Why I lived in a van in San Francisco | Story of my life
Why I lived in a van in San Francisco | Story of my life
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This is my experience of revisiting van life back in San Francisco after being away for more than a year. I share my story of why I did it and what starting this channel means to me.
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Too many questions that aren’t answered. Why did you have to move again and again? You leave that out and it doesn’t feel honest to me. Looks like you flee from people each time after a year. Why did you drop out of college and went to hang out with church people? They only feel obliged to help lost souls. What happened? Why don’t go back to college? It only costs you 4 years of your life and it makes a whole difference for the rest of your life. In college you can also make real friends for life.
I think you are a very brave guy. Big love for the UK.
🇬🇧🤎🇬🇧
Nick, I came to your channel for the van build but I am so moved by your emotional vulnerability and I hope you find all the community you want in Santa Cruz.
Hi Evan, doesn’t the way those church people live, give you some evidence of salvation that Jesus Christ on the cross is really true, something that will give you eternal life?
Hello Even & Group:
Even I do have great respect for your a smart man with a lot of potential.
I personally can understand the many and multiple set backs in life because I have my own.
I moved to California with only a $ 100.00 cash.
I worked hard and had multiple jobs. With my cultural background and hard work I created my own company I was farmer,producer,prover of gourmet food items, that sold to the top 10% of Gourmet industry. My products where sold in two different Neman Markcus Stores my products where paired with $ 5,000 bottles of wine.
In seven years my Company I had a million dollars in sales. (Sales not profit). I was in three California brush firers.Two of them where less than thirty days apart and I lost everything.
Two weeks after the brush firers I had a adult from the IRS, where in there thinking they did think I owed the $ 65,000 dollars, I laughed and them so laud and hard I laughed my way out of the IRS office. After losing everything there was nothing left. I did try to set up another business with a business partner and that lasted about nine years, they died in February 2008. In the rest of 2008 as the economy crashed I was not able to save that business. So far I have not been able to go back in to any type of business.
So yes I do understand. I can honestly say I have done most major projects I have always wanted to do, and was able to reach both my goals and dreams.
When I was a child I wanted to produce breeding registered bulls that sold in the
$ 3,000 to $ 5,000 range. But with weather and economic changes I did produce registered bulls in the $ 2,000 to $ 4,000 range.
I want to build a van so I can try to get back in to ranching and/or creative Commercial Gourmet Food production.
I live near the Sacramento, California area.
Regards
Hope
I’ve rarely heard and seen on You Tube from vloggers such an honest, gut wrenching, and non-huckster presentation. I wondered from your presentation about your connection to your family, but from what you shared your parents have been very supportive. I just love your humble thoughtfulness, search for meaning, and willingness to go outside the box of standard conformist thinking about career and personal living. You are a remarkable young guy. I’m seriously impressed. I know someone through a friend who came from a standard, normal middle class family, discovered a specific talent and also a love for God, and entered a monastery. Just remarkable how happy he is now. This is NOT to say that Christianity is anything like "the answer." It’s not. What counts, again, is that you find peace and joy in your journey along the road of life.
A very interesting young man .. i want to join but its too far .. lol
You be aiight. Dont think too hard
Power full story thank you for sharing 🙏🙏😊😊
Try watching some videos of Sadhguru. See what he has to say, compare it with your beliefs/ideas, then decide. Maybe you’ll be able have a different perspective on many things(in life).
@1:37 why are you sneaking out of the back of your van, is it not allowed to live in a vehicle?
Family is suppose to do what you described the church has done for you, but reality is guarantee. Why were you "forced to move"? You need more challenges to occupy your busy mind; maybe do local van construction, little odd jobs as you travel BUT be smart and stay safe. Your need for community usual reflects what was missing at home. A family is SUPPOSED to be more than food and shelter, but…
Go back to church. The fellowship there is unmatched. They may hound you about accepting the faith as your own, but God, even their God, gives all people free will. Get what you need from them and share your resources (skills, talents or money) with the church. They’re always looking for volunteers. Take care of your mind dear. Keep making videos if you have to.
Thank you so much for your story. Without the right people within each of our perspective lives, we can never be truly happy
Props for knowing yourself, bruv. We aren’t cookie cut in the cultures we simply all agree to, and ascribe to. You are brave, and honest. The journey is the destination, fam. You’re walking the path, not just worshiping it☮️
I have a similar overlap in the psychology you are touching on. It had to do with once being from a small village overseas and seeing the accountability that came with it. Something is lost with size. Our consciousness is evolving I suspect 🙏
This guy is very intelligent. Future serial k…?
I love your setup..who built your cabinets??
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Definitely you know how to tell a story. Good luck with your community project.
Hello Evan………….your honesty & down to earth openness about your early life is inspiring and heartfelt. What you have to remember Evan is you might not realize or even feel that your a new Christian……but I believe you have opened your heart & soul to the good lord. With all the turmoil….sad rhetoric……covid 19……..etc happening in this world, you have found real self and what matters in life. Keep living your dream and follow your heart…………life is worth living and you are certainly doing that in your new Van Life style…………God Speed!
Good morning Evan. G’day from Lake Macquarie Australia.
Very enjoyable video. Good production quality. Your style and presentation remind me of other successful like Channels Element Vanlife; Venture4ed, Drew Simms and Levi Allen. Check them out. Your Van give you the freedom to Choose Your Own Adventure.
Great idea of creating your own community. I’ve admired church gathering as well but I’m also not Christian. I’m 47 so I’ve been around a little while. Instead I’ve found friendships and community in Martial Arts (JKAA Karate); Scouting; Cars Enthusiasts (Volkswagen’s and Jeep’s) but also Scouting. In fact my 4 closest friends I have now are all from scouting and yet I’m no longer in the scout movement.
