The Open Road

I am rapt with feelings of providence.

Chris, my partner in all things constantly challenges and reaffirms me. He is a compass, a rock, and an open sea. The children are a steady source of laughter and purpose. With them, there is no end to discovery and possibility. Here we are, prosperity abounding, and yet I have a tickle of desire. At the risk of sounding like Icarus, or Yertle the Turtle, the City Mouse, or Ariel the Little Mermaid…I want more. There is a whole world out there! We have docked in Alexandria Harbor long enough, and are now ready to embark upon a new chapter.  

In April we will trade our house and the possessions within for Five Backpacks. Our homeschool becomes a Worldschool. We will travel until we are ready to return, with the following vision for who we become:

All five of us will have a global perspective that is eternally optimistic. We hope to have lived with people in twenty or thirty countries around the world, creating a deep connection to humanity, to the earth, and to a healthy relationship between the two.

We wish to practice gratitude, meditation, music, martial arts, and creative writing. I envision learning to cook, dance, and sing everywhere we find ourselves. We will still read aloud to each other every day.

We will seek joy and beauty wherever we go, as well as justice and wisdom. Our instinct should be to serve others, to learn every day, and to live with integrity.

There will be breakdowns, tantrums — some may even be from the children. We will be wrinkled yet resilient.

In terms of commodities and conveniences, we want to consume less and conserve more. As for time spent creating meaningful relationships, however, we wish to spend limitlessly.

We hope our bonds with friends and family will grow stronger as we share with them experiences in faraway places, write copious letters, and come home for treasured visits together.

May this new year be one in which you create lasting memories with your loved ones. May you, too, feel a thrill and satisfaction with the plans and unexpected turns your life journey navigates in the open road ahead. We hope to see you soon!

Holly Santillo