So next week, December 18th 2013, we will move the last bit of our stuff either into a small u-haul that we will pull with our mini-van to Fort Lauderdale
or it will go into our 10×15 storage unit that holds all of what we own.
(before being full)
(trying to figure our where to put stuff)
Wow has the last 5 months flown by. It’s crazy how hard we have worked putting together all the details in place to make this dream a reality. It sounds easy — dream big, leave your job, sell your house, give away or sell 80% of what you own, get additional sailing training, buy a boat, move a boat 1000 nautical miles and sail away. But the reality has been much more time consuming and complex than that.
If we were to do this again, we would give ourselves way more time for choosing a boat and all the details that go into getting the boat ready. For example, in our mind the trip to move the boat from Virginia to Fort Lauderdale should have taken around 14 days but in reality took 22 days. The funny thing was that Ben and Teresa (our delivery captains) thought it would take 21 days. In Cruising, there is a saying that everything takes 2x as long and costs 2x as much. I can definitely confirm this.
Here’s a quick recap of getting to this point.
Dream big (encourage you to check out the dream big link)– Over the last 10+ years, Jen and I have dreamed and planned for this journey. Years ago we thought we would do this adventure once the kids were off on their own and we were retired. But the more we thought about it and read about other families who have done similar things, the more we realized we wanted our kids to experience this too. We want ourselves and our kids to live outside our comfort zones and live life to the fullest while at the same time giving back to those in need. We have always dreamed that this would be about adventure and at the same time service to others. Over the last 4 years, God has given us clear signals that we needed to move up the date of our departure. A year ago we did not think we’d be leaving now but here we are packing up our little apartment.
Leave your job – That was the easy part and without having the last few months to focus on this journey full time, we would never have been ready. I left Orbis Education in August.
Sell your house – We thought this would take a while but we sold our house in 9 days. It quickly forced us to find housing for a few months. We moved into a 2 bedroom 700 square foot apartment. This transition has been part of the plan to get used to living in a smaller space and really has been great for the family. It allowed us to get closer and it has been fun to watch the last 6 months through the eyes of the kids. That being said, it was sad leaving our home (we lived in it for 9 years) and all the memories that were associated with it.
Get additional sail training – We took classes through Blue Water Sailing School to become certified for bare boat chartering and big boat sailing. Jen and I independently took these week long live aboard classes. I am really proud of Jen for taking the class by herself. The first class was out of Providence Rhode Island and the second out of Fort Lauderdale. They provided additional experience above that which Jen and I have had over the years with our smaller boats in the Chesapeake Bay and in Indiana.
Give away or sell 80% of what you own – This actually was easier than we had anticipated and boy was it freeing. We gave each of the kids a large storage bin that they could fill for the apartment and the boat. They never once squawked or complained…rather amazing really. They gave so many of their toys and unused books to charity and were actually giddy about it. The kids were actually better at this than Jen and I. The other cool thing was that we had many people come into our lives that had needs for exactly what we were looking to give away. It really was the Holy Spirit putting the right people in our lives at the right time. Through it all, we made some good friends including the good folks at Goodwill.
Buy a boat – So our drug for a couple of months was http://www.yachtworld.com/. We spent many a night looking at and trying to figure out what boat we should buy. Fortunately, we had great help along the way including John Neal and our broker Tom Harney. More to come on both of these guys in a future blog. We didn’t get the first boat we wanted and we were crushed but ended up with a much better boat after a few nights thinking we wouldn’t be able to find a boat. Adagio is our new house and we are looking forward to making her our home over the next couple of months.
Move a boat – Check out the blogs that Jen wrote about this trip and how cold it was.
Sail away – Next stop on the journey – We anticipate getting to the boat on January 6th, 2014 after various stops with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and spend time together.
Being my first blog, my goal is to share our journey both the highs and the lows with those that are interested. Also, we really want feedback and plan to add sections to the blog (ie-FAQ) so let us know what you would like to see added.
—–Thanks for engaging with us along our journey —-
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Love at First Sail 
You’re so cool! I do not supppse I’ve read anything like this before.
So nice to find someone with a ffew original thoughts on this issue.
Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This
weeb sit is something that is needed on the web, someone wit somke
originality!
Wow, awesome blog format! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
you made running a blog look easy. The whole look of
your site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
Marc, I am officially following you now!! I’m looking forward to seeing your adventure unfold! It’s so cool that we connected with you just in time to experience this with you. Bruce and I appreciate your support to us, you are an encouragement and inspiration! I wrote on JoEllen’s blog so you can check it out. Stay tough, and if you get to the point of second guessing yourself, just go back and read your initial blogs and keep your vision clear! God Bless you and yours. Here’s to an amazing adventure and life experience!!
Susan – Thanks for the kind words – Know that you are an inspiration to me as well – I am fortunate to be part of the social net watcher team. I will check it out and do think the pen pal thing could work – Let’s keep talking about.
