Surviving and Thriving: Three Years in a Canvas Tent

When Buck and I first decided to live in a canvas tent for a year while building our dream tiny home, we were filled with excitement and anticipation. But as we all know, life likes to throw curveballs. Thanks to COVID-19, our one-year plan stretched into an unexpected three-year odyssey.

When we first pitched our tent, we envisioned a year of simplicity and focus, laying the foundation for our future tiny home. But the pandemic had other plans. Building supplies were delayed, our timeline was pushed back, and suddenly, our canvas tent became our long-term home.

Three years of tent living has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The seasons come and go, each bringing its own set of challenges. From the biting cold of winter to the sweltering heat of summer, we've faced it all. With little electricity, no running water, and none of the common amenities most people take for granted, we've had to adapt and find new ways to meet our needs. But with Buck by my side, we've made it work and found unexpected joys along the way.

A chat with a coworker hit home when they pointed out the impact of not having our basic needs met on mental health. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs became a real-life framework for us. We were stuck at the bottom levels, struggling with physiological needs like shelter and security. The constant stress of our living conditions was taking a toll, but it also fueled our determination to climb higher.

To get ahead, I've been working two jobs and going back to school. It's a juggling act, but it's all part of the plan to secure a better future. Each step is a building block towards our dream, and every challenge overcome is a victory. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re inching closer every day.

Our latest step towards stability is buying a mobile home. It's not our tiny home, but it's a significant milestone. It represents progress, security, and a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal. After three years of canvas living, we're ready for a bit of stability. The mobile home symbolizes a fresh start and a solid foundation for our future.

Through all the ups and downs, one thing has remained constant: our gratitude for this journey. Living in a tent has taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of appreciating the little things. We've grown stronger as a team, and we've learned to find joy in the simple moments.

Our journey has had its share of hardships, but it's also been filled with growth and unexpected beauty. We're taking things one step at a time, and we're excited for what the future holds. Thanks for following along with our adventure. Stay tuned as we continue to build our dream, one step at a time.

Stay hopeful and adventurous!

Angel (& Buck)

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It's Time!

***UPDATE*** June 22, 2018

This trip has been sidelined for us.  We still plan on going sometime in the future but with any co-parenting team, when one parent isn't ready, you have to honor that and trust for future adventures to be better than ever imagined.

It was never an issue of whether or not I wanted to travel the world and change people's lives for the better.  It was always whether or not I was welcome.  I've had to rely on my faith and believe that timing is everything.  For the last couple of decades some things needed to take place before the cosmic tumblers locked into position.

I adapted.  Learning to adapt is just one of the greatest gifts I've been given and it serves me well...but I was never fully happy.

So...for the most exciting news in our little family of 2...I am welcome.  I am welcome to be a part of something greater.

Buck and I have the absolute honor to be a part of a team headed to Tanzania this summer.

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We will be working with 2 organizations. Asking for the Nations, an organization focused on helping the people of Tanzania and more pointedly, the orphans in the country of Tanzania.  They have partnered with Pastor Mramba to help purchase land, build a church, and build an orphanage to house the orphans and street kids of the country. The second organization is Giving Hope for Tomorrow.  This group will organize a 3-4 day medical clinic during our trip. This will provide free medical care to locals including the Maasai tribe! We are currently looking for a dentist and an eye doctor to go on the trip with us. They do not have to stay the entire 10 days unless they want to. They are welcome to come for the medical clinic portion only. Please help us by asking people you know! 

This summer, July 20-30 2018, Buck and I will travel with this incredible team with the goal to begin building the church and work on building relationships with the orphans in the town of Moshi.  

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Moshi is a town in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It's known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Trails run up the mountain’s cloud-ringed, snow-capped dome, through alpine forests and meadows home to elephants and leopards. One of Tanzania's major coffee-producing hubs, Moshi is known for its coffee farms and auctions.

To be a part of this great adventure, partner with us by clicking the donate button above. 

We are so grateful for your support and generosity.  All donations are tax-deductible!

When making a donation, please type our name (Buck and/or Angel) in the"Add special instructions to the seller:"section.

The cost of the trip is $3500.00 per person.  This covers everything for the 10 day trip except personal spending money.  Any money raised above this amount will be used for mine and Buck's suggested travel vaccinations, supplies, and gear.

Payment schedule per person:

  • November 5, 2017 - $300 (non-refundable deposit)
  • January 1, 2018 - $1000
  • March 1, 2018 - $1000
  • May 1, 2018 - $1200

If you have any questions about the trip, please feel free to drop us a line on our contact page