For the past month we have been traveling around the country in our 2023 Airstream Globetrotter 27′ Travel Trailer. We set out on August 31st, and are still on the road as of this writing. We journeyed through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and then we crossed over into Canada near Grand Portage. We traveled east through Canada for a few days, then crossed back into the United States at Port Huron. After spending a few days in Michigan, we attended the 60th Swiss Festival Airstream National Rally in Sugarcreek Ohio. That was definitely a highlight as we were nestled right in the center of Amish country, camping beside an elk farm for over a week.
After the Rally, we went through Pennsylvania and into New York, where we are currently camping. We are staying just outside of Lake Placid, where the Olympic trials are held. It’s fall, and the trees have been peacocking throughout the past several weeks of travel. The weather has been magical this past week.
It’s been quite a journey. We have had our share of challenges, as well as beautiful days and experiences seeing wildlife, waterfalls, quaint little villages, horses and buggies, lakes, streams, and mountains beneath sunshine, fog, rain, clouds, stars, and a super moon. We have eaten some amazing food. We have stepped into four of the Great Lakes. We celebrated our birthdays, and I enjoyed purchasing some terrific Pampered Chef items from the shopping spree I earned after my 60th birthday party.
We have been shopping, washed our clothes, done the dishes, worked a bit, and completed every day activities we would be doing if we were back home. Every day life in the camper is better than therapy.
When I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer almost 7 years ago, we decided to do everything we could while I was still able. Experience nature. Draw closer to each other and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. We thought it might be a short-term adventure. By the grace of God the days turned into weeks, months, and even years. My energy has sustained me, and I am living proof that not everyone dies within a few months from MBC.
I recognize this is not everyone’s story (I have lost several friends), yet we must all come to the point of trusting God regardless of the outcome. I am giving God all the glory for longevity of life He has given me. Every day I wake up. For the ability to do this, even with the chemo and ongoing treatment. He has gifted me with an amazing team of doctors who, with the right cocktail of treatment, have kept me alive since 2016. My body is stable, and I have not experienced progression for quite some time. (I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and after chemo, surgery, radiation, and reconstruction I was deemed “Cancer Free.”)
So we travel. We enjoy life. We explore this wonderful country in which we live. We immerse ourselves into nature. We take long walks. When we are home we enjoy our grandchildren. When we travel in the right direction we enjoy our other grandchildren. Life goes on, and I am grateful to be alive!
À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!
“It is good to be alive.
It is nice to see the light from the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 11:7, ETRV