“The purpose, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
I’ve always had wanderlust and was fortunate to find that same quality in my husband. After honeymooning and vacationing abroad, we were given the opportunity to work (and travel extensively) in Europe for two years. After our return to the States, we had a son and settled down in Athens. But the travel bug never leaves you, and within a year of Luke’s birth, we were off to South Africa and continued vacationing abroad as much as possible, which isn’t often enough when you are leaving a toddler behind with his Nana.
When Luke turned four, we decided to test the waters and take him along. He embraced overnight flights and new cultures with the same positive gusto that he undertakes most things. Mitch and I began dreaming of the next opportunity to live abroad and continue expanding our horizons and Luke’s.
In November 2014, Mitch and I were in Chile celebrating our fortieth birthdays (Luke was disappointed not to have been invited). We met a young woman from Hong Kong staying at our small hotel and over dinner, she shared with us that she was traveling around the world. Alone. For a year. I was so intrigued and proceeded to pepper her with questions the rest of the evening. What had she learned? Was she ever scared? Had she packed too much? Had it been a positive experience? Resounding “yeses” and beautiful, colorful stories abounded. I was hooked, and so was Mitch. It was like a flip had switched, and I couldn’t turn it back off.
It’s worth mentioning that Mitch is the more logical, budget-minded leader of our home, and I keep us moving by planning vacations and dreams. However, he is a huge advocate of setting goals for our marriage and our family and pushing us beyond our comforts and limits, even in the most everyday tasks. When we left our dinner with Selma in Chile, we immediately started brainstorming ways that we, too, could travel around the world. So, the adventure began.
Out of our Comfort Zone to Explore the World 
Of course today is the day after Halloween. While many children woke up with the priority of looking for their bag of candy, Lumi stated with passion… “MOM! Luke leaves on his trip today!” We are SO very excited for all three of you to get out and see breathtaking vistas, meet a few absolutely unforgettable people, and to also realize that you have unique gifts and strength within. I’ll be tuning in! Much love.
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Thank you sweet Cushing family!
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I have been following your blog and your trip and I am so intrigued. You’ve got me wondering, too, how I could travel the globe!!! I have been wondering what you were doing about school for Luke. Your post today mentioned home school. So, will he be able to re-enter his age appropriate grade when he gets back? I have twin 8-year olds in 3rd grade. I love reading about your stops! Keep it coming.
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Alyson, Hello! I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog. Luke’s school was so supportive of our trip and they provided us with many curriculum materials so we could teach him second grade during our journey. We registered as a homeschool family in Georgia and he will re-enter third grade at his school next August. I would highly recommend looking into a long-term trip. It’s been an amazing learning experience for Luke (and for us!)
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Hello Suzanne,
I just heard your family speak of your RTW trip! Wow! That is so amazing! My husband and I are planning our own RTW trip for this upcoming fall.
I would love to get in touch with you and talk more about your experience. We want to do some volunteering as well and I know you mentioned that you did a lot through churches. We are both believers and that is very important for us as well.
Please let me know how I can reach you.
Thank you.
Blessings,
Katie
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Katie, We would love to connect with you! Feel free to email me at suzannerutledge@gmail.com. Thanks for listening to the podcast!
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