In the tapestry of our lives, some threads are woven with the vibrant hues of adventure and deep faith, creating a story that reaches beyond the confines of the ordinary.
Hello there, and welcome :) I am Maddy Worthington, and this is the tale of how my husband James and I journeyed from volunteer service in Israel to embracing bus life back in New Zealand, a narrative marked by passion, purpose, and the pursuit of an unconventional life.
Answering the Call in Israel
Our adventure began with a calling—a nudge that many dream of but few dare to heed. It led us away from the familiar shores of New Zealand to the historic and spiritually charged landscapes of Israel. In the ancient alleyways of Jerusalem and the verdant Galilee, we embarked on an adventure of service and discovery. Volunteering allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, connecting deeply with the Jewish people and gaining profound insights into the biblical significance of the land. This period was not merely about giving of ourselves but also about receiving new revelations of God's word, as it intertwined with the land and its inhabitants.
Finding Inspiration in Bus Life NZ
We had 3 children back then, and amidst my days of homeschooling, mothering, exploration, and often just surviving in a foreign land, I found myself drawn to glimpses of home through the Buslife NZ YouTube channel. It showcased a family of 4 living an adventurous lifestyle on the road, igniting within us the spark to do something similar. The concept of converting a bus into a home on wheels began to take shape, merging the allure of the open road with the realities of family life. We had the dream, the inspiration…. But would we be able to make it happen?
The Journey to Bus Life
Upon our return to New Zealand with nothing but our suitcases and a burgeoning dream, James and I, with now 4 kiddies in tow, embarked on our bus life journey. We started by renovating and selling two campervans, one after the other, a venture that funded the purchase of our first bus, ‘Pearl’. Over the course of two years, we dedicated ourselves to transforming Pearl into a tiny home on wheels. We pretty much had no social life, and sacrificed alot of events and relaxation time to get the job done. This process of demolition, design, and construction was about more than building a living space; it was about crafting a life that mirrored our values and aspirations. Our family expanded alongside our project- we welcomed baby no.5 during the build, and then the day we finally moved into the bus we found out baby no.6 was on the way!
Overcoming Challenges
The path to bus life was fraught with obstacles. Financing the project meant juggling 30 hours (and often alot more) of work each week for James, alongside an equal amount of time dedicated to the bus's renovation. This immense effort was undertaken while managing rent and supporting our growing family. Yet, with the Lords help, and through faith, determination, and intentional support for one another, we surmounted each challenge, turning our vision into a tangible reality.
Living the Bus Life Dream
Today, James and I stand as living proof of the beauty that unfolds when you chase your dreams, and follow the Lords leading, even when it may seem unconventional. Our bus life adventure is not solely about reveling in the fruits of our labor but also about eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. We are now focused on launching an online business that will support our lifestyle of living, schooling, and working on the road. This forthcoming chapter promises to be just as fulfilling as those that preceded it, driven by the same spirit of adventure, family, and most importantly faith and trust in God.
Conclusion
Our desire is that our journey from volunteering in Israel to creating a unique lifestyle in New Zealand serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone feeling the pull of adventure and the call to live life to the fullest. From the historical sites of Israel to the wheels of a bus and stunning scenery in New Zealand, our story is a reminder of the limitless possibilities that await when we dare to step out into what God is calling us to.
As James and I continue to navigate the roads of life, our tale extends an invitation to all: to explore, to dream, and to embrace the adventures that lie just around the corner. Whether through the lens of a camera, the words on a page, or the steps you take in your own journey, the path is there for the taking—all it asks is for the courage to answer the call.