Catching Dreams

About a year ago Jacob had damn near given up on his dream of running a dive operation.  We were both bartending in Vegas, making good money, great health insurance, and job security.  We owned a home, had weekly family/friend gatherings, Joie was a sophomore in high school and involved in a few extracurricular activities, and Jayden your average video game playing 11-year old.  We were living the "American Dream".  Unfortunately, that wasn't Jacob's dream.  

He was finally settling into the idea that we would live in Las Vegas until at least Joie was out of high school.

BUT THEN...

An old friend called him out of the blue and resparked his flame of desire.  Jacob got our business license, networked, and started searching for a boat.  As soon as he found this boat he proclaimed, "This is our boat!"  We didn't have the money to purchase it right away; we were waiting for his friend's investor.  We put our house up for sale planning everything to move forward.  As the month's passed our house didn't sell and the investor and Jacob's friend fizzled out.  Once again we were back to square one, well two; we did have a business license. 

We took our house off the market and continued living the "American Dream" with a bit more remorse.  The kids and I were content, but not Jacob.  He fell into a bit of depression witnessing his dream once again fall through.  A few months later he lost his job.  Though we couldn't afford to continue our lifestyle with him unemployed I wasn't worried.  I actually encouraged him to put all his efforts into making his dream a reality instead of looking for a new job.  I didn't like idea of what our lives would look like in 10 years if he got another bartending gig.  He started setting up dive trips and  traveling back and forth to St.Thomas.  He was able to supplement his income with diving easing the stress of his recent job loss.  "Our Boat" was still available and waiting for us.  So we decided to put our house up for sale.  With the sale of our house we would be able to purchase the boat on our own with no investors or loans!  Talk about a blessing! 

And NOW here we are...

We officially own and live on a boat!  Her name is Dream Catcher in honor of making our dream a reality. She's a 38 foot custom Newton-style dive boat.  If you woulda asked me at any point in my life if I would live on a boat, I would have chuckled and responded with a bold ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Its funny how life works, hahaha.

 

For the last two weeks while we've been working and living on the boat getting her prepped for our trip to St Thomas, USVI we've been staying in Slidell, Louisiana.  It's about 30 minutes away from New Orleans. The people down here are absolute gems, blessing us with their southern hospitality!  There is so much kindness, culture, history, and great food- po'boys, shrimp n grits, fried catfish, and boudin balls!  I know I'll be back to visit!  

 

Yesterday, we took Dream Catcher out for a run fully loaded and ready to go. Oh my GOSH!!!  This trip that we are about to take is one of the scariest things that I could ever do!  I am much more comfortable being on land.   It's scary, but also exhilarating! We are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.  Not many people can say they have traveled from Lousiana to St. Thomas on a 38 foot motor boat.  I am even more thrilled that our kids will be experiencing this journey with us as well.