condolence. It's as if they expect to hear a response like, "Well ... we're making some sacrifices ... it's kinduv rough, but we will struggle through...." I get the sense that some of them want to bring by a casserole as a gesture of support in our disadvantaged struggle.
While it is true that we are now living in 2060 fewer square feet than our stick-and-brick house provided, we are really not making any compromises. Not including the basement storage area, we have about 440 square feet of living space, and in that space we have all of the comforts that the S&B house provided (except for a washer and dryer, which we opted not to have, but that is another story).
Environmental comfort inside Faith is managed by a system that monitors available solar energy and supplements with standard AC electrical power (if we are at a place where we can be plugged in). There is a 7500 watt generator on-board when that power is not enough. In all, there are three electrical systems (one 12-volt, and two 110 volt) that power Faith's interior lights, TVs, coffee maker, forced-air-gas heat, microwave, water pump, and air conditioning. There is a separate 12v electrical system that makes Faith a driveable vehicle.
Filtered water can be supplied from external connections or from an on-board 100 gallon water tank. We also carry propane for the two furnaces and the stove. In total, there are ten car batteries in "the belly of the beast." The picture above and on the right is the panel that allows us to manage and monitor these systems. It's geeky; I like it.
There is a reason that they call these things Condos on Wheels ("COWs"). With the four slide-outs extended, Faith becomes just about the same size as many Manhattan apartment homes. To add more living space, the driver and passenger seats swivel to the back so that they become living room furniture, so-to-speak. Faith features a residential air-conditioning system, full-size shower, queen-sized bed, full-size refrigerator, satellite HDTV, a central vacuum, and flush toilet.
To make the COW floorplan feel more like a S&B home, Winnebago even offered an optional, traditional dining room table and chairs. We like the bench seating and fixed table, however, because of the added storage space in the benches. While I keep my tools on a large sliding tray in one of the basement compartments, Deb has filled both of the bench seats with her craft supplies. "RVing is not Camping!"
To make the COW floorplan feel more like a S&B home, Winnebago even offered an optional, traditional dining room table and chairs. We like the bench seating and fixed table, however, because of the added storage space in the benches. While I keep my tools on a large sliding tray in one of the basement compartments, Deb has filled both of the bench seats with her craft supplies. "RVing is not Camping!"
So I guess the answer to the question, "How are we managing in such a small space?" is, "We are doing just wonderful." One of our objectives in this adventure was to SIMPLIFY. And so we have. Just about everything we now own is in Faith. It is funny to me how we are fully provided for and have everything that we need with us all of the time, wherever we park. We have discovered what others had promised: that to live so basic, in such a small space, is purposeful, wholly comfortable, and actually quite gratifying. We truly enjoy having abandoned all of the distractions of a stick-and-brick home.
rocks and roots
slow me down
[Deb 08/20/2015] On a recent hike in Maxwell Falls, my pace was slowed because of the large rocks and tree roots riddling the path. I was more cautious and took smaller steps. I fell farther and farther behind my husband and hiking partner. As I hiked along alone I began to think about a hike like this as a reflection of life.
Rocks and roots are obstacles in a hiker’s path. There are generally obstacles in our paths in life too. I was wondering if I am cautious around those obstacles. I think I am. Even if I say I trust that God will guide me through, I am tentative. Isn’t that just like many of us? But when my faith is strengthened by diligent prayer and fellowship with other believers, I can walk confidently over and through those symbolic rocks and roots.
I think talking through struggles is important. I know I have a tendency to internalize and hide. I am curious what our fellowship with others will be like in this new adventure. I am excited to know their stories. Will they want to know mine?
This is just a rambling reflection of hiking thoughts. I think a lot when I hike. Perhaps that’s why I can’t keep up with Ken. He’s conquering the trail and my pace is slowed as I think and hike. I don’t know if Ken thinks as he hikes, but I know I do. Maybe I should empty my mind and focus on the rock and roots before me on the trail and strive just for the challenging exercise. Maybe I’ll try that next time!
Rocks and roots are obstacles in a hiker’s path. There are generally obstacles in our paths in life too. I was wondering if I am cautious around those obstacles. I think I am. Even if I say I trust that God will guide me through, I am tentative. Isn’t that just like many of us? But when my faith is strengthened by diligent prayer and fellowship with other believers, I can walk confidently over and through those symbolic rocks and roots.
I think talking through struggles is important. I know I have a tendency to internalize and hide. I am curious what our fellowship with others will be like in this new adventure. I am excited to know their stories. Will they want to know mine?
This is just a rambling reflection of hiking thoughts. I think a lot when I hike. Perhaps that’s why I can’t keep up with Ken. He’s conquering the trail and my pace is slowed as I think and hike. I don’t know if Ken thinks as he hikes, but I know I do. Maybe I should empty my mind and focus on the rock and roots before me on the trail and strive just for the challenging exercise. Maybe I’ll try that next time!
Ken, faithfully waiting for me on the trail.
