Hi,
I’m home again. I unpacked this morning.
Wow. I miss everyone so much already. My aunt and uncle, the animals, the family next door.
I have mixed feelings about being back: I’m glad to see the family again, especially my little sis, but I miss the farm a lot. I spent such a worthwhile and motivating time there. It was an awesome experience. Maybe I can go back again someday; I hope so. Now that I’m home things are just like usual: I can’t imagine making time in my schedule to ride – finding a stable, working out a way to get there and back – it’s a shame, really, because I like riding so much. Why is it that we're always so busy in the city and relaxed in the country? Is it just the atmosphere? Because there's a heck of a lot more actual work at the farm. Weird...
Well, I had a great time getting to know my aunt and uncle. They’re wonderful people. I don’t know what God might be doing in their lives, but I hope my witness has some impact on them.
It seems like they enjoyed my visit, too, and were sad to see me go. My aunt made me cry. She hugged me, yesterday morning when I brought my bags down from my room, and she said “What did we ever do without you, Jason. You’re a joy to have around.” She’s too kind, really. I was very humbled. I’m so greatful God allowed me to be a blessing to them and I hope I was a good testimony to them while I was there. My uncle said if I ever want to come again I’m hired.
I learned SO much while I was there. It really amazed me the things I could do that I’d never ever imagined I would be able to handle. It’s been a great confidence-building experience. My aunt and uncle told me they learned a lot too!
Also, my aunt took some pictures of me that I’d like to post sometime if she sends them to me.
Goodnight,
Jason
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Still Farming!
Hi,
I wish I could write down every moment of this time I spend here. But I’ve been far to busy for that. The work is hard and time consuming, for me at least, although it’s been very rewarding. It’s amazing the sense of accomplishment I have when I finally sit down in the evening totally exhausted and cold but pretty proud at the amount of work I’ve done completely on my own.
In a lot of ways it seems like I just got here – I’m still getting the hang of this type of work, getting to know the animals, growing familiar with the landscape of the farm, and it’s hard to realize that my stay here is soon coming to an end. I’m going to miss this farm so much, and my Uncle Alan and my Aunt Judith. They’ve been so good to me. My uncle is a veritable gold mine of information about farming and he’s been so patient with me, explaining the workings of the farm, answering my questions, giving me helpful instructions, and not flipping out when I make dumb mistakes. (And trust me I’ve made them.)
I know this place has got to be even better in the summer. Apparently there’s a lot more work to do in the summer, but i think it could be done easier and faster in good weather. It’s amazing how drastically snow alters the landscape. For a city boy like me whose used to being indoors most of the time that’s taken some getting used to. Every time we get more snow the landscape changes – landmarks, the way things sound. I’ve dealt with that at home before on a smaller scale, but at home at least our sidewalks and driveway are always cleared. Here I’ve put in so many hours just shoveling paths. And on the few warmer days we’ve enjoyed here everything was slushy in the day and icy at night. It’s rough for the inexperienced city boy like me.
The boy next door has been a great help. He’s really good at what he does but then he’s lived on a farm all his life. I'm greatful to him for coming over. He’s home-schooled so he said he can adjust his schedule to help. He’s really funny: he’s always full of questions, mostly about how I do different things, and he talks to me the whole time we work. He’s a much nicer kid than I was at twelve. I hope we can still keep in touch once I go home.
Anyway, that’s all I have to say for now. I’m having fun and learning lots. This is very different from my ordinary life I’m used to and I’m really enjoying it. (All except the cows. They make me nervous and I make them nervous.) :)
Goodnight,
Jason
I wish I could write down every moment of this time I spend here. But I’ve been far to busy for that. The work is hard and time consuming, for me at least, although it’s been very rewarding. It’s amazing the sense of accomplishment I have when I finally sit down in the evening totally exhausted and cold but pretty proud at the amount of work I’ve done completely on my own.
In a lot of ways it seems like I just got here – I’m still getting the hang of this type of work, getting to know the animals, growing familiar with the landscape of the farm, and it’s hard to realize that my stay here is soon coming to an end. I’m going to miss this farm so much, and my Uncle Alan and my Aunt Judith. They’ve been so good to me. My uncle is a veritable gold mine of information about farming and he’s been so patient with me, explaining the workings of the farm, answering my questions, giving me helpful instructions, and not flipping out when I make dumb mistakes. (And trust me I’ve made them.)
