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In hindsight, even that was God working all things out for the good because a corporate 9-5 would have been very challenging considering our new home and all its...quirks.
In 2019 a few people came together with a common goal: to reclaim vacant land that historically belonged to the Khoi people, specifically a clan that was later relocated to Genadendal. The plan was to reclaim, share the land and build a community that's as self-sustaining as possible.
Our family joined the cause and we occupied 3 plots. I sat down one day and realised, that this is the first time we have joined a fight for something this big. We sold our house and used the proceeds to build our homes and start our off-grid, self-sustaining journey.
In the run-up to the big move, we prayed, packed, and gave things to charity. We laughed at all the tongues wagging about why our house was up for auction. While we were going through a tough time, it wasn't nearly at the point where we were losing our home.
Side note: putting your house up for auction actually gives you more room to make a profit and a little less red tape. So, when all the facts were presented, it was the obvious choice.
We found a great builder and our homes took all of 1 week to complete. Living off-grid is rough but here are some things I've learnt along the way:
1. You can't bring everything
There just isn't space. The plan was ALWAYS to live completely off-grid, embrace minimalist living and be self-sustaining. Everything we kept had to serve a purpose, if not, it had to go. We also had to get rid of the things we couldn't use here, like toasters, microwaves and electric kettles. All those things made life so much easier but here it made no sense.
2. You can't embrace the new while pulling the old with you
The hardest thing to do was realise that we need to let relationships run their course and let go of what we knew and liked and were comfortable with. Friendships, work, and church relationships, all of them were tested during the time of transition. When we decided that this was the next step for our family, we heard from God about newness and letting go of the old.
Embracing this new world and its challenges was made harder because we held on to our proverbial Egypt, to the church in Egypt, the shops in Egypt and even the entertainment in Egypt.
3. You have to dress the part
For a little while, I dressed nice nice. I could do the hard work required and look good while doing it! Needless to say, all my nice shoes need a good cleaning and as procrastination goes, they still aren't clean so when I need them I can't actually wear them!
Doing nails is an obvious no but that meant there's some money to splurge on lashes because the eyes have to keep giving even when everything else is ashy!
4. Dating will have to take the back burner
While everyone is running after the soft life, the life I've chosen is anything but. It's not romantic, it's not pretty but it is rewarding and definitely requires a tough man, mature in his choices and steadfast in his faith.
Going off-grid is hard work both physically and mentally and emotionally. Your entire lifestyle is adjusted and you HAVE TO KEEP THE BIGGER PICTURE IN MIND. Eye on the prize, as they say.
Two years ago I would never have dreamt that my life would be consisting of composting toilets, carrying litres and litres of water, and making fires every day to cook and get hot water. Compared to what we've been used to, there is a lot to complain about but this was a choice and so for every complaint, I can give you 2 reasons why it's worth it.
As believers we all have to, at some point in the near future, start thinking about how prepared we are for the days Revelation speaks of. That's the bigger picture. That's the point.
xx
Mel
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