While most people dream of vacations to the Bahamas or Disney World, I dream of visiting people groups that are living a more traditional lifestyle, carrying on the customs of their ancestors. That is why I was excited this month to be able to visit an Amish family at the Nebraska, Kansas border. I have always been fascinated by the simple, close knit Amish people. Along with this experience, we had some changes on the farm as we entered another season.

Our son Caleb has loved hunting since he was very young. Recently, Cory and I felt led to buy him a dog of his own to train up and assist with his passion. He takes care of the predators on our farm, and we pay him by the animal. We found what we were looking for in Pawnee, Nebraska at an Amish family’s home. Normally I wouldn’t make a long trip for a dog, but after praying about it, we decided to make a day of it. Since Cory had no extra time to come with us, the five youngest children and I headed for our destination with plans to stop along the way for a picnic lunch and a little exploration at the Homestead National Monument. This free museum surprised us with its rich history and abundant things to see and do. We were able to get a deep understanding of the hardships endured as people settled this wild country. I was fascinated by the videos that depicted how the farmers would clear the land, plant the fields, and finally harvest. We do a lot of hand work on our farm, but it made me so thankful for the technology that makes some of our work almost effortless.

Our time at the museum ended too soon and we were back on the road again. I had planned our route to Pawnee on a map at home, but relied on the GPS to get to their house. By planning our route and not following the GPS, I saved us 30 minutes. After going through Table Rock, we were led over an ancient, narrow bridge that I didn’t want to cross. With apprehension I crept over the bridge and followed the country road that eventually ended, because the bridge had washed out. A little fear set in not knowing where I was and wondering what I had got myself into. The Amish do not have phones in their home, but fortunately the man we were meeting said he would call me at 3:00 to make sure I was finding my way. He called right on time, stated that GPS didn’t work for others in that area, and redirected me to his parents’ house since the road to his place was under water. As I got closer to this large, well kempt, welcoming farm house, I felt myself relax. I knew we had made it. After picking out the dog, I was able to have a lengthy conversation with the lady of the house. She was so welcoming and we asked each other many questions about one another’s lives. I felt comfortable around her right away.  It was such a blessing to learn more of this people group that I have often admired.

A few days later, as I walked out the door into the frigid, blustery cold, with the wind biting at my uncovered face, buckets in hand for my first day of milking, I was thinking the timing couldn’t be better. My husband had just finished the last piece of my fabricated milk stand to protect me from the cow, and I had recently finished preparing and planning out the large wood chip garden for the next growing season along with planting garlic. As I sat down alone for the first time, I felt nervous. After carefully preparing the cow, I slowly started milking, and gradually it all came back to me.

As I was milking, I remembered how I had asked my husband for a milk cow about 8 years ago and he had given me a very firm no as his answer. I settled for a goat and began the process of milking a goat myself. I learned that you don’t get very much milk from one goat and the milk is naturally homogenized (the cream doesn’t come to the top). I wanted more milk and I desired the cream to make butter. After seeing my commitment to the goat, my husband agreed to buy a cow and offered to help me for a time until I got strong enough to do it on my own. Our first Jersey cow we purchased died two days after bringing her home. That was devastating. Several weeks later we were given another cow to milk. We would get up in the early morning, while everyone was still sleeping, and milk together. We really enjoyed that time together while all was quiet. I kept offering to take over completely, but Cory kept helping me. We milked together until I was nine months pregnant with our fifth child and then one day, he simply stated that he was taking over the milking because he didn’t want his pregnant wife out in the middle of winter milking a cow. That was almost five years ago.

After my husband was too busy to milk several months ago, I started praying about taking it over. To my surprise, I was led to milk and it wasn’t the cow I had picked out. My favorite, friendly cow that has been spoiled since birth turned out to be very naughty. When I was working with her, since she has no fear, she stepped on my foot in an attempt to get where she wanted to go. I was reminded that sometimes a path that seems right in my eyes, may not always be the best path. This process has been challenging, but everything has worked out better than expected.  I picked a different jersey from our herd and spent several weeks planning how to milk efficiently and safely. Several days before the calf was born, I worked with the cow to get her used to the routine. I know the Lord is working through me because I’m not disciplined in my own strength to be as consistent and diligent as it takes to do this well. My routine of milking, feeding, and cleaning out the cow’s stall takes about 45 minutes twice a day. Now that it is established, one child bundles up and goes along with me in the evenings. I relish the time visiting with them without interruption. We are so thankful for the birth of our calf which has blessed our family with fresh, raw milk and nutrient dense, yellow butter, cheese, and yogurt.

Due to a winter storm and cold temperatures on the way, we recently moved our cows and sheep closer toward the house to their winter paddock planted with turnips. The animals are devouring them along with hay that we grew. Our hope in the near future is to be able to graze all year, but we aren’t there yet. We are feeding round bales in different areas of this paddock and all the wasted hay is used as bedding and eventually mixed with waste to make compost.

Finally, the month ended with Thanksgiving traditions that our family embraced several years ago. We put the school books away the day before Thanksgiving and prepared food for the next day. I relish this time with our children, working side by side in the kitchen, listening to music, and thinking of the great food that will be enjoyed by many. I am mindful of the numerous, undeserved blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us.

My first task of the morning was to get the turkey going. After a hardy farm breakfast and morning chores, we peeled 17 pounds of potatoes from our storage, baked graham crackers for our homemade cherry cheesecakes, and deboned the turkey after dinner. The bones were then boiled over the stove to make flavorful gravy and homemade stuffing the next day. The stock was also used in the crock pot to keep the turkey moist. This was a trick I learned a few years ago. I love having most of the food preparations done the day before. Thanksgiving morning the girls and I worked together to get the routine work and chores done, made homemade dinner rolls, and prepared to leave the house. Cory and the boys helped Cory’s dad with a small electrical project and gathered up wood for the wood stove.

The day after Thanksgiving we decorated for Christmas and with the mild weather, our weekend was spent preparing for an impending winter storm and house projects. I am ecstatic about progress being made on the house again. Through this transition that started three years ago, I have learned patience along with the importance of showing hospitality despite things not being as orderly as I would desire. Everything gets done in the right time.

The Lord has really put it on my heart to empower others about how our food has changed over a short period of time. We are reaching more and more people with our website and newsletter and LOVE to hear your stories about how natural, clean foods have changed your lives. Please help spread the word and keep those stories coming! As we get closer to winter, we look forward to the work that lies ahead and to blessing others with our products. Homesteading and farming are not simple tasks, but when you enjoy the work you are doing and get to feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, it is completely worth it. This fall we pray that you are encouraged to grow great food, find and meet a great farmer to buy from, slow down and enjoy each day, and be blessed with abundant health!