~A Possible Big Change~
By Jennifer
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
Valdosta, Georgia
April 6, 2018 7:29am CST
Good morning everyone. I hope you slept well and feel good!! =) God loves you and gave us another day to share His love.
So...with faith we might be having some big changes in our family. We have been praying about it and researching a lot! Our family is thinking about full time RV living in the very near future. It's not definite yet but its something we are highly considering.
We have been fully relying on God for the last few months with everything in our lives. Things have not always been easy but they have been very worth it! The home we live in has been having major things go wrong without getting fixed, again fully relying on God about it all. We need a change from things/circumstances and we feel this is where God is leading us.
So when I have said things are great here-that's true they are because we love God and He provides however it never meant we have perfect circumstances! We are just so grateful for all He does for us each day. Our problems are not bigger than our God! 
I will try to be here on and off today when I can. =) I hope you have an amazing day and know God loves you!!
I will try to be here on and off today when I can. =) I hope you have an amazing day and know God loves you!!44 people like this
45 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@Ladyduck We have lived in a camper before while I was pregnant with Julian so we know about the things on this list. However, we will be at a campground with many things needed there. We will be using the RV mostly for sleeping and eating only. This will save us over a thousand dollars every month to live more and enjoy more of life!
12 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@LadyDuck We are still praying and researching at this point.
However, I am also not sure this home is best for our family. We have mold growing in places, pipes bursting, our hot water heater went out so we have been boiling water for bathing, we are still having to pay rent even though nothing is being fixed, the dishwasher has never worked and only one bathroom out of three work here now... Did I mention we are paying $1,000 a month to live in all of this? Yeah...that too. We have had more issues with renting places than I think we would ever have in an RV.
No, the RV is not free of course and that will be bought with our income tax money if we decide on this lifestyle.
7 people like this
@LadyDuck (458091)
• Switzerland
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Are you sure this is really the best for your family? You are now a bigger family, I would think twice before deciding. I think that the RV is not free either.
6 people like this
@FourWalls (62125)
• United States
6 Apr 18
I've been looking into it myself. I can tell you a few of the negatives and alternatives that are more appealing to me personally.
Most significantly is the fact that RVs aren't well-built for "heavy duty" living. I asked a friend of mine who drives a tour bus that's always breaking down why the band doesn't get an RV. He explained that they are "glue and staples," good for a two-week vacation but not so good for a two-month tour. I've been in both, and a tour bus is much more sturdy in construction. That's something to consider.
Another thing to consider (and I saw this on a You Tube video) is when something goes wrong. If your car has an issue you take it to a dealer or a Firestone store, or wherever. If something happens to your RV you have to go to an RV repair place; and, unlike dealers, they aren't in every city. Plus, if something happens to an appliance, that's different: it's not an "RV issue," it's an "accessory" issue. And, with an RV, you can't just go to Wal-Mart and replace the microwave, it requires special wiring.
Have I scared you yet? It's not my intention. You may have seen these in your research and may know about them. Then again, you may not. Lots of people don't.
After doing all of this research myself I decided that the best thing for me, personally, would be to get a cargo van and do my own build. Sturdier, more the way I want it, etc. But that may not be for you. If your husband is good at repairs none of this will hold you back. (Me, I can barely spell "screwdriver," let alone work one! 
)
My prayers for you as you seek God's will in this. At least in seeking God's will you're making the first step a correct one.
)
My prayers for you as you seek God's will in this. At least in seeking God's will you're making the first step a correct one.7 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@FourWalls I have thought about things breaking down in the RV and that is our only concern at this point. Everything else is not such a big deal to us. However, we really will only be using the RV for sleeping and eating. We will be at a campground, stationary and enjoying the outdoors and their facilities. Lol.
And my husband does remodeling for a living and is VERY handy thank God!!
Thank you so much for the prayers-they are always needed and welcomed! =)
4 people like this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
6 Apr 18
Please think about all the pros and cons of full time RV living before deciding.I wish you best of luck whatever you decide.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@silvermist Yes we are. We have lived in a camper before so we know how most things go with it. We have been praying about it and we are a part of many groups with tons of info as well. =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Apr 18
@silvermist They are very excited for the most part! My oldest daughter is a little worried about privacy but like everything else we will work it out. Besides, I don't leave big choices in the hands of children.
