Family loses house, hits the road for bike trip across America

[Mr. Bloom]

I find this really disturbing. It's a sad commentary on the state of our economy. I haven't read what is waiting for them in Maine, but I hope there's a job and home in their future. I wish them the best of luck.

I understand your perspective, but I'm not disturbed at all. To me, this family doesn't define themselves by their house and views material things as less important than an epic, bonding experience together.

I think that the kids will learn contentment regardless of circumstances and will find comfort in the security of family togetherness.

[redrhodie]

I understand your perspective, but I'm not disturbed at all. To me, this family doesn't define themselves by their house and views material things as less important than an epic, bonding experience together.

I think that the kids will learn contentment regardless of circumstances and will find comfort in the security of family togetherness.

It's not a matter of whether or not they define themselves by their home, but whether they will have shelter for their children that worries me. A lot of people are losing their homes, and many of them will not do so well.

A few months ago, I was the only passenger on a bus, and the bus driver and I got to talking. He told me he had been a truck driver for over 30 years. As the price of diesel kept rising, he took out home equity loans to keep his business afloat, thinking the spike in fuel was temporary, and he just had to ride it out. He got into the horrible situation of owing more monthly than he could possibly make as an independent trucker. His wife had Alzheimer's disease, making her unable to work. Her medical bills made a bad situation even worse. He tried to sell his truck, but no one wanted it. He contacted a realtor about selling his house, and it was valued at less than he owed. He got the job as bus driver to try to earn enough to keep his house, which he would only be able to do if he worked lots of overtime. He was about 60 years old, looking very worn out, but not as bad as I would have looked had I been in his shoes.

The mortgage crisis is hitting a lot of honest, hard working people. It's not just speculators. Not everyone has family to help. Not everyone will be able to work all the hours needed to pay the bills. What happens then?

[Mr. Bloom]

It's not a matter of whether or not they define themselves by their home, but whether they will have shelter for their children that worries me.

I understand your concern. I've spent more time reading the blog which is clearly dad's perspective, but frankly I'm amazed at the sincere smiles on the kids' faces in the pics...this family is likely not perfect (none are) and I guess there are 'moments', but these kids look secure and content to me.

I'm kinda jealous...

Financial hardship isn't easy for anyone, but these guys have decided to not let their circumstances determine their satisfaction...

[Crankin]

I know some people see these things as an opportunity; I never could! I could never pack up my family and take them on a trip without knowing what the future was. My kids, who were extremely well rounded and open to new things would have screamed bloody murder if we had taken them out of their environment.
And teachers just can't "get another job" in a different state. You have to meet certification requirements, which means jumping through lots of stupid hoops. It often takes months.
I know I'm very traditional when it comes to this stuff. My feeling is that the dad wanted to do this, so he dragged the family along.

[sundial]

I found their faith and trust in the Lord to be an inspiration. I think this experience will only bring the family closer and imagine the experiences they will have to share with their families. Wow! And I truly believe there will be an outpouring of support from the communities as they trek across America.

[Geonz]

Now there's a good point... the right attention makes all the difference. The key is "spin" here - if they are perceived as a threat (they might steal stuff) it's a problem; if they're perceived as a family, one of "ours," they'll get support.
Here's hoping they get the good kind of perception.

[shootingstar]

I know some people see these things as an opportunity; I never could! I could never pack up my family and take them on a trip without knowing what the future was. My kids, who were extremely well rounded and open to new things would have screamed bloody murder if we had taken them out of their environment.
And teachers just can't "get another job" in a different state. You have to meet certification requirements, which means jumping through lots of stupid hoops. It often takes months.
I know I'm very traditional when it comes to this stuff. My feeling is that the dad wanted to do this, so he dragged the family along.

Wonder if they may be doing abit of homeschooling with kids while on the road. With that many children, not everyone is always in agreement with familial major choices...

As long as family can afford to live in rental for awhile afterwards.

Travel most definitely is educational but only if the people's minds are open and hopeful.

[Crankin]

Well, it definitely is educational. I reread some of the stuff. They just have a different world view than I do. Not bad or good, just different. I can't place faith in anything except myself and my family/or others to make things happen. I am also a planner and I need to know "what is coming next." Perhaps it is a defect, but that is why I like organized bike tours. I can rehearse stuff in my mind and that keeps me grounded. When I don't know what is happening next, it gets me anxious. Not that you can control everything, but I do better when I can partially control what is going on around me.
I don't even like riding when I don't know what is coming. Once I do a route a second time, I am fine, but I generally have a pretty high level of stress when I'm riding in a new area for the first time. Obviously, I do it, but at this point I know to expect the fact that I will be not as relaxed as usual the first time.