I know this place has got to be even better in the summer. Apparently there’s a lot more work to do in the summer, but i think it could be done easier and faster in good weather. It’s amazing how drastically snow alters the landscape. For a city boy like me whose used to being indoors most of the time that’s taken some getting used to. Every time we get more snow the landscape changes – landmarks, the way things sound. I’ve dealt with that at home before on a smaller scale, but at home at least our sidewalks and driveway are always cleared. Here I’ve put in so many hours just shoveling paths. And on the few warmer days we’ve enjoyed here everything was slushy in the day and icy at night. It’s rough for the inexperienced city boy like me.
The boy next door has been a great help. He’s really good at what he does but then he’s lived on a farm all his life. I'm greatful to him for coming over. He’s home-schooled so he said he can adjust his schedule to help. He’s really funny: he’s always full of questions, mostly about how I do different things, and he talks to me the whole time we work. He’s a much nicer kid than I was at twelve. I hope we can still keep in touch once I go home.
Anyway, that’s all I have to say for now. I’m having fun and learning lots. This is very different from my ordinary life I’m used to and I’m really enjoying it. (All except the cows. They make me nervous and I make them nervous.) :)
Goodnight,
Jason
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
More Farming
Hi,
Everything's been going really well here. I love farming. I almost don’t want to go home except I miss my little sis Ava. I’ve been talking to her on the phone every night and she really enjoys hearing about the animals and my escapades here on the farm. I talked to my mom today. She called to tell me about a doctor appointment i forgot about... Anyway, she said she was really proud of me and everything I am doing and learning. That made me really happy. I'm so glad God opened up this opportunity to help and to learn at the same time. It's been such a blessing.
On another note: keep praying for my Uncle Alan. He's doing better but still has a long road to recovery. Thanks!
Goodnight,
Jason
Everything's been going really well here. I love farming. I almost don’t want to go home except I miss my little sis Ava. I’ve been talking to her on the phone every night and she really enjoys hearing about the animals and my escapades here on the farm. I talked to my mom today. She called to tell me about a doctor appointment i forgot about... Anyway, she said she was really proud of me and everything I am doing and learning. That made me really happy. I'm so glad God opened up this opportunity to help and to learn at the same time. It's been such a blessing.
On another note: keep praying for my Uncle Alan. He's doing better but still has a long road to recovery. Thanks!
Goodnight,
Jason
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Riding
So I’ve been horseback riding. Every day and I’m getting better. I don’t think I’ve ever had quite so much fun in my life.
Horses are awesome! It makes me almost wish I lived before the invention of the automobile. Then I could ride everywhere just like everyone else and not have to worry about drivers or being hit by a car or any of that sort of thing.
Today wasn’t as cold as it’s been and I was able to ride Sally (one of the horses) for quite a while. Aunt Judith helped me get her harnessed and ready. I’ve been doing my best to remember how everything goes but I think I’m going to need a little more practice before I can do it myself.
It was truly wonderful! I can’t even describe how much joy I get from riding horseback. And I don’t even go that fast or that far. I’ve been just riding down the driveway and back, up and down, and their driveway is maybe 50 yards. Maybe eventually I’ll try riding somewhere else but for now my aunt thought this was safer. It’s an open drive so there’s no fear of overhanging branches or anything like that and also it’s cleared of snow and ice. First time I went after I arrived here Aunt Judith staid on the porch to watch me and to talk to give me some idea of direction. There are wind chimes on the porch but the wind’s not consistent enough to be a reliable landmark so my aunt put a radio out on the porch for me and that’s what I’ve been using. Once she realized I was okay she’s not been sitting out to watch – it’s too cold for her. I was nervous at first to be out there alone but now I’m actually glad she did it. If I’m going to learn anything I shouldn’t be constantly depending on other people to help me every step of the way.
