Why We Purchased Our Farm

In 2020, when the worldwide pandemic occurred, we quickly realized that access to food could be cut off incredibly easily. We were encouraged to purchase food by ordering online and picking up at our local grocery stores. Inevitably, when I’d pick up our order, I’d be missing at least one ingredient from each recipe. This was disheartening as I worked to put meals on the table for our family.

One of the incredible responsibilities that comes with adoption out of foster care is that some children struggle with food insecurity. In our home, we have an oversized pantry, two refrigerators, kid-friendly snacks in a bowl, fresh fruit available and we still find that our children worry about food. They didn’t have enough food when they were younger, and certainly didn’t have healthy options.

When I struggled to get ground beef (which I didn’t realize some of my family and friends in other areas and states were not struggling with), and when I couldn’t get chicken breasts, and then when we couldn’t get our grocery list fulfilled, I knew it was time for a change. I took adopting our children seriously, and thought about how we could provide for them when we couldn’t purchase the needed groceries from our local grocery store. That’s when the idea of purchasing a farm began to take shape.

The farm offered a myriad of benefits for our family. First and foremost, it would allow us to provide our own food, ensuring that our children were consuming healthy and locally sourced meals. We could grow our own fruits and vegetables, raise chickens for eggs, and add rabbits for meat. This self-sufficiency not only provided a sense of security, but also served as a tangible lesson for our children on where their food comes from and how to care for livestock.

Furthermore, the farm offered a therapeutic environment for our children to heal from their past traumas. Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe and restore, and the farm provided ample opportunities for our children to connect with the natural world. They could spend time in the garden, digging in the dirt and watching plants grow. They could interact with the animals, developing a sense of responsibility and empathy. They could climb the beautiful large oaks around our property and let their imagination go wild. These experiences taught our children valuable life skills while simultaneously facilitating their emotional healing.

The decision to purchase a farm was not made lightly. It required careful consideration of our family’s needs and the potential benefits it could bring. We had to be aware of the time it would take to care for the animals and our garden both now, and as we continue to expand. Ultimately, it has proven to be a transformative experience, allowing us to grow and harvest our own food, connect with nature, and provide a healing environment for our adopted children.

The Healing Power of Nature and Homesteading for Children

Nature and homesteading have an incredible healing power for children. Through the farm, our children have discovered a sense of connection and belonging that they had been longing for. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature, has provided them with a sanctuary where they can heal from the trauma they experienced in their past.

One of the ways our children have found healing on the farm is through caring for animals. Taking care of the chickens and rabbits has taught them responsibility and empathy. They have learned to provide food and shelter for these animals, and in return, they have received love and companionship. They also now know the value of a life given to provide dinner on our table.

Additionally, being in nature has allowed our children to learn valuable life skills. They have learned how to grow their own food and the importance of sustainable living. They have witnessed the miracles of planting seeds and watching them grow into thriving plants. This connection to the natural world has given them a sense of purpose and confidence, as they see the results of their hard work.

Learning to be Self-Sufficient Through Farming

In addition to providing a healing environment for our children, purchasing a farm has allowed us to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency. As we delved into the world of homesteading, we quickly realized that farming goes beyond just growing our own food—it is a transformative experience that has empowered us to take control of our own sustenance and given us a sense of purpose.

Through farming, we have learned the art of nurturing and cultivating life. From planting seeds and tending our garden and fruit trees, to raising animals for food, we have gained a deep appreciation for the natural cycle of life. The process of growing our own food has taught us the value of hard work, patience, and resilience. It has shown us that we have the ability to provide for ourselves.

Farming has also given us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It has provided us with a tangible way to contribute to our family’s well-being. We no longer rely solely on grocery stores and farmer’s markets for our food, but instead, we can rely on ourselves and our abilities to sustain our family.

Learning to be self-sufficient through farming has been a journey of empowerment and healing, and yet we still have so far to go.

Overcoming Challenges in Starting a Homestead

Starting a homestead can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is acquiring the necessary land and resources to establish your homestead. Whether you are purchasing land or repurposing existing property, there are zoning regulations, permits, and legal considerations to navigate.

Another challenge is developing the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully run a homestead. From raising livestock and tending to gardens, to learning sustainable practices and building structures, there is a steep learning curve for beginners. However, there are countless resources available, including online forums, books, and workshops, to help guide you along the way.

Financial considerations are also important to address when starting a homestead. While homesteading can be a cost-effective lifestyle, there are upfront expenses for purchasing land, equipment, and animals. Creating a detailed budget and exploring ways to generate income from your homestead, such as selling produce or handmade goods, can help alleviate financial stress. This all takes time, and diligence, and the ability to be flexible when things do not go as planned.

Despite the challenges, the journey of starting a homestead is incredibly fulfilling. With determination, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt, we believe we can overcome these obstacles and create the homestead of our dreams.

Benefits of a Homesteading Lifestyle Beyond Providing Food

Homesteading offers a wide range of benefits beyond simply providing food for our family. While self-sufficiency is undoubtedly a valuable aspect of homesteading, there are numerous other advantages that have greatly enhanced our lives.

One significant benefit of a homesteading lifestyle is the opportunity to connect with nature. Spending time outdoors, working the land, and caring for animals allows us to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. It instills in us a sense of gratitude and awe, as we witness the miracles of life unfolding right before our eyes. This connection with nature has a profound impact on us.

Furthermore, homesteading fosters a strong sense of community and self-reliance. By growing our own food and raising our own livestock, we become less dependent on outside sources and gain a greater sense of control over our lives. This empowerment not only boosts our confidence and self-esteem, but also strengthens our connection as a family.

Additionally, a homesteading lifestyle promotes a healthier and more wholesome way of living. By cultivating our own food, we have greater control over what we consume, ensuring that our meals are free from harmful pesticides and additives. The physical labor involved in homesteading also contributes to our overall fitness and well-being, keeping us active and strong.

We hope you’ll benefit by learning from some of our mistakes, which we’ll transparently share throughout this blog. We have had highs and lows, as a family, and as livestock owners. We’ve learned so much in just the past few years, and know that the Lord will continue to teach us along the way. We know we are incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and hope you’ll be blessed as you journey alongside us!

Our stories will bounce between the highs and lows of homesteading and the highs and lows of adoption. Sometimes they’ll be current things our family is facing, and sometimes they’ll be a look back on the past where we can revisit things that have occurred and what we’ve learned.