Sitting across the table from the recruiting officer, listening to his descriptive adventures of being an Airdale flight navigator. Our son Carder, at age seventeen was asked what he would like to do for the Coast Guard.  He replied “I.T.” The petty officer, said “Oh, no, you don’t want to do that. You would end up in a dark basement with a bunch of nerds.” If he was trying to stop him from choosing the I.T. career path while serving our country, well then he just said the wrong thing. Carder’s face lit up, with excitement, immediately fantasizing about getting paid to do what he loves. Five years later, he’s currently living and working outside of Washington DC, doing top level cyber security side by side with our nation’s top nerds. He’s making a living doing what he did at home since he was about eight years old. Hacking computer systems and fixing them.

I tell that story to tell you this story.  Sean, the girls and I made our first trip to Savannah in July 2011. We were on a scouting mission to find a new hometown for our family and business. We had a  Google map on my ipad and we drove through every neighborhood in the Savannah area, trying to imagine our family living there. I made an appointment with a collaborative workspace office in downtown Savannah. We were brainstorming ways we could get involved right away so that we could meet people and be able to network with other businesses and entrepreneurs. The man that gave us a tour of the building was enlightening us on the whole Coastal Georgia area.

Explaining the differences between Downtown, Midtown, and Southside Savannah and then he told us about “The Islands”. He strongly suggested against us living on the Islands, especially Tybee. He said “They’re weird people out there, there’s no schools or regular neighborhoods. Those people are just really strange, and they never leave the island. Plus you really don’t want to raise your kids there” Sean and my eyes grew big, our interest was piqued now more than ever.

Just like the advice Carder was given from the Coast Guard recruiter, it only added fuel to the fire of what we were looking for. Speaking words like “weird”, “not regular”  “never leaving the island”… Bells were going off for both of us and we were salivating like Pavlov’s dogs.

Two weeks later we returned to the area, signed a contract on a three month winter home on Tybee, only two doors from the ocean. We figured during those three months we could decide if island life would suit us or not. Once December rolled around and we crossed over the Lazaretto bridge, it did not take long for us to get hooked. Meeting two wonderful families the first night we were here, the O’Brien’s and the Robertson’s. They took us under their wing. Making sure we knew the important things about living on Tybee, especially with kids. From schools, to skate night, favorite restaurants and the importance of taking weekly beach days. They taught us the spontaneity of living here. You don’t need plans to have a party or get together, a quick text and bam! everyone is there.

The first six weeks felt like a really long vacation. As spring came around, we knew we had to figure  out how to rebuild our business in a new area where nobody knows us. 

We would go out a couple nights a week in an effort to meet new people, make connections and try to find our place in an already tight knit small town community. Our kids soon met other kids, we met their parents and they brought us into their groups and invited us to their parties and get togethers. After a few months, people learned about our business and skills we had to offer, we started making our living here. There were months when money was more than tight, but we were finally in a place where we were happy to scrape by, if it meant staying on Tybee. We had a newfound determination and purpose for our family as we found life in our new island hometown. Faith was restored to us, as our prayers were answered and daily provision provided.

I spent many nights and early mornings outside on our covered deck. Soothed by the sound of waves crashing on the other side of the dunes mixed with rattling palm fronds as the breeze would wrap its arms around me whispering encouraging words about plans for a future of hope and not of harm. I welcomed hope back into my life and eventually began to believe in it again.

I’m glad we didn’t take the advice of the Savannahian that suggested we should find a normal neighborhood with regular schools. Its clear that normal doesn’t fit us. Tybee life isn’t for everyone, but it certainly is for us. Wherever you are, keep believing you’ll find the right fit for you. Whether its the right career, school, church, group of friends or new hometown, there is a place waiting for you and your talents to contribute. When you find it, don’t hold back. Share all you’ve got. You’ll be glad you did.