An Interview with Our Family ~ And Walking Through Fear

May 12, 2011

Our family was recently interviewed (sounds so grand when it's really only questions sent via e-mail and response sent back via e-mail) by Francis Tapon. Damien did a review last month of Francis' book Hike Your Own Hike.

Tapon's interview of our family can be found on his site WanderLearn (cool name).

Have you ever asked yourself "hum... I wonder what Renee's husband is like?" Of course in a totally platonic, non husband-stealing kind of way. That man is all mine girls.

Are you curious what it is we're up to with all this "outdoor stuff"?

Have you wondered how you can get your own family out the door for more adventures?

It's all there in the interview. A peek (not that kind of peek, for shame!) at who my husband is. How we are learning to combine our passions and interests to follow our dreams. Just why we value adventuring together so much. And advice for other families who want to get outdoors and experience those same benefits.

And now, eight days out from starting our biggest adventure yet I have something a tad more personal to share.

Identifying your passions, following your dreams and making ideas happen as a family is a bit of a scary business. Kind of like spring creek crossing.

a very simple spring creek crossing from our hike 2 weeks ago

We're only at the beginning of this adventure in progress but it's nerve racking and nail biting some days. And we haven't even launched!

Many of you have so thoughtfully expressed your excitement for us in this move. Thank you! It's wonderful to have people encourage you with their enthusiasm. But I want to be honest about the fear I am facing also. A fear of the unknown future. A hard thing for this security seeking mama.

I am meditating on scripture (because fear is a killer) and wanted to share these thoughts.

Romans 4:18-21

...Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

What is the promise of God for our family? I think it can be found in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Any Christian seeking reassurance about their future loves the first part of this passage, "plans to prosper and not to harm..." But the following is where my heart dwells right now:

...then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Wow, God's promise for us is that He will be found when we seek Him. What greater purpose is there to life than knowing our creator?

And how do I do this? How do I wait on God, hope in the promise of God, know God, in the midst of uncertainty, unknowns and fear?

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition (lots of asking), with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

So that's where I am right now. Acknowleging fear, sadness, and loss (so many goodbyes this week). But holding onto promises, plans and dreams and finding hope and peace in God.