Our story really began years ago, when Kirk & I met and both had a love of adventure. Kirk will tell the story that I begged him to marry me and as a condition for him to accept, I had to agree to do some sort of trip every year. 27 years later, it doesn’t matter when or where, 5-star luxery or wilderness backpack, we have stayed true to our agreement. So, where does this repurposing concept come in?
Both of us are “Desk Jockeys” sitting behind a computer monitor every day. Kirk spent 27 years with the same company as a Software Developer/Programmer working out of a home office. I worked in the finance/banking industry since 1983 doing everything from loan processing, collections, m & a team, to design and implementation of intranet/internet and custom forms. I worked with many of the same people for the majority of those years in four different companies. Friday, September 8th was the last day of work for both Kirk & I. Why would anyone leave their career at this point in their life?
In June 2016, I was diagnosed with a T2b Melanoma. What? I’ve spent most of my adult life fighting cancer, chairing fundraising events, being an advocate. I’ve helped to raise millions of dollars for patient care, research, and education. I lost a dear cousin to Melanoma. My God is greater than this and He has big plans for me! He guided the doctors & surgeons hands and the cancer was removed and lymph nodes were clear. But life is a gift, not a guarantee and my purpose had now changed! So, now what?
Kirk & I began evaluating what was important to us in comparison to where we were and what we hoped to accomplish – the proverbial “Bucket List.” Jesus, family, and adventure pretty much summed it up. As we focused on these things, everything else seemed to fall in place. Have you ever had the desire to do something and the door just keeps shutting on you? I’m usually pounding on the door, kicking it, trying to remove it from the hinges (you get the picture). It was different this time and the doors seemed to swing open along this new path. Thank you, Jesus! Can I get an AMEN?
In a nutshell:
- we have quit our jobs;
- sold/donated/tossed 85% of all our possessions;
- our daughter’s family has moved into our 4,000 sf, 8 bedroom home where we have created a small apartment in which to store our stuff and occassionally reside between adventures;
- we have booked transportation and lodging for the balance of 2017 and the better portion of 2018, with most paid in full;
- we have the love and support of our family and friends for our repurposed life.
My purpose (repurpose) is to travel the world and share my love for Jesus through our interaction with people, through example/reflection of what a Christian marriage looks like and what it looks like to be the salt & light of Christ. To change the hearts of others one smile or laugh at a time.
Our adventure begins Monday, September 18th. At the request of so many, I decided to create this blog for those who have expressed a desire to follow our adventures along the way. To my friends and family, our hearts and doors are always open for you. We sincerely hope that you will join up with us at some point along the way. We plan to post our itineraries as they develop.
Let the repurposed life and adventures begin!
mccalls repurposed 
Yahoo! Let the adventure begin!
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Such an inspiration! I love that you are doing this! And I love hearing/seeing stories of people who are living examples of what Jesus called us to be/do! Blessings to you and your family! I will be praying for you and following your blog!
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Thank you, Sara! We are humbled with you prayers and encouragement.
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Im so happy and proud of you for doing something that is straight from your beautiful heart and soul! Cant wait to read about your adventures! Who knows.. you may even end up writing a book!!! Love you both! Safe Journeys!!!
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Thanks,Katy! Haha…just trying to figure out blogging right now. No time with Cruzin for Life tomorrow. Hopefully I can get my other stuff and pics up regularly. Love you!
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DJ Dee here (Bethany’s mom). May the Lord bless your travels and put you right where he needs you at the right time. Blessings.
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Thank you, DJ! We are definitely blessed to be able to do this. God is good, all the time! Hoping that you will join up somewhere in our travels.
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We are so excited for you! We fondly remember chatting with you in New England last fall and had hoped to one day hear about your adventures. Your plan sounds amazing! Be safe and enjoy yourselves!
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Kirk and Tricia! Julie just told me about your blog, and I LOVE it! Congrats to you both. Love and miss you bunches! Paul and Marti ❤
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Paul & Marti?!! WOW!! Its been forever! We are having a ball. We left Portugal today and are now in Madrid, Spain for a week. We have a cute studio in the center of everything. Our pace will pick up after last week in Nazare. Loved it there and will definitely return someday. Hope all is well with you!
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I think our son will be studying in Barcelona next fall. If so, we hope to be able to go visit him. May have to hit you up to see where you stayed, if you recommend it, sites to see, etc, so take notes for us 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful time and a safe trip home!
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Barcelona and Spain in general, is beautiful! Good people, lots of history. Good for your son! We are happy to help with any suggestions.
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