Exploration Inspiration
We are thrilled about our current opportunities for global exploration! Many people ask what motivated us to sell most of our possessions and dramatically change our lives in favor of travel. We’ve been influenced by multiple inspirational people and circumstances, so we invite you to settle in with your favorite beverage as we share our stories with you.
Stephen’s Story …
As a small boy growing up in Southwestern Ohio, I remember a number of school assignments that included researching current world events. It was a means of getting our young minds to think globally while recognizing why things that happen far away matter to all of us. Learning about the many ways events around the world have an economic, political, religious, motivational and educational impact on global citizens resonated with me.
One particular assignment involved reading international newspapers and magazines to heighten our awareness of worldwide topics. We were asked to share a one-minute summary of our chosen subject matter in front of the class. The article that really stuck with me pertained to the Leaning Tower of Pisa—why it was leaning, what potential remedies the Italian government was discussing to make it plumb and level, and whether they should dedicate valuable resources to this endeavor.
I wondered at that time if I would ever find my way to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and other famous landmarks? If so, would it be possible to see additional intriguing places on the planet as well? I was fascinated with travel and frequently dreamed of creating opportunities to explore the world someday.
I made it to Pisa in 2018!
Fast forward to my senior year in high school, during which daily conversations were about our intentions post-graduation. Most of my peers were planning to attend college, join the military, work for their family business, or get a job so they could start out on their own.
My classmate Jeff and I were talking, and he shared that he had just enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on the delayed entry program. He explained that if he could recruit a friend to join him, he would get a stripe (promotion) upon graduation from basic training.
Semper Fi …
Enlisting in the Marines appealed to me on several levels. I wanted to see the world and this option included some free travel! College didn’t feel like the best fit since I knew the expense would be too much for my family, and frankly, I wasn’t an exceptional student in high school. Acquiring skills through the Marines would allow me to contribute through the military, then return to civilian life and work toward a successful career. After one short conversation with my buddy (who did earn his stripe), I developed a life path that included travel.
Brenda’s Story …
When I was a little girl, my maternal grandparents saved their ARCO gas receipts and accumulated points to exchange for ARCO World Dolls. Every Birthday and Christmas, I would excitedly receive a few dolls from different countries. I cherished these dolls, which hung in a cardboard display box on my bunk bed wall throughout my childhood.
I frequently imagined what girls my age in various countries might be doing at any given moment and how they lived. I borrowed numerous library books about international locations and developed a passionate interest in other cultures. When I turned 13, my paternal grandfather and his best friend made a wooden doll case for me, with glass doors and shelves, so my global friends had a beautiful new home!
A bit blurry photo of my World Dolls in the case my Grandpa created
As a nine-year-old, my grandparents also included me in a western Canada road trip in their camping trailer, at which time I caught the travel bug. I documented details of this experience in my journal and through the lens of my Kodak Brownie camera. My heightened awareness of travel was exhilarating, and I continued to dream about the many places I would visit when I grew up.
Our Canadian adventure (with notes always in hand)
I was blessed to be raised by parents whose belief systems, faith, strong work ethics and unconditional support demonstrated what the “good life” looked like while shaping my values. While we didn’t have much in our household from a financial perspective, it didn’t matter — we shared an abundance of love, learning and laughter, which was priceless. People and experiences have always been much more important than things and my parents encouraged me to think independently, dream big, respect others, enjoy life and make things happen.
When I eventually reached adulthood, I subscribed to International Living magazine, which strengthened my desire to see the world. The monthly articles about people living abroad, the global adventures described by fellow readers, and Ronan McMahon’s real estate findings have provided inspiration for several decades.
During my career years, I was focused on business operations and work-related travel, yet we enjoyed a few international vacations and savored every moment of those trips. Our bucket list continued to grow, as did our shared desire to travel. Which brings us to today and the new lifestyle Stephen and I are currently implementing.
Our Story …
We have many things in common, including our devotion to Gonzaga University, where we both earned our Master’s in Organizational Leadership. Stephen graduated from this program in 2008 and Brenda in 2018, after Brenda was heavily influenced by Stephen’s Gonzaga advocacy, as well as the opportunity to add a Global Leadership concentration to her degree.
