Well, let me begin by recounting how I arrived here...
In September 2022, after harboring a burning desire for change in my life for months, even a whole year, an unexpected chance to travel to Europe materialized. Almost immediately after realizing that this could be the transformative experience I had been seeking, things started falling into place effortlessly. I sought and obtained approval from my employer at that time to embark on a three-month journey. Within hours of receiving the green light, an email from my landlord arrived, stating her plans to reclaim her condo in just a few months, precisely on October 1st. Coincidentally, this was only two weeks after my scheduled departure for Europe. Although the news came as a surprise, it presented the confirmation I had been craving – I was indeed on the right path. While only a select few close friends and family were aware at the time, my intention was to use my time in Europe to determine if Portugal or Spain, specifically, could potentially become my new home. With the skyrocketing housing prices and my lack of a permanent residence, this European adventure held the promise of discovery and a fresh start.
I was faced with a daunting task - unsure of how to proceed. It had been years since my last trip to Europe as a child, and now I found myself without any connections in Portugal or Spain, and without even a basic grasp of Portuguese or Spanish. However, a deep intuition stirred within me, compelling me to take action. And so, guided by prayer and meditation, I embarked on the journey of preparing for my adventure, even without a concrete plan. My first step was to downsize my 1-bedroom condo with a loft, condensing my belongings into just a few suitcases. I sought the smallest storage space available, aiming to store only the essentials from my massage and candle businesses. Lastly, I had to find a new owner for my car, relieving myself of that responsibility as well.
After about three months, I found myself in the vibrant cities of London, Portugal, and Spain. The charm of Porto and Portimão in Portugal, as well as Valencia in Spain, made me fall in love. Of course, I encountered some unexpected challenges along the way, but ultimately, I made the decision to leave my life in Jacksonville, Florida behind and pursue my dream of living as a digital nomad, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Europe.
And that's when the real adventure began. However, before I could embark on my journey to Portugal, I had to go back to the States and initiate the process of obtaining a Portuguese visa. So, after another three months, I started ticking off the items on my checklist.
Here's a glimpse of my list (excluding the intricate details):
- Return to the States.
- Seek out opportunities that would afford me the flexibility to work and travel from anywhere.
- Prepare and submit my Portuguese visa application.
- Reconnect with my beloved family members, including my sons, granddaughter, parents, sister, and cherished friends.
And now, let me take you on a captivating journey of my ventures and encounters along the way.
Part 1
I returned to Jacksonville, FL, where I turned in my laptop and bid farewell to an incredible team at the PGA TOUR and my massage business.
Have you ever had the pleasure of working with individuals who make showing up feel like a joy? Whether in the office or logging on from home, I always felt a sense of belonging among the brilliant and beautiful people of the TOUR family. Each person brought their unique talents, making it a team of extraordinary individuals. It was both bitter and sweet to say goodbye.
And now, onto my new employer. I was fortunate enough to catch the attention of a company owned by the husband of one of my TOUR family members. TransLucent Resources, a woman and LGBTQ-owned business, on a mission to create inclusive workplaces. I'm excited to share more about them in the coming months. For now, I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me to contribute from anywhere in the world.
During my time in Jacksonville, I had the chance to bid a proper farewell to loved ones and spend quality time with my son, Daylon. It reminded me of what I loved about the city but ultimately chose to leave. The hustle and bustle, the sense of community, and the connections I had built were all precious. However, it's worth noting that Jacksonville, like many places, heavily relies on cars, tends to be more conservative, and has become increasingly expensive in recent years.
Returning my recent whereabouts...
With just one laptop and two pieces of luggage, excluding my backpack, I embarked on my journey. I've primarily resided in a snug double wide trailer located in the serene town of Hinesville, Georgia—a stone's throw away from the gates of Fort Stewart and approximately 40 miles east of captivating Savannah. This town happens to be home to my beloved big sister, Chell, also known as Lydia, or by her honorary title: the favorite child. Chell, alongside her husband Albert, has skillfully crafted a charming abode nestled amidst the enchanting backwoods, encompassing a lush acre of land. Here, I find everything I require, with one exception: reliable WIFI. However, this rural haven lacks the usual distractions that had become customary during my time in bustling Jacksonville, FL.
My sister Chell, also known as Lydia, and Albert crossed paths at the Youth Challenge back in 2000. My sister has been running the show there ever since, serving as the Budget Analyst. They tied the knot 18 years ago in 2005. Together, they share the joy of having six children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Hinesville exudes a charming small-town ambiance with its rural vibes. You'll find quaint progressive churches and a Dollar General store every couple of miles in any direction. There's a Food Lion, a Kroger, as well as a CVS pharmacy—no Walgreens though. While there isn't a Target, there are three Walmarts (quite suspect!). The town boasts a beauty salon, a couple of cozy barbershops, and a nail salon. As for the main roads, there are four: General Screven's Way, HWY 196, HWY 84, and Veteran's Parkway.
Little did I know, Hinesville turned out to be precisely where I needed to be. It was there that I gained crystal-clear clarity, found my vision, and received even more confirmation that I was indeed on the right path.
