Pleasant Sunday in the bush…

Over these past weeks, as we’ve settled back into life here in Marloth Park, I’ve found myself thinking more deeply about why we still choose this way of living. After all these years, after all the miles, after the ups and downs that seem to come more frequently as time passes, it would be easy to question whether continuing makes sense. And yet, here we are.

When we first left Minnesota in 2012, everything felt new and exciting. Every country, every experience, every challenge was part of a grand adventure we could hardly have imagined while living a more traditional life. We were younger then, more energetic, and perhaps a bit more fearless. We didn’t think much about what it would feel like years later, when travel wouldn’t always come so easily.

Now, it is different.

There are days when getting from one place to another feels exhausting. Long flights, delays, navigating airports, hauling luggage, and figuring out the next place to stay can take a toll. Health concerns have become part of the equation. My knee injury, our recent illnesses, and the reality of aging bodies remind us that this lifestyle is not without its challenges.

And yet, despite all of that, we continue.

This morning, as I sat on the veranda with my coffee, watching the bush slowly come to life, I realized once again why. A gentle breeze moved through the trees, a few birds called out in the distance, and before long, a small group of animals wandered into view. There was no rush, no noise, no pressure. Just a quiet, peaceful moment that felt like a gift.

It is these moments that keep us going.

We have built a life that allows us to experience the world in a way that feels deeply personal. We are not rushing from one tourist attraction to another. We are living in these places, even if only for a while. We become familiar with the sounds, the routines, the small details that many people might never notice.

There is also something meaningful about the freedom we have created. We are not tied to one place. If we feel the need for a change, we can make it. If we fall in love with a location, we can stay longer. That flexibility has shaped our lives in ways we never expected.

Of course, it is not always easy. There are moments of frustration, uncertainty, and even doubt. There are times when we wonder if we miss the simplicity of having a permanent home, where everything is familiar and predictable. There are days when we feel tired and wonder if slowing down would be the better choice.

But then something happens.

It might be a conversation with a kind stranger, a breathtaking view, or even a simple meal shared in a new place. It might be the feeling of stepping into yet another unfamiliar setting and realizing that we are still capable of adapting, still capable of embracing whatever comes next.

This lifestyle has taught us resilience. It has shown us that we can handle more than we once believed. It has also given us a deep appreciation for the present moment. When you are constantly moving, you learn not to take anything for granted.

We don’t know how long we will continue like this. We are more aware than ever that time is precious. But for now, this still feels right.

So we keep going.

Not because it is easy, and not because it is always comfortable, but because it continues to bring us a sense of purpose, curiosity, and gratitude. And as long as we can still find joy in these quiet mornings, these unexpected encounters, and these ever-changing surroundings, we know we are exactly where we are meant to be.

Be well.