The moral of my message- Do what you love ❤️. With that there will be other people that also love what you love as well. You might even find a partner that shares the same love as you. And if you don’t know what you love, do everything and anything and there’s a community for that too.
When I first moved to Rathmines here I also advertised for friends. Not such a silly idea. I made two good friends and getting involved in my job and locals community events have made me even closer friendships.
But, as someone else has said in the comments, just enjoy the ride. Just be you. Keep making videos in your style and enjoy the freedom or youth.
Oh, and you do know there is a #VanLife community that has gatherings don’t you?
I also have a channel, called OzRecon. If I’m ever over in the US again I’d really like to meet up. You’ve got a wonderful personality.
Bless. 🥰
I love this vlog very much I can so relate to this. Thank you for sharing my friend.
First, thank you for your willingness to open up to all of us out here and share your story. I’m glad your doing this, I think it will lead you to an unexpected joy. Some people might call it…..find your passion and then act on it. Maybe someday when I’m not taking care of a parent who is now 90, I can come to one of your events, I’d very much like to. In between your events, think about becoming a consultant to people who want to convert a vehicle into a place to live. There are so many now having to do this because of housing that is not affordable, especially for seniors. Glad I found your channel and I will keep following your progress and listening to your stories. Take care Evan
"Being alone and loneliness are two different things"
"I had enough Christian friends!" just say friends. People except you if you’re a good person, not because you’re Christian but a good human.
Liked and subscribed. Love your videos and the van is such a fantastic use of space. I hope the meet ups take off, I cannot come as in UK, but good luck. Oh this made me laugh, but you proper don’t look like a morning person 😁
Climbing communities
My beliefs….one of the best ways to help yourself is to help others. Sir, I believe you are on the right path. It will not be easy, because you have been drawn to the path less traveled. You clearly have the passion and courage. You have already been knocked down by some huge psychological winds, but…you not only are still here, youe have a fire lit inside to change the world! You may think this channel will only help, change and impact Santa Cruz. But, the fact that I’m watching this from Switzerland proves your impact is far reaching, farther than you could imagine! Brother, I struggle too with purpose and passion for community. I’ve got 8 to 9 months left here to influence a School PTA as new President. I HAVE been struggling with ‘what’s the point, so little time’. But simply watching this video has brought things into perspective. Thank you! If I ever end up anywhere near Santa Cruz, I’ll thank you in person!
So what are you up to now?
It’s a bloody tough time to be finding yourself as a young person with the double whammy of online addiction and Covid. The world has never been more anti-social! Thing is, SO many people I talk to all want to return to comunity and social situations once we get back to post Covid life. People like you, offering any sort of social activity "without a catch" will be highly important to the new world order. As hard as it probably seems, asking big questions like these, wondering where you belong, what your purpose is, means that unlike 95% of people who simply live in distraction, and avoid really looking within, you have the unique gift of seeking true wisdom and purpose at a young age. It’s tough being a leader, but you need to realise that’s what you are. Most people never get close to asking big soulful questions like these, be grateful you have the drive within you to do so. Sadly Santa Cruz is a bit of a drive from Australia, so I’ll have to watch from afar, but I’m SO jealous of your van!!!!!!!
This is the 2nd vid i’ve watched. REally like the way you narrate your story with very apt music accompaniment. Very soothing voice too.
I miss SF.
Found you because of your build. I want to someday travel the us. I’m from San Jose but moved to Florida 6 years ago. I miss California so badly. Just watched this video. All I can say is good for you and sending positive vibes your way. I will be watching and hope to make it out some day.
If you have faith in GOD! You shouldn’t worry. He is there to help help and guide you every step of the way. Leave everything to him and TRUST him…
You seem like a really sweet guy, but you’ve just described the process of growing up into an independent adult. Good luck to you. You are a community builder and you can travel all over doing what you do, and gaining so much personal satisfaction. Give generously and you will feel inner joy.
Thank you for your wisdom and I wish I can attend your meetups but I am here in the Philippines 🇵🇭 maybe someday? I guess so. Don’t forget to wash your hands 😊 Love yah!
Start with your local skate board parks. Always kids hanging out of all ages.
Learn to talk to Jesus when you feel lonely .. read about HIM in the BIBLE too.
Mat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Your explanation of losing joy will resonate with a lot of people who have experienced depression or low mood. I think your van build is perfectly done, no wasted space and nothing you don’t need. I also think that a lot of the things you have considered to be missed opportunities aren’t. If you could get them before, you could get them again. But, and here’s the important part, if they don’t truly make you happy, don’t worry about milestones others have. Or ticks in a box. Best to find a way of doing something that can make you happy. Proud is almost something we get when we see ourselves in the third person. Happiness and joy is the feeling we need to feel, not just think.
Regardless, I think you’ll be just fine. 👍
good video evan
Sending 🤗 your way
GOOD LUCK! 😎👍
Please become a Christian. Truth and love are two of the most important things about being a Christian. You seem to be abundantly supplied with both.
Haha – were you stealthy when you set up the camera on the dash?
Yes we don’t know what the future God is using you my brother God bless you the church is beautiful I’m a Christian you are in my prayers may the Lord will always direct your path and provide all your needs peace joy and love
oh baby, i wish i can hug you
You are a skilled filmmaker. It’s clear you are creative, clever and hardworking.
I wish I could but I’m too old for your event .. lol 😂 love your YouTube channel van lifestyle and I hope 🤞 you find what you’re looking for!🙏😊
Come to south america! Here the people is more friendly.
We are poor, but we have more friends and joy! Kkkkk