Hinesville may not offer a wide range of entertainment options - no cozy coffee bars, clubs or lounges, or elegant wine bars. The local dining scene is dominated by Chili's, which, admittedly, stands as the top restaurant in town. With limited activities available, the days can stretch on, leaving us yearning for excitement. Thankfully, my big sister Chell comes to the rescue with her delectable cooking and captivating stories of office scandals. Not to mention the ongoing saga of my nephew Darren and his charming yet mischievous 8-year-old son, D' Jour, also known as Amari or Mari. These delightful additions bring vibrancy to what would otherwise be mundane evenings.
Then there's Ms. Mattie, Albert's mom. Ms. Mattie had fallen ill, and being the caring son he is, Albert brought her from Alabama to our home in GA in hopes of aiding her recovery. I had the privilege of serving as Ms. Mattie's caretaker while working remotely from my sister's kitchen table. To be honest, initially I wasn't keen on taking on this role, and it posed challenges along the way. However, as I mentioned before, I firmly believe that God had placed me in that very moment when I was struggling to understand the purpose of my presence there. It became abundantly clear to me that had I not been in Hinesville at that particular time, either my sister or her husband would have needed to take a three-week leave from work to care for her.
Without either of us asking for it, we were thrust into an unexpected and unintended relationship that both of us ended up cherishing. When Albert and my big sister returned home in the evenings, we would exchange our own anecdotes - one about Ms. Mattie sassily dealing with a young girl at Sally's Beauty Store, and another about her trip to the salon. Ms. Mattie and I exchanged heartwarming stories of unforgettable moments in our lives while sitting together on the front porch, and let's not forget our daily 10 a.m. rendezvous in the living room with a cup of coffee and The Price is Right on television. If you could hear us during each episode, you would've thought we were the ones winning the prizes. It was truly a joyful experience.
Now back in Alabama, Ms. Mattie shares stories about her newfound friend Belinda, who she claims works tirelessly but still manages to find time for exercise (or rather, meeting boys) and maintaining a healthy diet. Just for the record, I wasn't meeting any boys, but there's no convincing Ms. Mattie otherwise. And I must say, those form-fitting workout leggings didn't help my case either.
When'm not working, you'll usually find me taking walks in one of the several parks around town. It's partly for exercise, but also for the tranquility. You see, I've been living alone for over 5 years now, and before that, it was just me, Daylon, and Darius for over 12 years. So, adjusting to a house with two grown adults was quite a change for me. During my walks, I find solace in reflection, spending time with the Lord, and simply enjoying the outdoors while people-watching.
Strangely enough, everywhere I go, it's as if I stick out like a sore thumb. I'm always greeted with the same question: "You're not from around here, are you?" People are curious about what brought me to this place. What they don't know is that decades ago, my dad was stationed at Fort Stewart Army base, so in a way, I am from around here.
Apart from their curiosity, I've come to realize that country folk can be incredibly resourceful. Take my sister, for example. She brings home two dozen fresh eggs every week, and I have no idea where she gets them from. Well, I suppose I could ask her, but I actually enjoy the little story I've created in my head. Oh, and forget about waiting for a garbage truck to pick up your trash. Nope, my brother-in-law takes care of that by burning it in the backyard. For the first few weeks, I was left wondering where he was taking the trash until one day, I found the bin full and I was the only one home to take it out. That's when my brother-in-law enlightened me about their trash disposal process. And when it comes to doing dishes, we boil water on the stove in order to save the hot water in the tank for showers and baths. Oh, and don't you dare throw away a plastic container, no matter where it came from. Every single one of them has a purpose and can be reused for something. Just ask my sister.
As I conclude this post, allow me to conclude with a tale.
One sunny Saturday afternoon, as I strolled through Bryant Commons Park, I caught sight of a soldier in uniform peacefully fishing by the lake. Mind you, it was the middle of the day. Just before he turned around, I managed to capture a few snapshots. We struck up a conversation, during which he revealed that he had served in the Army for a mere four years. The instability of constantly moving from one post to another within such a brief span of time had taken its toll on him. His discharge was scheduled in just a matter of days. I can't recall the exact destination he mentioned heading off to, but his hopeful and optimistic spirit warmed my heart.
Engaging with that soldier reminded me how, through trials and errors, both successes and failures, we are all embarking on our own unique journeys in the pursuit of a fulfilling life. He seeks stability, while I, on the other hand, seek adventure, exploring the vast wonders of our world and the people who inhabit it. Undoubtedly, more challenges lie ahead, but if there's one thing I've learned during my time in Hinesville, it's that even when it feels like the world is conspiring against you, staying close to God will bring about divine intervention. The right doors will open, while those that aren't meant for you will remain closed. Stay attentive, remain prepared to let go of things and individuals that don't nourish your soul.
I am on a journey; I hope you’ll join me!
Next up: DC, NC, IL, and Portugal
Oh, and I got this done…
Portuguese Application step 1 - FBI Background Check/Fingerprints ✔
Comments