Reflections on Our Full-Time RV Travels in Ohio & God’s Faithfulness in Malawi

One of the best parts of full-time RV life was waking up in new places, never knowing what experiences would leave the biggest impact. Ohio was one of those unexpected treasures—filled with beauty, history, and reminders of God’s faithfulness. 

As we reflect on that journey, we’re also seeing His hand at work in our preparations for Malawi. So many prayers have been answered, and we can’t wait to share what He is doing.

A Weekend at Paper Moon Vineyards

Our first time passing through Ohio, we stayed at a Harvest Host in Vermillion called Paper Moon Vineyards. It had a nice big lot to park in, and since we were there over a weekend in mid-August, we got to enjoy live music and food.

There was something ironic about the experience—sitting under the open sky, listening to the music, and spending the night at a winery before sobriety. At the time, it felt like just another stop on our journey, but looking back, I can see how much had yet to change. 

What seemed normal then feels so different now, knowing the peace and clarity sobriety would eventually bring.

Returning to Ohio & Exploring Mill Creek

Last summer, we came back to Ohio and stayed at Mill Creek Campground, an Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) site. It was beautiful, with peaceful surroundings and shallow waters perfect for paddleboarding. The slower pace allowed us to really take in the scenery, and we made the most of our time there.

A Meaningful Visit to Dr. Bob’s House

During our stay, we took a day trip to Akron to visit Dr. Bob’s Home, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. Dr. Bob’s story is one of transformation and surrender, and it meant a lot to Scott to stand in the place where it all began. 

He and Bill W. started AA in 1935, and their message of faith, honesty, and reliance on God has changed millions of lives—including Scott’s.

Dr. Bob had a way of cutting through excuses with truth and humor. One of his well-known lines is:

“If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you.”

That kind of honesty was part of what made AA work—it called for humility, surrender, and recognizing that only God could do what a person couldn’t do for themselves.

This visit was fun for me as well since I’ve always loved looking at old houses. This one, with its simple yet welcoming feel, reminded me why I’m drawn to historic homes. 

Now that we’ve purchased our own 1914 home, I hope to incorporate some of the warmth and timeless design I’ve admired in our travels.

A Walk Through Cascade Locks Park

After visiting Dr. Bob’s house, we stopped at Cascade Locks Park, where we took a beautiful walk. Ohio is so green and peaceful, and the stillness of that place gave me time to reflect on how much had changed between our two visits.

Sobriety Changes Everything

The first time we passed through Ohio, Scott wasn’t sober. The second time, he was. That difference made our travels not just calmer but more meaningful. 

There’s something about sobriety that allows you to be fully present, to see things with new eyes, and to appreciate moments in a way that chaos never allows.

One of my favorite lines from AA literature is: “God could and would if He were sought.” 

Scott’s journey to AA was ultimately a journey back to God. 

The program led him to surrender, to recognize his need for something greater than himself, and in doing so, he found the One who had been pursuing him all along... 

And while I’m not in the program myself, I’ve benefited from it through Scott’s growth, learning to trust in God’s timing and grace in ways I never had before.

God is Close to the Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

That was true for Dr. Bob, it’s true for Scott, and it’s true for anyone willing to surrender and let God in.

Malawi Update: Praising God for His Goodness

As we reflect on our travels, we are also filled with gratitude for how God is making a way for our upcoming mission trip to Malawi. 

• So many prayers have been answered—our team has raised enough funds to put a roof on a home for orphaned children, and we may even be able to put in a well or a school kitchen. 

• Mistakes with airline tickets have been worked out, and visas for our Malawian friends to visit the U.S. have been approved. 

• Gifts have been purchased in abundance.

 

Please keep our safety, health, and travel process in your prayers. 

We are also praying that the shipping container full of supplies will arrive in time.

Most of all, pray that we will be Jesus’ hands and feet, sharing His love and truth with everyone we meet.

A Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in every season of our lives. Thank You for walking with us through the hard roads and for leading us to places of healing and restoration. 

We praise You for the doors You’ve opened for our trip to Malawi and for providing in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Please go before us—granting safety, health, and smooth travel. May the shipping container arrive in time, and may our team be Your hands and feet, sharing Your love and truth.

Lord, I also lift up those reading this today. You know their struggles, their hopes, and the areas where they need Your healing and guidance. Remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You are always at work, even when they can’t yet see the outcome. Strengthen their faith, give them peace, and help us all to trust in Your perfect plan.

Continue to guide Scott and our family, and use our story for Your glory. Help us to always seek You first, trusting that You are near and that Your plans are good. In Jesus name, Amen.

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