written by Skip as we prepare to resume our RV life in 2024
What is the hardest part of RV living and travel? This is a question we have been asked often and my knee jerk answer is, keeping the wheels on and the rig hitched up proper! There are a lot of moving parts between our RAM diesel 3500 and 16,000 lb., 34 foot 5th wheel trailer. This house on wheels experiences the equivalent of an earthquake every time we hit the road. And, navigating urban freeways, dodging 18 wheelers and watching for low bridge decks is a daily travel day challenge.
The Boy Scout in me comes out in many ways as I strive to “be prepared” for any contingency or surprise problem, (YouTube is my new friend). The first upsetting one was a half bald rear trailer tire that I just happened to notice when we were in Tucson. This required a process of trouble-shooting that led to the diagnosis of a bent axle. I’d rather not talk about the tight parking lot maneuver in Wyoming when I jack-knifed the trailer into the rear passenger side cab corner. Fortunately, the rear window didn’t pop out which should have been expected and our insurance agent has kept us on her Christmas mailing list.
We have had our share of close calls but have always felt the presence and protection of the Holy Spirit throughout our travels. Why? Because we call upon his name each day we set out and He has proven himself trustworthy and faithful.
The only thing that has seriously interrupted our RV travel occurred last July when I received a cancer diagnosis that put the brakes on everything. No, I wasn’t prepared for this but not terribly surprised, truth be told. Anne had done a lot of trip-planning and it was one big disappointment cancelling our August/September plans to head west to Idaho for a Sower project and visit Glacier National Park.
Over the course of five-months, July thru November, we traveled back and forth to Mayo for diagnostic work, treatment planning and ultimately a series of five proton beam radiation treatments that finished the day after Thanksgiving. So much was unknown as to side effects. We had concerns about my physical strength, wondering if would be ready to travel and work future Sower projects in Florida during the first quarter of 2024.
Much like we have felt God’s hand of protection over our past travel and mechanical operation, God’s presence was evident during this journey, leading us to a positive outcome and prognosis.
Florida bound, here we come! Praise be to God!
After three SOWER projects, we’ll be traveling through the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee before returning to Minnesota mid May. You can expect blog posts as we serve and travel in 2024. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Have a wonderful trip! Glad you can be on the road again. So grateful for Skip’s good health. Praise God!
Thanks, Eloise! We are so thankful!
This is such wonderful news! God Speed on your next journey after celebrating the birth of our Christ who strengthens us and embraces us in His love.
Christmas blessings to you, Sandra! May you experience afresh the joy and peace of the Christ child this Christmas season.
So happy to hear that Skip rang the bell!! We have been praying for him. God is good. Safe travels! Enjoy. Chris and Nancy
Thanks, Nancy! Merry Christmas to you and Chris!
Hello Anne and Skip,
So glad to hear things have been resolved with the cancer and the bell rang! I hope you enjoy your trip to FL. BTW, when I read about the bend axle and your driving talents, beware of driving through the everglades; if you see a python crossing the road (they get to be 6′ to 9′ in length and some even much larger, stop your rig and let him/her pass. I have a couple friends who tried to run over them and their trucks and 5th Wheels did not fair well. Other than that bit of Norwegian advice, enjoy the sun and Son on your trip as you continue your RV Ministry! From all of us here in Hermantown, sending best wishes and blessing. Gary and Julie
Thanks, Gary. We don’t have plans to be in the Everglades this year, but if our plans change, we’ll certainly heed your advice. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Nicely written Skip! We are looking forward to hearing and seeing more of your adventures. We are also thankful that the most recent journey with cancer is in the rear view mirror.
God speed Skip & Anne!!
Thanks Doug (and Karen)!
What great news that you’ve beat the cancer! A thousand hallelujah’s and a thousand more! I’m so happy that you get to head out on your next 3 Sower projects and travel adventures. I look forward to hearing about your Sower projects and your travels. I’ll be missing you until mid-May. Until then, you’ll both continue to be in my prayers.
Thanks, Marcie!
Merry Christmas! May your trip be filled with many blessings!
Lots of love,
Danielsons
Thanks Becky! Merry Christmas!