I’m April, the backpack mom. While most days you can find me driving a minivan full of boys (and their backpacks) around town, I absolutely love to travel & see the world. It opens my mind and heart like little else. Sometimes I trek out solo, and sometimes I bring the whole gang. But no matter how many go on the journey, my motto is always ‘light on luggage; heavy on love’. I make every effort, and encourage everyone who travels with me, to take only what will fit in a backpack…plus plenty of curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.

In case you haven’t already guessed, I’m not a fancy kind of gal – not much need for high heels or hair products where I’m going. There is a goal, a mission, a reason for the excursion that has a lot more to do with loving people than looking great. Packing light means less stuff to weigh me down. A backpack is practical because it leaves both hands free for more critical tasks – like holding on to my little ones. But it’s also purposeful in reminding myself and my family that stuff is just stuff.

Ultimately, I want to teach my children to prioritize God and others – all others, not just the ones who look and act like us. It requires that we be intentional, make plans, carve out time, and look and listen for opportunities to give and serve. For us that means stepping out of our comfort zones. Are we fulfilling our true purpose? Are we investing ourselves and God’s resources into what’s really important? How are we doing that? What does that look like for us? Writing it down not only helps to make it a reality and keep me accountable, but I hope that it may inspire another family to ask and answer some of those questions also.