2 people like this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
8 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Then I think it is going to be alright.What do your kids say?Are they happy about this?
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62125)
• United States
6 Apr 18
What the Brits call "caravans" we call "RVs," or "recreational vehicles." Other European countries call them "motorhomes" or "camper vans." "RV living" means having the RV as your home instead of a "house" or apartment.
5 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@MALUSE It stands for recreational vehicle, basically living in a big camper at a campground is what we will be doing.
4 people like this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
6 Apr 18
You and Johnny are wonderful parents, to wonderful happy kids. So I know whatever you and Johnny decide to do, will be what's best for you and yours. And that's all that matters. 
4 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@Courtlynn Thank you so much!! =) We do what is best for our babies. We are trusting God to lead us.
We are trusting God to lead us.2 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
6 Apr 18
Do what you feel you need to do to help yourself. Remember you can`t have any of your stuff! It will be so tight that people will take up all the space. I wish you luck on your journey.
4 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@andriaperry We would be getting a storage unit for the stuff we want to keep and selling the rest.
We will be mostly enjoying the campground, not hanging in the RV much except for sleeping and eating mostly. Thank you! =)
2 people like this
@MarshaMusselman (38652)
• Midland, Michigan
9 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Keep in mind that many people that resort to getting a storage unit don't end up using the stuff they save and they pay for those units for much longer than they anticipate when getting them. That could be a drain on your money even more than or as much as getting necessary repairs on your house.
Although, if this is just for a temporary basis of a year or so and you can save the money you're not using on rent or mortgage, then maybe you can get something better than you have right now but within your means.
Traveling light is definitely the way to go if everyone can still be happy in the long run..
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169963)
• United States
6 Apr 18
Don't you have two dogs and a cat? I don't see it personally. Can;t your husband do the repairs your place needs and charge it to the landlord? I don't think RV's are meant for heavy duty living either..and how would you babysit?
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (169963)
• United States
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies and they would be OK with you bringing all of your children? I am sorry, the RV living sounds like a bad idea to me..just too crowded...what if you have storms and all have to be in there for an extended period of time.? Things never quite go according to plan and this sounds like a bad idea to be honest. Personally, I would look for another rental house..or get legal aid to try to compel your landlord to make the repairs that need to be done. Sorry, things are rough for you..
.
.2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@snowy22315 Yes we can bring our kids, its a family friendly campground. We have lived in a much smaller camper before. Yes it was crowded but we managed. We have lived in worse, much worse.
Nope, things never do go according to plan like this house with messed up plumbing and electric-no hot water-leaking water through the ceilings, etc...
We are tired of dealing with landlords, and all of the issues we have had with houses. Plus, we cannot afford the cost of living in a house. In an RV it would be $2,000 for every bill plus food. Right now we pay $3,200 for the bills each month and barely surviving.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@snowy22315 We have a dog and a cat. We will only be sleeping and eating in the RV. We are staying at a campground and won't be in the rv much.
My husband is not a plumber or an electrician and will not touch that stuff.
I would babysit in my clients homes instead of my own. =)
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (36438)
• Toccoa, Georgia
6 Apr 18
One thing that is good about living full time in an RV is that you are not tied to one place, you can move from one Campground to another. I am sure it would depend on your husband's work. One thing also to consider, I am pretty sure you have to have RV Insurance and you have to buy a yearly tag. Whatever you decide, I wish the best for you and your family.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@Leapea2417 Yes, that's true. We will have to have insurance like car insurance on the RV-which we will add to the policy we already have for our vehicle now.
Thank you! =)
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@Juliaacv Thank you! I hope so too-but only if it's God's will for us. =)
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79722)
• United States
6 Apr 18
My daughter has a friend who did this for a year. They packed up the family, dogs and RV'd across the US and it worked out very well for them.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@Marilynda1225 Yeah we won't be traveling with it. We will be at a local campground. They have everything we need right there. =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@akalinus We will be home schooling at the campground where we will be parking all year. The world is our classroom-not a building. =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@akalinus We are legally registered where we need to be-following all laws and rules. =)
2 people like this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Those are the best kind of lessons but the school system may be after you to indoctrinate your kids in stuff you don't want them to learn.
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@jstory07 So much cheaper yes!
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@paigea Sadly we won't be traveling with it. We will be at a local campground. =)
They have so much there for us though! Parks, grills, bathrooms, showers, a laundromat, a rec center, etc...
2 people like this
@jstory07 (134456)
• Roseburg, Oregon
7 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Is it a lot cheaper to live there.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@Courage7 Yes we want to do this for saving money on bills and doing things we love instead. Also, so the kids can experience this lifestyle as well. =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Apr 18
@Courage7 Thank you! We are still praying and letting God lead us-no sudden movements here.
2 people like this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
7 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Yes I believe it will save you tons of money..I did it once with a partner and it was awesome to be so free for a while. It was fun too. Blessings
2 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
6 Apr 18
So glad to hear that things are going fine with your family and you. God always provides and all knowing. Just have faith.
I am happy for you, Jennifer. Thank you for this message. Take care always.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@mlgen1037 Thank you! =) God is on the throne so we are all good!! We get through every challenge because God is way bigger than our struggles.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!2 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Youre most welcome, Jennifer dear. God will always guide you. Just trust. 
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Apr 18
@DianneN We have done it before in motel rooms, a camper and an apartment. Thank you! =)
2 people like this
@DianneN (246809)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Good luck with your decision, Jenn.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
7 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies I have been there, done that, and a few other make shift things. Coping with those things gives you a kind of strength to meet challenges.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
8 Apr 18
@GardenGerty Yes having been through tough things and never having an "easy" life we have overcome many things with the help of God. =)
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@NJChicaa Yup, our entire life has been a challenge though, right? God's got it. =)
Our home now is challenging to live in-we have no hot water for crying out loud! We are boiling water to bathe...Imagine living like that with 7 people! Lol.
3 people like this
@spiderdust (14741)
• San Jose, California
9 Apr 18
Oh, wow. Have you been in contact with people who do full time RVing with several small children? I imagine it's easier to do when they're small than when they get older (and take up more space).
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Apr 18
@spiderdust I am a part of a FB group with tons of families who Home School and do RV living full time.
We have lived in many small spaces in the past, including a small camper and a motel room.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14741)
• San Jose, California
9 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies So you at least know what you're getting into and how to work around the snags. I'm glad you've done your research!
I'm glad you've done your research!
@MsBooklover (3974)
• United States
7 Apr 18
Wow! That sounds like fun! Will you be homeschooling the children?
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
8 Apr 18
@Msbooklover Yes I will Home School my children until they graduate. =)
1 person likes this
@MsBooklover (3974)
• United States
8 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies That is so wonderful!
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@NoorNoor I would rather people think I am crazy rather than my Father in Heaven be disappointed in me. To be honest, I love people because I am called to love but I care more about what God thinks than people...
People cannot take away the joy and peace they did NOT give me! =)
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@NoorNoor Thank you for reading my discussion and asking a great question! =)
1 person likes this
@NoorNoor (2131)
• India
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies very well said.I thank you for your discussion...it makes me to count my blessings.I wish you to be safe.
2 people like this
@Starmaiden (9311)
• Canada
6 Apr 18
Full time RV living sounds fun! Will you be travelling also and live the "Gypsy" lifestyle?
God Bless.
God Bless.2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@Starmaiden We think so too! No we will be stationary at a local campground which my husband will most likely be working at as well. =) His work will pay for the space, electric, cable and wifi.
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Apr 18
@Starmaiden It is year round work they have. =) And I might help out for 10 hours per week as well which will be fun and not too much to handle at all.
2 people like this
@Starmaiden (9311)
• Canada
6 Apr 18
@LovingMyBabies Will his job last the entire year or is it only seasonal?
2 people like this