Great thoughts, Marc. Thanks for sharing. Really love the image about stepping out of your comfort zone… So true! You’ve always inspired me as your little sister looking up to her big brother and I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. I’m so very proud of you. Look forward to following you on your journey! Love to all.
Jenny – Know that you inspire me as well – Thanks for being a great sister and sorry for all the times growing up that I nagged you – I see a lot of me in Cam when he nags Joellen – Know that i have learned tons from you as well — Thanks for being such a great friend as well as sister.
Merry Christmas Konesco family. We are so incredibly excited for all of you. You are amazing people and this adventure is going to be life changing. We can all take a lesson in life from you. Can’t wait to read about every step of the way. Love, Cindy and Justin.
What a great witness you are…to your kiddos, family and friends! We can’t wait to follow along on your journey and to “virtually stalk” you. Just kidding!!!! I’m so glad that you were able to pop by for a quick little visit–so special. Be safe and know that you are in our prayers. God is directing your course–best captain in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Mark and Jen, I just got your Christmas card (you guys have always been so good about sending them) and have just now read your blog. How exciting for all of you. I am so very impressed that you are going on this adventure. I wish you the best. May you each be challenged and successful in your endeavors. I am sure there will be great days, tough days, challenging times, proud moments, exciting adventures and you will all grow so much as individuals and as a family. I am very impressed and proud. I wish you a safe and successful journey. And I am looking forward to following your experience. With all my love and pride, your Hurricane Island sailing partner – Barb Harman.
I have been busy working around the world, from Africa to Nepal helping to build schools in areas where there are none. My kids are grown and “launched”, each very successful in their careers and I am a Grandma to one year old Willa. Although I don’t feel like a Grandma, way to young at heart to feel “that old”, I love being a grandma.
Again, all the best you you!
So sorry that I didn’t respond earlier to your post – Thanks for the kinds words and I will connect with you offline as I want to hear more about your travels as well – They sound very interested – I still have such found memories of outward bound – So, Teresa one the delivery captains that helped Jen and I move the boat is an outward bound instructor. Thanks for being my “mom” on Outward Bound
Best of luck and wishes on your new adventure! I’m excited for all you and look forward to hearing how it goes. Safe travels!
So inspiring, Marc and Jen!! Have to admit, having kids the same ages as yours, when Jenny first told me about your plan, I could not imagine. Now, that I’m reading your story and blog, I am humbled, totally get it, and am so excited for your family. Have always thought you and Jen are a great couple and neat people. Inspired to simplify by you guys/Dan and Jenny. We can’t wait to follow you through your adventure. Since Luke, Ronan and Mary Kate are the same ages as your kids, they will be following along too.
Many prayers on this exciting journey~Matt & Katie O’Connor
Thanks Katie! Such kind words. Thanks for following us. I can’t wait to keep in touch with you through the blog.
Joellen – are you there? I bet your reading ” Cats at Sea” already ! Save it for the voyage & then tell me all about it ,OK ? l Are you taking your loom & rubber bands ? Want me to bring more ? 143 Nana : )
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey and I admire your convictions to live your dream. Your drive, discipline and strong faith is now allowing you to realize this incredible dream and it serves as a reminder to live everyday to its fullest. Safe travels.
Wow Marc. I pray that God continues to direct your path and use you, and your family, to advance the Kingdom. May his wisdom, grace and mercy be with you always.
Marco– Exciting times await you and your family and after many years your life long dream will become a reality for all–We all remain excited and yes cautiously anxious as you embark next week–I remain confident God will be with you all the way in provding you spiritual guidance and wisdom–As MOM stated ” ship ahoy matey” and a safe journey. Twenty years from now you will be more disapointed by the things that you DID NOT do than by the ones you did do. Soooo throw off the bowlines– Sail away form the safe harbor– Catch the trade winds in your sails and ” EDD” Explore– Dream– Discover– Love Dad
Marc,
I must admit when your brother first told me about this I was intrigued. Now that I’ve been reading of your progress it has given me a ton to think about. As I have gotten older the idea of simplifying is really appealing. Good luck to you and I look forward to the updates. I’m sure that Orbis misses you!
I’m so glad I came across your blog. You’ve always been someone I admire and now I’m just in downright awe of your and your family! I remember reading my son a book when he was little—it was a favorite—about parents who take their two young daughters out of school for a year to travel to Italy, live and travel in a VW bus, while making extra money as street performers. Turns out, it’s based on the author’s real life. I LOVE that! I wish you the very best of luck and happiness in your sailing adventure. I hope one day to be brave enough to break my traditional ties. You guys are amazing!
I admire you for having the courage to follow your dream as a family. Letting go of “things” is so liberating. I look forward to living vicariously through your blog. We miss you and keep you in our prayers!
Ahoy Matey ! Looks like all’s ready to pull up anchor & sail away ! We look forward to meeting Adagio in Ft Lauderdale while there ! : )