Seven weeks in to a wanderer’s existence I can’t help but ponder the things I’m thankful for. Perhaps it’s the holiday right around the corner. Perhaps it’s the things we’ve done or the people we’ve met along the way. More likely its the forced pause in our lives, one which we’ve longed for and dreamed about for years while enduring self-imposed calendar chaos.

The mornings no longer start with a blind grope of the snooze button on an alarm clock. Instead there’s an incredibly patient 4-year-old husky lounging on the couch. With sleep clearing from my own eyes I imagine her out in the other room patiently awaiting my arrival atop the stairs. As I slide out of the bed her periscopic ears likely twitch and swivel in my direction. She graciously allows me the time to don a pair of pants and secure a shirt and socks. As our morning ritual proceeds, I sit on the steps and slide on my shoes. She in turn oozes out of her bed and places front paws on the floor while the rest of her body fights a sleepy state in back. A full body stretch begins in those front paws and gently extends to her haunches as she exercises a perfect downward dog. Once I pick up the leash she saunters up to me and leans her neck against my legs in greeting. A few strategically placed scratches and ear rubs later we head out the door to greet the day.

Our previous camp site in North Carolina was surrounded by woods where there supposedly was a walking trail. As we wandered along I discovered about 10 different trails cross-crossing and zig-zagging this way and that. It didn’t really matter that we had no idea which way to go. The pup got her fill of sniffs and I absorbed the beauty of the trails. After about 45 minutes of wondering I couldn’t help but estimate the size of the wooded area to be about 100 acres and smile at the four-legged friend that bounced along up ahead on the leash.

To be sure, there were countless moments like these over the years but there always existed a sense of rush and urgency in them. Hurry, hurry, hurry was the household hum. The morning walk was rushed, the day tumbling from one thing to the next was rushed, I love you’s were rushed, and the day ended with a mantra of hurry up and go to sleep so we could start it all again. We tried to stop and be thankful in our created chaos. It was much harder to see those moments of beauty on a commute to work or lunch break conversation with coworkers. I certainly wouldn’t have taken the time to notice the intricacies of our morning routine. But the details were there. This adventure is challenging us to switch from that one-week squished vacation, chaotic schedule to a new slower lifestyle of thankfulness and wonder.

Taking a breath we are making time to chat with some very interesting people. Phil from Long Island helped Donelle get over her fear of Kaia interacting with other dominant dogs. A woman named Hope who has lived all over the US shared tips to make a house a home. She also reminded us how lucky we are to be able to travel together as she lost her husband a few years back and is now struggling to travel the road solo. Seeing John, the 80+ adventurer, at a few different parks gave us a feeling of seeing a family member as he shared his wisdom about full-timing and a life well lived. And Steve, our favorite RV mechanic who was so kind to help educate us newbies on our trailer out of the goodness of his heart. All these amazing people came into our lives at the perfect time when we needed them. What wonderful God-winks and reminders of how blessed we are.

Thankfulness no longer exists as something to be checked off the list, something to be remembered between grumbles, or reserved for Sunday Saints. Without all the distractions, we have found joy in the little things like a beautiful sunset, a unique leaf, or a little bird’s song. This Thanksgiving we have a lot to be thankful for. Thankfulness for our family, for our friends, for the people that we have met along the way, and for the ability to adventure together will be lifted up this year. In this season of thankfulness we would also like to thank you for coming along with us on this journey and supporting us with your kind words and well wishes. Happy Thanksgiving!