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

[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.