Top 10 Next Steps…
49 DAYS: Top 10 “Next Steps” for this Week 1. Research Travel & Medical Insurance Options 2. Work on getting our Blog up 3. Find accommodations in Papeete and reserve 4. Work on a tentative outline for Australia, and reserve lodging for New Year’s Eve in Sydney, before everything is booked up. 5. Continue to pair down our possessions 6. Touch base with several ministries/organizations we are potentially coming alongside in Playa del Carmen, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, Thailand. 7. Continue searching airline routes and potential itineraries while in Southeast Asia 8. Work… Read More
It’s Easier Than You Think
So HOW? How can we afford to do this? (aka “You must be loaded!”) The truth is, this is not a “luxury” year long vacation and it’s much more accessible than most people realize. So how, then? Well, there are a number of contributing factors. I’ll share our TOP 10 here. 1. Plan ahead and live frugally, making sacrifices along the way. No cable, no new cars, etc. 2. For those of you who don’t own a home, and can store your belongings, having no mortgage or rent to worry about helps…. Read More
Housing Insights and Key Takeaways
When we chose our Spanish teacher and school, we didn’t just gain an incredible educator; we also found a new friend in Katya! She went above and beyond, connecting us with one of her amazing realtor friends. Thanks to this connection, we discovered a fantastic beach rental property at an unbeatable price for our three-month stay. Just a short stroll from the beach, this charming place boasts three cozy bedrooms, a lovely kitchen, and even a community pool for those sunny afternoons. Plus, it comes equipped with WiFi—essential for our needs—and is… Read More
Stalked by a Lion
While you may have imagined for years what it would be like to come face to face with an imposing, stately lion, pursuing unsuspecting prey in his natural habitat, nothing quite prepares you for the bewildering deluge of contradicting emotions that flood through you as the scene unfolds, just steps away. All that stands between you and this massive, powerful beast…is nothing. My husband, Ryan, and I watched helplessly as an abandoned newborn water buffalo we had just befriended unwittingly, began to cry. His hushed whimpers grew quickly into a loud wail… Read More
Our Leopard Encounter
This was quite possibly the biggest highlight of our African Safari, with the lion cubs being right up there with this experience! To enjoy safari in Samburu, we chose to stay at Larsen’s Camp, which sits right by the river. We were warmly embraced when we arrived at Larsen’s Camp and made to feel right at home. After giving us a few moments to relax and get settled in, the staff invited us to lunch, which they had set up for the two of us right by the river. I was so… Read More
Chasing Ruins: Our Epic Family Adventure to Chichen Itza!
Reflecting on our incredible adventure to Chichen Itza in 2012, we cherish the memories of our first family vacation to the Cancun/Riviera Maya region. We decided to rent a car while staying in Cancun, allowing us to visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum all in one day. While some may advise against this, I encourage fellow adventurers to embrace the experience. Just be sure to start early and bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. We chose to embark on this self-guided tour… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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