From the Land: The Challenges Are the Process
The other day I drove home from town and when I saw our property, strewn with pallets and lumber, I smiled. For the first time since we moved here I had the feeling that I was home.
Once the basic necessities were taken care of we thought it was a matter of maintenance and larger projects. But every day brings new and different and spuratic challenges.
There is the sink that was draining (more important than running water, btw) that is now flooding half the camper. There is the temporary outhouse that is approaching the end of its life. There is the 6-day cooler that began leaking all over our (carpeted) camper floor. And then there is this this chest cold I’ve had for a week that I just can’t seem to shake.
These aren’t complaints, they are just the facts of life here. There is always something that needs improving, fixing, updating, or attention. There is always laundry to wash and dishes to do and three meals a day to cook. Everything happens slower, and somehow that makes it feel like life, not work.
Last Saturday morning when I was hacking up a lung and nursing a head that felt like a helicopter lived inside I had a mini break down. I say mini because whenever I have had a real break down it involves me laughing hysterically and uncontrollably on the floor for a good 15 minutes. I know, I’m weird.
But Saturday there were only a few tears, possibly of exhaustion or possibly of frustration, and then I finished my oatmeal and went back to bed.
And yet I have been thinking for days now of how much harder this could be. Like if the Papa had to work a full-time job away from the land every day. Or if we had a newborn at these beginning stages of homesteading. Or if our boys were younger or if I hadn’t had the unconventional childhood I did or if I was single or if the Papa wasn’t working his tail off with an incredibly enthusiastic attitude or if we weren’t surrounded by supportive and loving people who share our burdens and our joys.
Every day, as new challenges and new projects arise, we are reminded of God’s hand in every thing… that getting sick is just as much of a blessing as watching my husband crank out a cabin in what seems like no time. These challenges remind us that perhaps we need humbling or encouragement or eyes to truly see.
All of that seems clearer here, in this space with fewer distractions.
Oh my goodness, Shan – First of all I hope you are feeling better {{hugs}}. And then what progress on everything! The cabin looks wonderful, BTW. Please keep blogging and taking pics and everything. Every morning the first site I go to is here, to see if you have posted anything new – especially about this journey.
wow, i would love to hang out with cows every day. it sounds like a lot of work but of course it’s all with a purpose. kind of like being in labor. you know you’ll have this beautiful baby in the end. : )
I love the progress you’re making… both personally and in your new life.
PS – love the boys in straw hats picture. 🙂
Our laundry facilities were out this week, and I found myself doing laundry in our bathtub, hanging to dry in the yard. I thought of you, and prayed for God’s continued guidance in our families. Many, many blessings to you. 🙂
thanks for your post. hope you are feeling better soon. God bless you & your family.
I’m praying for you and your family; also, looking forward to your updates.
Can you explain the pic of the building in front of the camper. Is that part of your new house, a temporary structure for the winter? I am amazed at what you and your family are doing. Keeping you in our prayers as well. 🙂 God bless you
Keep enjoying, learning, working, living your new life! God bless you! Absolutely loving to read about your journey, wishing I had the opportunity to do something like it, knowing it will never happen, still getting SO much inspiration. Praying for God to always be right by your side, to encourage you and your family through the challenges. You go:)
Thanks for sharing this Shannon. It made me smile to read about all the blessings you can count, despite illness and other troubles. And I’m glad the work feels like life. I feel that way when I’m gardening. I’m looking forward to your next update, especiall since that house is flying up.
Hang in there Shanon,
Once you get that roof over your head, things will settle down. You’re doing so well and one day you’ll look back on these days and be so satisfied with what you all have achieved.
Blessings Gail
For about 6 months this year, I had a chest cold that kept coming back. I started taking mullein every day and it got the rattle to leave and stay away. I was doing a lot of other things, but the mullein seemed to work the best.