Renovation and Inspiration // A Cabin in a Van

 

On Friday last week we had the exciting adventure of visiting our good friend Bobby D in his van. At first glance, the van looks like any other white removal van... chunky, robust, big and not particularly special... but on entering, we stepped into what genuinely could have been a log cabin in the mountains! 

(Apologies for the photo quality - they were all taken on mobile phone! I wished I'd taken my big camera!)

Wood panelling, cosy blankets, a wood burner and traditional or handmade furniture... and most impressively, completely renovated by Bobby D himself (with a couple of friends helping out at various points). Having known Bobby D pretty much all of his life (and his amazing ability to tinker with anything and turn it into something wonderful) even I was blown away! The innovation, creativity and pure determination to pull something like it off was completely mind-boggling. The van is completely off grid and only needs to top up on water and diesel now and again.

The children were totally wide eyed (as were the adults!)

As Dave and I peppered Bobby D with questions, the children explored - spotting every little detail, clambering up the ladder to the over cabin bed, and finding the cubby hole that led to the cab...

Bobby D spends well over half his year abroad on the mission field, and the rest of it living in his van, off-grid... I'm so thrilled my kids have a role-model like him. Someone who has truly used the gifts God has given him to serve others and think outside the box. What a gift to be able to give your children; the opportunity to spend time with someone who has made so many sacrifices for the gospel, and yet approaches life with so much joy and creativity and love for the Lord!

Dotted around the cabin are little hints at what he does; the medical books on the shelves, the maps on the walls of places he's been, the tools under the floorboards that are testament to the hours of work invested here, the Bible verses and simple lifestyle. It so inspiring.

Thank you Bobby D for sharing your amazing work with us, for challenging us to take risks and make brave decisions for the gospel, and for being a man of God we're thrilled our kids get to grow up knowing.  Jonas is already planning his own van renovation in the future!

You are a blessing to us!