How?

How is this possible? Well, it did not happen overnight. Tim and I have always wanted to live abroad with the boys for awhile, we were dreaming of a one year venture somewhere in another country. Along the past few years my life has turned around for the better, and self-employment allowed me to make healthy changes. I took charge, for better or for worse, and it brought me a great sense of empowerment. The Little Workshop, our home based little music school, is exactly where we want it to be in terms of volume of operation. We have no plans to grow it bigger. As for Le Petit Atelier, my mobile music education service, it is growing steadily and it is proving to be a solid little business with a lot of potential for further growth.

So between the two businesses which will keep operating with our team of great teachers and coordinators, we will be able to manage a steady income while keeping a fluid communication all along the three months. The other important financial part of the puzzle is that we are subletting our house while we are away. A very good friend came forward with an offer that we could not refuse, and it will be great peace of mind to know that our house is in good hands.

As for the cost, we are paying very low rental fees because in each case (3 different houses) we are getting long term rate for properties that are usually rented for much more money on a weekly basis. The first house is in an amazing location on the Caribbean, and we are taking advantage of the end of the low season pricing-with long term rate. The very best pricing we got is for the ranch, which is costing us $500US for the month, and which allows us to afford some weekend trips while we're there. The last destination is the beach property we rented with friends in 2008, and the owner is giving us a great deal.

So with all these factors combined, our 3 month stay will cost us the same as what a family of 4 would spend in one week in an all inclusive resort. The timing is just right for all of us, so we're doing it. It feels both very crazy and very sound... and more importantly - it feels right.