Our 2nd Season

My wife Marci and I retired in July of 2024. She left behind twenty-four years as a public school teacher and I spent thirty-five years in law enforcement. We were both relatively young, financially secure, and ready to start a new and relaxing life together. We expected to move to a southern US state and travel the world a bit. Other than spending time with our aging parents and granddaughters – there was nothing particular on the agenda.

And now we are heading to Africa.

For two years.

To work for free.

And that is what has prompted versions of the question listed as the title of our first post.

People who know us well are probably not totally surprised. We have always been a bit adventurous and we have been driven to serve others. We are unabashedly followers of Christ. But Africa? For two years?

This blog will explain the whirlwind summer that got us to today. As we prepare to drive 1,100 miles to re-home our precious German Shepherd Mac (named after Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon). Why we are selling most of our possessions (including cars and campers) and will be renting our 100 year-old home this summer.

This is a blog about our second season life. Taking a leap of faith and totally reshaping our life. Not changing who we are, but using what we’ve become to seek our new paths. As the preamble to Star Trek says, “To boldly go”. We will tell you about us (like having been married for nearly thirty-seven years), stories of our past lives and lessons, and the daily details of leaping to a second life.

We hope you enjoy our blog, and feel free to comment or ask questions!

January 11, 2025 / Yakima, WA / 22:38 PST

Disclaimer: As with anything else, this blog reflects our own views and aren’t necessarily those of Mercy Ships.