We’re approaching a year since our move to PEI. In fact, one year ago this weekend we hosted our last Thanksgiving dinner with our family in Ontario. By mid-November we were heading east with a loaded down U-Haul truck and hopeful hearts. Since then, and now in the spirit of the Thanksgiving weekend, I have a new appreciation of the life we now have.
I’m thankful for the beautiful island on which we now live. I’m thankful for the home we’re making and the fertile soil on which it’s built. I’m thankful for the freedoms we have in Canada – including the freedom to express my faith in the Lord without fear of reprisal. I’m thankful for the family and friends – both near and far – who have shown their unconditional love and support of the crazy adventure we chose. And I’m thankful for all those who have discovered and have been following this little blog highlighting some of our more memorable moments and milestones.
This week I begin a new chapter in our life on the east coast as I start a new job. With winter approaching we find ourselves in need of employment and a steady income. Our little nest egg left from the sale of our Ontario home has almost been exhausted with the large expenses we’ve incurred this year: new house, new foundation, new roof, new well, new (used) car and countless trips to the building supply center for our ongoing renovations. My job now affords us to pay what little bills we have (insurance, electricity, internet) and leave an amount of disposable income for the ongoing renovations and savings we’d like.
I find the contentment in my heart and the size of my bank account to have no correlation – now more than ever. In spite of what our bank balance may be, I feel richer today than I’ve ever felt. I own my house, property and vehicles – all with zero debt. In fact, I recently told a friend that if I were to win a million dollars, I wouldn’t change a thing. I want to cut my own firewood. I want to grow my own potatoes. I want an old house to restore myself. I don’t miss any of the “luxuries” we had before our move. In fact, I’m happier living with less.
I know this lifestyle isn’t for everyone – or maybe even the majority of people. But it is for us. And we’re truly, truly thankful for everything we have.
Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving.
Our Old Island Home 
Beautiful
That picture of the fall colour in PEI, wow! We don’t really get that out here – at least here on the Island, we don’t really have the species diversity that would allow for such variety. We get some yellow, but mostly green and brown.
You’ve expressed a lot of what I feel about Thanksgiving myself – thankful that I live in such a place as Canada, with freedoms and peacefulness that many will never know. Grateful to have a good roof, a great family, a job, a farm, our own food, choices, community, freedom of faith. Yup – I think you covered it far more eloquently! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you both from Ireland….ps..enjoying your blogs and pictures…house is really coming along beautifully !!
As always….well said. Happy Thanksgiving!!
A grateful heart is the most important possession. Happy Thanksgiving!
Well put Russ, I am thankful for your blog postings and your reminder to us that life can be simpler. I wish you both a thankful thanksgiving.
Russ just got a chance to read your blog now I’ve been so buisy ( so much for being retired ) right . I’ve enjoyed it very much . I agree with what you are saying , real happiness don’t come from worldly possessions , real happiness comes from having peace with yourself, your family and most important your Lord .. All the best to you and Vanessa . Cherio ..
So good to hear from you, Uncle Cyril. What you’ve said is so true – and it was a conscious decision we made: to simplify our lives and eliminate the distractions that keep us from enjoying it. Blessings to you, Aunt Judy and the family.
“I find the contentment in my heart and the size of my bank account to have no correlation” Amen.