We both participated in Dr. Michael Carey and Dr. John Caputo’s Renaissance Leadership study abroad class in Italy and Brenda immersed herself in Dr. Adrian Popa’s Brussels European Forum in Belgium, in addition to other valuable courses. The influence these three inspirational professors, together with other engaging Gonzaga experiences, had on our decision to embrace a purpose-driven international life was significant.
It’s been said that timing is everything and a snowy Seattle weekend provided a respite from our extremely busy schedules during a phase when we were starting to discuss retirement plans. Our conversations over those couple of days were focused on our finances, career intentions, love for and proximity to our family and friends, vacation destinations and our long-term goals.
We assessed our options and talked hypothetically about some potential scenarios, then laughed at the notion of actually making changes. After all, everything was fine with our current, comfortable circumstances; we simply had a crazy case of wanderlust!
This dialogue prompted Brenda to revisit some of her favorite International Living articles and to grab a book off the shelf that she had purchased long ago, yet not yet opened. Lynne Martin’s narrative in “Home Sweet Anywhere” jumped from the pages and made us feel empowered to actively design a lifestyle that previously seemed unfathomable. We hadn’t seriously considered selling our house until the story of Lynne and her husband Tim, and their life without borders, came to our attention.
Our conversations shifted toward relinquishing the home we had lovingly renovated and enjoyed for almost a decade, in a wonderful neighborhood full of people we continue to adore. Stephen was focused on multiple jobs and projects, so we knew it would take time for him to wrap things up. Brenda was also hesitant to end her long-term career while altering relationships with peers she had valued more than half of her lifetime.
Uncertainty relating to our long-term financial security was an important component of this decision-making process too, of course. That said, these changes also provided an opportunity to build an online startup business we had been discussing for a while. Additionally, we discovered that the expenses associated with our new travel lifestyle would actually be lower than what we were accustomed to spending!
Next Chapter …
Once we made the decision to move forward, everything happened quickly and transitioned more smoothly than we anticipated, which made us feel like we were on the right track. Within six months, we had a viable plan in place, many of our possessions were donated, and our excitement was palpable.
We sold our home furnished, to a terrific couple who appreciates and cares for it as we did. Stephen made considerable progress with his roles and responsibilities, in addition to the myriad of tasks associated with our move. Brenda gave three months’ notice at work and transitioned out of her role with deep gratitude for those whose partnerships and friendships were invaluable during her career.
As we organized, labeled and stored our stuff, we logged our remaining belongings into an app to make it easier to locate each item in the future. As we did so, we reflected on the small number of things we will need. We are welcoming our smaller, lighter footprint and simpler life while validating that people and experiences are much more important than things.
All of our belongings in a 10 x 15 storage unit
Speaking of important people, words cannot adequately describe the depth of our affection for our friends, family members, and neighbors! What we have come to realize is that our friendships extend beyond borders, and family will forever be family, regardless of time zones.
We will continue to visit our loved ones regularly, and we are finding even more ways to connect with people since technology is at our fingertips and our time is less structured. The manners in which our friends and family are embracing our new lifestyle are heartwarming and appreciated!
Our West Seattle neighbors are remarkable. Leaving this exceptional community was tough, yet we will treasure the countless conversations, block parties, meals and beverages we shared. Those memories will last a lifetime, while we remain connected as friends. Ed and Mary, Tim and Donna, and possibly other neighborhood pals, are planning to meet us during our travels, so we look forward to creating more memories together.
As the date of our departure drew near, Ed and Mary hosted a lovely neighborhood gathering in their home. We savored the conversations, opportunities to reminisce, and the delicious dishes our friends prepared. The evening was amazing, as was the perfect quilt Mary made for us, with fabric squares from families who shared their thoughtful sentiments. She even designed a square depicting our home! We will always cherish this quilt and the gift of our neighbors’ time during this special send-off.
Our precious neighborhood quilt, handmade by Mary, including our house design. This sweet gift, and the people who created it, mean a lot to us.
As we move through this next chapter of exploration, we will continue to count our blessings as we encounter new people and experiences, while placing tremendous value on all of our relationships. We are grateful for your interest, encouragement and unwavering support as we create the best possible version of our lives!
Thank you for sharing these experiences with us …
- Stephen & Brenda