Martin and Marissa's Trip Back Home

Hello!

Martin and I (Marissa) moved to New Jersey so I could get my graduate degree at Rutgers University in Newark. After some unfortunate events, I could no longer work for an advisor who was more discouraging than encouraging. Since I was out of a job and New Jersey has a high cost of living, we decided it was best to move back home to Texas to be with our friends and families.


Now this is where things get interesting…

A year ago, we moved onto a boat to reduce our living expenses and to be near the water. We budget well, so this includes insurance, our mailbox, storage, etc and it was ALL cheaper than renting an apartment in New Jersey! It’s insane. We’ve been working at making it a home by fixing and updating things when needed and even adding another member, Joan of Ark, to our family (picture below). 


We originally believed we would have three more years to update the boat and save for the trip back to Texas, but since we are suddenly moving, we now only have two months and need your help! The whole trip will take about 6-8 weeks and cost about $8000. We want to leave in mid October, depending on the weather, and therefore arrive sometime in November or December. This means we will go at least two months without jobs and, therefore, income.

 
Our budget is below:

Boat insurance: $300
Trip to take vehicle back (we are selling the other vehicle): $400
Car Insurance: $400
Miscellaneous (ubers from marinas to resupply, repairs, etc): $500
Food ($2/meal/person/day): $700
Fuel: $800
Boat Payments: $1400
Marinas: $3200


Now, if you can’t help us financially, there are plenty of things you can still help us with!!

1. Send us prayers, well wishes, etc. Leave comments, text us, email us, let us know you love us!
2. Send us any job openings you know of. Martin wants a job in GIS, preferably with environmental aspects. I would love a job that allows me to design and implement educational outreach programs, but I would also be a lab technician or diver for any program.
3. Send tips and tricks for sailing along the coast, raising money, etc.
4. Spread the word! If you can’t help us with any of these aspects, maybe you know someone that can.


We are so incredibly grateful for any help you can give and we would like to thank everyone personally. If you donate and want to join us for the trip, let us know. Unfortunately, it will have to be last minute planning because so much depends on weather. You also have to pay your own way to the marinas and pitch in for food. But don’t worry if you can’t join us for the big trip! We will try to have everyone on the boat for a day trip throughout the next year or so, depending on the number of donors.

We will be so grateful for your support to help us bring our home to Texas.