Sally is my aunt and uncle’s most calm and gentle horse. She’s really sweet. Tall too, which is nice for me, I’m pretty tall myself. She’s much cleverer than me. I think it’s more due to her intelligence than my good travelling skills that we make the route safely each time. She was a little nervous of me at first since I guess I do things differently than any rider’s she’s used to - I do fumble around a lot to find things. But she’s been real patient and she’s getting more used to me by now. Today, though, we both totally flipped out when I dismounted by myself and couldn’t get my footing because it was icy. With incidents like that it’s been a little intimidating but I promised myself I’m going to keep working at it despite the weather and I’m hoping that by the end of my stay here I’ll have gotten good enough maybe I can find a stable back home and keep riding.
It really amazes me the pleasures God’s created in this world, even while it’s fallen. I can’t even imagine what heaven will be like
God bless!
Jason
Horses are awesome! It makes me almost wish I lived before the invention of the automobile. Then I could ride everywhere just like everyone else and not have to worry about drivers or being hit by a car or any of that sort of thing.
Today wasn’t as cold as it’s been and I was able to ride Sally (one of the horses) for quite a while. Aunt Judith helped me get her harnessed and ready. I’ve been doing my best to remember how everything goes but I think I’m going to need a little more practice before I can do it myself.
It was truly wonderful! I can’t even describe how much joy I get from riding horseback. And I don’t even go that fast or that far. I’ve been just riding down the driveway and back, up and down, and their driveway is maybe 50 yards. Maybe eventually I’ll try riding somewhere else but for now my aunt thought this was safer. It’s an open drive so there’s no fear of overhanging branches or anything like that and also it’s cleared of snow and ice. First time I went after I arrived here Aunt Judith staid on the porch to watch me and to talk to give me some idea of direction. There are wind chimes on the porch but the wind’s not consistent enough to be a reliable landmark so my aunt put a radio out on the porch for me and that’s what I’ve been using. Once she realized I was okay she’s not been sitting out to watch – it’s too cold for her. I was nervous at first to be out there alone but now I’m actually glad she did it. If I’m going to learn anything I shouldn’t be constantly depending on other people to help me every step of the way.
Sally is my aunt and uncle’s most calm and gentle horse. She’s really sweet. Tall too, which is nice for me, I’m pretty tall myself. She’s much cleverer than me. I think it’s more due to her intelligence than my good travelling skills that we make the route safely each time. She was a little nervous of me at first since I guess I do things differently than any rider’s she’s used to - I do fumble around a lot to find things. But she’s been real patient and she’s getting more used to me by now. Today, though, we both totally flipped out when I dismounted by myself and couldn’t get my footing because it was icy. With incidents like that it’s been a little intimidating but I promised myself I’m going to keep working at it despite the weather and I’m hoping that by the end of my stay here I’ll have gotten good enough maybe I can find a stable back home and keep riding.
It really amazes me the pleasures God’s created in this world, even while it’s fallen. I can’t even imagine what heaven will be like
God bless!
Jason
Monday, February 1, 2010
I’ve been busier than I even thought I’d be. Whew! But I had a restful Lord’s Day yesterday and I was grateful to find a ride to church with the neighbors. I’d been a little concerned about working out that detail.
The animals are great. A.J. and Shadow are still pretty hesitant of each other. I think Shadow wants to be friends. Yesterday A.J. growled at him and I have a good guess Shadow was getting too near his food dish. The neighbor boy is helping me with the milking which even so is a frankly terrifying responsibility.
My Aunt Judith is an amazing cook. Next thing I’ll have to get her to run me through her kitchen then I can help out with cooking too. Not that she needs the help. :)
Thanks for prayers for Uncle Alan and also for me – that I don’t screw anything up.
God bless!
Jason
The animals are great. A.J. and Shadow are still pretty hesitant of each other. I think Shadow wants to be friends. Yesterday A.J. growled at him and I have a good guess Shadow was getting too near his food dish. The neighbor boy is helping me with the milking which even so is a frankly terrifying responsibility.
My Aunt Judith is an amazing cook. Next thing I’ll have to get her to run me through her kitchen then I can help out with cooking too. Not that she needs the help. :)
Thanks for prayers for Uncle Alan and also for me – that I don’t screw anything up.
God bless!
Jason
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