Have we lost our minds?

That’s the semi-serious question Amber and I have asked each other over this past week. I keep telling myself this is a perfectly normal reaction to the fact we’re moving our family of five aboard our 47ft sailboat, “Koinonia,“ full time in just a few days. Who wouldn’t be second guessing themselves? Even in 2020, it sounds nuts!

They say making the initial leap is the hardest part of the transition from dirt dweller to full time sailboat cruiser — and I believe it. We‘ve spent much of our time over the past few months getting ready to “cast off” and I don’t mind admitting it’s been harder than we expected. With our land home and our boat home 1.5 hours apart, the work of downsizing and preparing for the move has been logistically difficult as well as time and labor intensive. As if that weren’t enough, we’re also trying our best to keep up with work, school, and life. But the end of this chapter and the start of the next is finally in sight and we are moving forward, trusting that God brought us to this point and asking for the faith to believe he will continue to provide for us.

It’s been an emotional roller coaster for the whole family. Even our dog, Betty, can sense it. We started out really excited that this dream, this calling which began more than 10 years ago, was becoming a reality. We’re still excited but also a bit apprehensive about the transition and the adjustments we have yet to make. There is a lot of work to do if we are going to be able to migrate to the Florida Keys for the winter. We’re sad about all the people and relationships we‘re leaving behind. It’s a bit difficult to put into words. We’re leaving our family, friends, church, and even our dog! We’ve sold our house, our cars, and most of our worldly possessions. Even after moving 6 times in 14 years, this 7th move has easily been the hardest of all.

In spite of all the challenges to date and the inevitable challenges to come, we remain excited about the life in front of us. We know we are meant to do this. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for our family as we set out on this new chapter of life. We hope to make many new friends and create many lasting memories as a family. We know we will never be the same when this is over!

We want to thank you all for the many kind well-wishes and expressions of love and support. It’s okay if you think we’re a little crazy — we’re right there with you. Know that we love you all and we thank you for your continued prayers as we go. Please let us hear from you and check back often to follow along on our adventure.

— Ben Ward, S/V Koinonia