Community

[Ravensoracle]

I hope you enjoy Wichita Katie. I lived there from 05-07 and still have some great friends there. I live in SE KS now away from the hustle and bustle of any city. Wichita is even too big for my tastes anymore.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I had good and bad times in Wichita but overall it was a good place to be. I think you just have to surround yourself with the right type of people to get the sense of community you've described. 2 of my dearest friends in Wichita took my family into their home when my health was at its worst and I lost everything.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I'm glad the weather is staying nice in the area for your return from RTR</div>

 

[KatieinKansas]

<font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I started this this thread I questioned how one would feel a sense of community while living in a van full time/part time. &nbsp;...Well, about 2 hours ago I returned home from the RTR. &nbsp;...What a wonderful experience I had! &nbsp;And regarding community, it couldn't have been more heartwarming. &nbsp;Prior to RTR, I could sense the bonding of our group while on this forum. &nbsp;However, after meeting and visiting with some of our members, and now new friends, I sense that feeling of camaraderie while traveling on wheels. &nbsp;As a beginning van traveler, I am very appreciative of the kindness, the friendship, the laughter, sharing amongst one another, and all the help that I received. &nbsp;Sam, who was a complete stranger to me before the trip, offered to build a bed in my van. He removed the fold-away bed that was there, and went to work right away on putting in a more comfortable bed. &nbsp;It also made room for more space. &nbsp;He rotated the passenger seat around so that I would have a comfy seat to read, eat, write, etc. in. &nbsp;(Sam, you're awesome! &nbsp;Thank you again!) ...And there were those who helped him... Bob, GhostDancer and Phil. &nbsp;I had not met these men before yet they offered their assistance, without me having to ask. &nbsp;I already felt a kinship with cyndi online, but it was great to visit with her face to face. &nbsp;My neighbor, Anne, in the rig next to me, invited me over for some wonderful pasta, anchovies, and some fantastic wine. &nbsp;I found out that Bob cooks a mighty fine hamburger and mashed potatoes. &nbsp; We had campfires together each night. &nbsp;There were meetings each day, in which we learned together. &nbsp;</span></font><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; ">...The acts of kindness and friendships that I experienced at the RTR goes on and on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; "><br></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So regarding community while on the road... Yes it definitely exists. &nbsp;</span></font></div>

 

[judycmomx6]

That sounds like a truly unforgettable time you had Katie, I so wish I could have gone. Was the weather good, besides the dust storms? How many people from here showed up?&nbsp;

 

[KatieinKansas]

<font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stude53: &nbsp;Thanks for the retirement well wishes...</span></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br></span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Judycmomx6: &nbsp;Yes, ...Unforgettable describes it perfectly. &nbsp;You would have loved it. &nbsp;I plan on going next year and hope to meet you there. &nbsp;The weather was perfect while I was there. &nbsp;The last count that I heard of at RTR was around 75, but new vagabonds <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">, &nbsp;arrived after I left. &nbsp;</span></font></div>

 

[judycmomx6]

<P>Wow Katie, that's alot of people! I'm so glad for everyone that got to go, and I'm glad you all had a wonderful time! I WILL be there next year for sure, I might have gotten to go this year had I joined this forum a little sooner. I didn't have time to get myself and the funds together in time. I would have if I weren't all the way across the united states! </P>

 

[Seraphim]

<FONT size=2 face=Arial>...But I thought, after teaching for 24 years, I should probably keep working for a few more years so that I could receive the full retirement benefits. &nbsp;Well, all that changed. &nbsp;...Or, I changed. &nbsp;I decided to take an early retirement.</FONT>

<br><br>Yea - with the SB5 scare over the summer (Ohio trying to eliminate collective bargaining etc for public employees) DW took an early retirement buyout.&nbsp; She had to decide last March, and signed a binding agreement to retire this coming June at 25 years, which would have held however the vote on SB5 went.<br><br>The voters came to bat for us, but DW's not sorry she opted for the buyout. The teaching enviroment has become ridiculous - so much time trying meet federal and state mandates with no time left for actual TEACHING. Technically, she doesn't have to retire, just stop working with her current employer.&nbsp; But no other district is going to hire a teacher with her experience in the current economic climate. About 80 teachers took the buyout, and the word came down from the district that a) many of the&nbsp;teaching positions&nbsp;were not going to be replaced, and b) those that were would be replaced with first year teachers only, fresh out of college.&nbsp; Cheaper.<br><br>Of course, all the trainers for the new teachers will have retired...<br><br>But I guess you know all this, and I'm just ranting *grin*<br><br>Congrats on your freedom.<br>