With limited time, limited energy resources and very limited space on the other end of the move, we are finding it difficult to make all the choices which will allow us to live totally differently (neither of us have lived in a rural/off-grid setting before), but still in accordance with our values.
We can't foresee everything, so there will be some rough weather, and some wrong decisions. However, if we never plant, we will never reap! Of course we will have to make many compromises along the way, but often some decision is better than no decision.
Decision Time
So, this week, we have been making decisions. Adam has been off work because of his recent back operation, and unforeseen benefit of this has been that he's had time to do some research and make some calls. Our change of medical aid (as Jo will no longer be a government employee) is almost complete. We have also made progress in the matter of withdrawing Jo's government pension in a tax-efficient way, though we suspect that this will be a protracted process.
On the home front, we have received delivery of some essentials: a year's supply of our eco-friendly cleaning supplies, tonnes and tonnes (though apparently not quite a year's supply) of eco-friendly toilet paper.
On a less eco-friendly note, we have also received delivery of more new stuff than we've ever purchased in our seven years of marriage. But whether it is a whistling kettle, a gas cooker or a phone which actually rings, a new mattress or an energy-efficient freezer, there have been some items that we believe we just have to buy.
Time will tell if we've made the right choices. However, we are at peace with the outcome, either way.
“ Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” - Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV)