- The New West Residence
We spent our first night in the RV on Tuesday – that’s five days ago. Admittedly, we were so tired those first few nights, the last thing we felt like doing was blog about it. There is a lot to learn! Our brains were (and still are) on overload. A good friend told us, “Things will go wrong. Your house is on wheels.” Boy was he right! Our new mantra: Expect things to go wrong and you won’t be disappointed.
Fortunately nothing drastic has resulted in irreparable damage, but there were a few bumps in the road and a slight incline on our lot that made us wonder if we made the right choice. However, seeing the smile on our daughter’s face, looking at the overall financial picture, and remembering the possible travel and ministry opportunities reminded us we did the right thing. It’s all good.
Our first epiphany came when we were obtaining financing and insurance. It’s a chicken and egg story. To purchase before closing could have landed an RV in our laps that we couldn’t afford if the closing fell through. So we decided to close on our house first. Little did we know that lenders want to know you are stable, that you own a home, and that this isn’t going to be your only home. An RV is considered a luxury item. (Whoever determined that has probably never lived in an RV). So the rules are different than for homes and cars. We learned that lenders don’t like to loan money to “full-timers,” and our insurance company gave us the same story (after they said they would insure us, adding salt to the wound). So we were homeless for about five days, living out of a suitcase and a hotel room while trying to make the purchase. It took some string pulling to find the right lending agency and a special RV insurance company to help us out. We are now careful of the term “full-timers,” although our RV insurance does provide insurance to full-timers… along with a hefty premium. In the eyes of our finance officer, we are “extended travelers.”
The next light bulb turned on after we obtained possession. There is the ominous towing and set-up that follows. Tim only ran over one curb on the U-turn under I-45, so Cindy was proud of his newly acquired skills. The RV dealership had walked through all the details of the Fifth Wheel including every aspect of set-up; we were expected somehow, quite miraculously, to remember what plugs in where, when to hook and unhook, when and how to “dump” gray versus black tanks, how and where to tie everything down, close and lock the hatches, etc. Needless to say, we forgot a few things; fortunately we took copious notes.
How do you fit this…
…into this?
All in all, we have figured it out and are making our way with the help of some friends, new and old. John, for example, a recent retiree who probably wanted no more than to sit in the shade after pulling into the 50 amp slot next to us, has offered many words of advice and helping hands. He was a God-send. When I (Cindy) thanked him for helping me connect the above pictured dump hoses to the sewage drain (while Tim was away on a business trip, I might add), he humbly replied with a smile, “I was a rookie once, too.” We hope to pay it forward one day.
Sarah Lynn and Bill – our first RV Visitors.
And yesterday we “entertained” our first visitors. Our former next-door neighbors graciously kept our dog while we moved in unhindered. When it was time for her to join us, they insisted on bringing her themselves, so they could see our new home. Such a sweet couple! Full of love for our little Midge and for our entire family. They brought her along with some special treats they had especially purchased. And with a hug and some tears, we agreed to stay connected. We will miss them, as well as our other neighbors.
Elizabeth and Midge are sharing the bunkhouse. Lizzy was so excited to see her doggie come home.