Wherever We Land

Growing up, camping wasn’t a part of my parents’ lives. At least, not in the way my husband, Snatcher, and I experience it now. When my parents were my age, they weren’t out in the woods setting up tents, cooking over an open fire, or waking up to the sound of birds and rustling leaves. Instead, they were in the thick of life—working hard, finishing the job of raising my sisters and me, making sure we had what we needed to step into adulthood. Their days were filled with responsibility, sacrifice, and the daily grind of ensuring a stable home for their family. Camping? That was a dream for another time—one they would pursue when the hard work was done. 

But that time never came. 

Poor health stood in the way of their dream. The freedom they had once looked forward to—traveling, exploring, and experiencing the great outdoors—was taken from them before they ever got the chance to begin. Their dream of camping remained just that—a dream. 

Why Wait? The Decision to Camp Now

Unlike my parents, Snatcher and I didn’t want to put off our outdoor adventures until retirement. We saw no reason to wait for the “perfect” time because, truthfully, that time may never come. Life is uncertain, and no day is promised. Instead of making camping a distant dream, we made it a present reality. 

We chose to camp now—to immerse ourselves in nature while we are still in the thick of life. Between work, responsibilities, and everything that comes with adulthood, we make the time to step away, set up our tent, (eventually camp in Glo our camper van conversion) and reconnect with God’s creation. Our journey isn’t about waiting until we have more time; it’s about making the most of the time we have. 

Embracing the Outdoors as a Family

Camping now means our experiences aren’t just about us—they’re about the lessons and memories we create along the way. It’s about showing our children the beauty of nature, teaching them to unplug from the world, and instilling in them the same love for the outdoors that we cherish. It’s about finding peace in the wilderness, strengthening our bond as husband and wife, and drawing closer to God through His creation. 

For my parents, retirement was supposed to be their gateway to adventure. But life had other plans. Watching their dreams slip away only solidified our decision—*we will not wait.* We don’t want to look back and wish we had started sooner. Instead, we want to live fully in each moment, embracing the joys of camping while we still have the energy, excitement, and ability to do it. 

Waiting works for some. But for us, camping isn’t something we’ll get around to “one day.” It’s something we’re living, breathing, and experiencing—right now.