SELLING most of your possessions and leaving everyone and everything you know behind in exchange for the great unknown might sound like a terrifying prospect to some. But for Darren and Rouchelle Peens it's been an absolute dream.
The pair, who are both musicians, racked up hundreds of thousands of kilometres over the years when they travelled from gig to gig across the country. Now they're back on the road again and this time it's with their kids, Maddox (7), Indie (4) and Coco (2).
When Darren and Rouchelle told their family and friends about their plan they were met with disbelief. Three small kids in a car for weeks on end, they asked incredulously.
But the couple were determined: they wanted their children to experience the beauty of the open road and the magic of exploring all four corners of South Africa.
It's been cathartic, Rouchelle says. "The more we removed what was cluttering our lives emotionally, spiritually and physically, the more we found ourselves."
Until last year, Darren (51) and Rouchelle (34) had been living in St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape but the idea of a minimalist nomadic lifestyle had long appealed to them.
"During my quiet time in prayer one day I journalled the word nomad and I sat with it," Rouchelle says. "That same day Darren mentioned the word in conversation and we got talking about what's really important to us at this time in our lives."
Their solution was to pack up everything and escape the rat race.
They gave up the lease on their rented home, sold off their belongings and set off on the open road in their Renault Scenic with a caravan and their three little ones in tow.
Their journey through the country has been life-changing, Darren says.
This story is from the 18 April 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 18 April 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy