Caring for Others is One Benefit to a Semi-Nomadic Life

When we started planning this wild and crazy adventure of living somewhere new every year to year and a half, we never expected some of the benefits we’ve experienced. Being semi-nomadic means downsizing and decluttering, organizing and planning. But it has also meant friendship and opportunity to give back to others. They say the best things in life aren’t things and I can attest. The best things in life are experiences, relationships, and caring for others.

The spontaneous roadtrip

I want to tell you a little story about a spontaneous road trip we had the opportunity to make last fall. Our neighbor had accepted a new job in Reno, Nevada. He told us of him upcoming move on a Friday night while we sat around the fire pit having cake and a few refreshments. There was a bit of a conundrum, though.

He owned a BMW motorcycle, a Corvette he’d restored, and his daily driver; a Jeep. He could load the bike onto his moving truck and tow the Corvette, but the Jeep was going to cost him a few thousand dollars to ship to the new location. He had to take a phone call, and while he was away, John and I looked at each other and simultaneously said, “We could drive the Jeep to Reno for him.” And that is how this story begins.

M was kind enough to give us the weekend to think it over in case we changed our minds, but little did he know, we’re not those people. We had the flexibility and availability to take a few days off work to help and we were happy and excited to get to do this for him. So the following week, as M loaded his moving truck and gave John a few pointers for driving his Jeep, I spent the morning packing suitcases and a small bin of road trip snacks.

The three-day tour

As we headed out on what we knew would prove to be an adventure, we never dreamed how good this opportunity would feel. Caring for others is an amazing gift we’ve all been given, and taking opportunities to do so will always leave you with memories that can’t be beat.

Because our drive was going to be a three-day tour from Southern Kentucky to Reno, Nevada, we decided to make the most of every moment. M was on a tight schedule, leaving Kentucky on a Friday and starting work the next Monday. That wasn’t much time to get from point A to point B, but making the effort to help him reach his deadline was completely worth it. Caring for others is always worth it.

As we drove North and eventually headed West, we saw some of the most beautiful sights you can imagine. While there wasn’t a lot to stop and do, just simply seeing the beauty of the country was enough. The best part, however, was knowing we had made a friend, and were taking the opportunity to care for someone other than ourselves for a short period of time.

Memories that last a lifetime

That roadtrip only took us three days. We left Kentucky, drove for three days, and flew back home.

We spent less than 24 hours in Reno. But what we ended up with was a few memories that will last a lifetime, and a friend that will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives.