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our heads with the homestead dreams. The biggest obstacle is that we
were following "our" dreams and not listening to the Lord's guidance.
The end result is that our homestead is not being blessed in our
efforts. So, we are taking a step back and re-evaluating. Yes, it
would be wonderful to raise all of our own food and have livestock
again. The question is, would that fall in line with the Lord's plan
for our family? For now, we are stopping our plans. We will maintain
what we have, but do nothing more or add anything new.
The fact is, with Joe on the road, it is all too much for me to handle
on my own. My oldest daughter's family lives with us, but they are
unable to take over as much as we would need. My daughter is expecting
a little one in 2 months and is homeschooling their 5 yr old son. My
son-in-law has a new job along with other responsibilities. They are
just too busy or otherwise occupied.
Living without the conveniences of electricity, the tasks that need to
be done each day are more labor intensive. Yes, it can be done but it
does take much more work. Add in homeschooling our 5 yr old daughter
and a special needs 3 yr old and I have a full day. I can easily see
where it was so important that farm families had the entire family at
home. The menfolk had to be there to do the outside work and tend the
livestock. Even among many Amish families, it is common that a young
mother would have a young single woman (often a relative) come to live
with them and help with the tending of the children and/or household
duties.
One factor we are looking at is that my chronic pain is returning. I am
having more bad days with it than I used to. Yes, it is in part to
being 48 yrs old and having a more physical life than many do. Whatever
the cause, the end result is that I can't do it all on my own anymore.
So, reality steps in and kicks me in the backside from time to time.
For me, the priority is always the care and well being of our children.
Homeschooling them is a joy and a challenge. I am finding that while
Abbie is becoming more independent with her homeschooling, Micah is very
high maintenance. I love homeschooling them and watching as they learn
new things. I am seeing that the time I would have spent in the large
garden or with livestock is better spent in raising and teaching our
children.
We are now praying for the Lord's guidance in what He has in mind for
our family. He blessed us with this property and now we need to learn
what His plan is for how we are to use it.
