2015: A year of Learning, Living and Growing

It's not a bad thing to look back.

2016 as been an interesting year for me and my family. I thought I would log these events as I have learnt so much and in years to come I want to look back and remember that everything happens for a reason.
In January, Dan and I decided to move to Albany, because we liked the idea of living down in the South and Dan could easily transfer his job there working for Coles. We have both always wondered what it would be like to live down there and had visions of us finding hippies living in the forest and settling down there in one of their Nomad camps.
We found a great rental in Mount Barker which suited us perfectly as it wasn't expensive, its in a small town and was only 45 minutes drive for Dan to go everyday to work. The rental prices in Albany we too much for us to afford.
Having been a part of such a dramatic change it for me I was in a bit of shock the first few weeks. We have moved from my mum and dads house where there was constant entertainment for our 1 1/2 year old (now 2 1/2) and long time friends just down the road to a small farming community where I knew no one. 

I was lonely and sad. But Miss E. constantly needs something to do and Dan was working a lot so I had to be tough with myself and make a plan. We decided to join plenty of groups, such as the gym, Library time for Miss E. and I quickly made my way to the church where I was greeted by tonnes of friendly faces ready to welcome us to the community. 
I thoroughly enjoy Small Town living, there is a slower pace and quieter atmosphere. People seem to be happy helping others on the weekend and including others in community projects.
Dan and I were prepared to spend a lot of time exploring nearby towns and meeting similar Eco conscious minded people. Soon after receiving full time hours as night-fill Daniel would work all night and catch up on sleep during the day. This resulted in barely any family time and no time to really take weekend trips into the forest which is what out initial plan was.
However the benefits of living in a small town was undeniably good for us. On the nights when we were a family of three we would invite friends over, have dinners and connect with others who shared our energy and passion for life.

At the end of the year we were told by our agent that the house we were renting was sold and we had 35 days to vacate. Dan was busy with work so it was up to me to look for other rentals and conduct the rent inspections. Being so close to Christmas time, the rental market was flooded and we couldn't find a house in time. 

We needed somewhere to live so we paid $2000 for a second-hand caravan and parked it at the Kalgan River Caravan Park in Albany. Beautiful spot, but not ideal for a small family with the bare essentials and another baby on the way.  
It was a bit of a fantasy of mine to live in a caravan and travel around like gypsies. But you know what? God has a sense of humour. He knew caravan life wasn't for me, so did my husband, but I wouldn't give up until I had realised it myself. 
After a little while we were able to move back up to Perth and we have settled into my mum and dads' house. It's nice having the constant company of a full house and we are able to prepare some room for the arrival of new baby. 

The past year I have matured and become a little tougher. I have become stronger in my beliefs and I feel more comfortable speaking up for mine and my family's decisions. I have decided that its time to put some roots down. I have always dreamt of owning my own house and Miss E. is not far from starting school so I think its the right time to start the next step on our journey. I don't know what it is but looking back this year I know that I don't need to worry and I can trust that God will look after us and make it really, really fun!

Trust the Journey

Renee x