Farming

Long day but such a blessing! I don’t want to forget anything.

It’s so different here than where I live. I’ve never been in the country for an extended period of time and I know it’s going to be a different and amazing experience. Only one thing I wish is that it was summer. I like being outdoors but not as much with snow and ice. But other than that I'm excited for my time here.

My uncle’s still in considerable pain, he said. I was able to pray with him which was a blessing. They’re not believers and so I need to make an extra special effort to guard my words around them to be a good witness.

I spent a lot of the day being shown around the farm by my aunt, then going around alone. I’m worn out from all the walking and effort and excitement but I think now I have a pretty good basic map in my mind of this place.

It’s a great old farm. The whole house is pervaded with the smell of fried ham and wood smoke; the floors creak and vibrate whenever anyone walks; there are deer heads on the wall; there are several rotten boards on the porch. Also, I heard different birds around the farm than I'm used to and more than we have at home even though its winter. I can’t wait to do some bird-watching around here.

I met most of the animals. I petted those that would let me – goats, horses, even some of the cows. A lot of warm, wet noses and soft ears. I love animals. I’d love to be a farmer, haha! Shadow was a little wary of them; he’s a city boy but he’ll get used to it. Either that or he’s jealous. He and A.J., my aunt and uncle’s Jack Russell, have been pretty unfriendly with each other so far although Shadow doesn’t seem to mind the cats. A.J. growls softly at Shadow every time he comes past. Shadow’s well-bred enough to ignore it. I’m hoping they’ll get over their initial distrust and get to be good friends.

I learned how to look after all the animals, where the food is, how to get water, where to check for eggs. It’s a lot to remember but that’s one of the few skills I can legitimately claim – a good mind for details. I spent as much of the day as I could stand (it is COLD) outdoors after my aunt showed me around, going over everything, wandering around, petting the animals, taking in the new environment. Lots to remember, lots to learn. One thing I learned: chicken, goat, horse, and cow crap all smell really, really different.

Goodnight, and God bless!
Jason