I can't believe it's been almost a year since I came across this property. September 22, 2022, was the day the offer was made and closing was just 3 short weeks later.
I knew when I stepped foot out of my truck September 15th, 2022, that this place was set apart. It was heaven on earth and a very special place that was being given to me to make it into something to serve others. I had full body chills and fell to my knees with an "ugly cry". Overwhelming joy and unconditional love filled my soul.
I had just finished a solo trip to the mountains for a week and it wrecked me to the point that I knew something big was coming. Having no idea what that was, I drove down the mountain with excited expectancy that God would show me once I returned home. As the next 4 weeks unfolded, I just held on to the knowing God would show up. God would reveal as he had the previous 3 years. What I know for sure is that God is a God of redemption.
Labor day weekend last year, I popped on FB only to see a picture of the cutest little puppy that stole my heart. After learning that she was a Catahoula, logic told me I had no business getting her but my heart and soul kept saying yes. Look them up. Small spaces do not suit them well and I was definitely in a small space. Also, they are farm/hunting dogs. Both of which I had no experience in.
Literally 2 weeks later, I came across this property and that was the 1st clue that God was preparing me. It would be perfect for little Andie, AND there were no restrictions on what could be built here. Tiny home, a farm, etc. I still had no idea "how" it was going to happen. After some quick research, I was able to close on the property 3 short weeks later.
I've always said miracles happen every day, many had to line up for all this to fall into place. Again God proved to be a God of redemption and of miracles. The only thing on the property was a septic tank placed here in 1992 with place to build that never happened. The only thing that happened was that the former owner had planted fruit trees and cultivated grape vines. It had been years since they had any love. I knew they would come back to life.
My little tiny home was moved late October but there were no water lines nor power lines. It would be another 2wks before all the water would be working then it was a struggle with going back and forth from where I was staying to here until February of this year. It was the 2nd week in February that I finally had power.
Fast forward to today and I've built out 1000 ft. of livestock fence that splits into 3 fields for rotating the animals, 2 shelters, and all the animals. 5 hens and 1 rooster, 2 adult nigerian dwarf goats with 3 doelings and 1 buckling and rounding them off with a gelding donkey named Moe.
It's been a whirlwind but I couldn't have done it without the help of a few good men and 1 amazing woman. Shout out to Jesse Garner with G2 Land maintenance. He keeps my fields and yard looking sharp and has been on it every 2 wks over the summer. Wallace Teel with Teel Select Cut tree removal. He took down several trees and made space for my daughter and her family to put a cover over their camper. Andrew Scheeler of Andrew's Home Service, LLC. He designed and built out the 2 shelters or small barns, however you want to call them, and put in the livestock fence. His wife Amanda has been a godsend! Honestly, they each have been! I reached out to here early on for fresh eggs and come to find out, they had been building and putting together a small farm themselves. she has shared her knowledge and even went with me to pick up the goats and donkey in a 26 hour whirlwind trip. Garrison Grading put in my foundations for my home and the camper pad. And Mike Lawrence Electric installed all my power lines and RV power sources. Of course, a huge shout out to Jimmy Smith, who does plumbing on his own, put in all my water lines and continues to help. The next project is a rainwater collection system for the animals. He also happens to be my son in-law so I'm a little biased. He's amazing and I'm so fortunate to have his expertise. Rounding it all out, besides Jimmy being with me from the beginning is Mike Perry. Who knew when we met back in 3rd and 4th grades that he'd be helping me build out everything else. He built my steps into my tiny home, put in a security camera, screened in my porch, put in over 600ft of split rail fencing, built a floating 16x16 deck, put fencing around my garden, build my chicken pen, did some bush hogging so that we could get my daughters camper in, put in custom shelving in my home, and installed my starlink satellite. I'm sure I missed something. I will be forever grateful to each of you for being a part of this project. It's been a journey and will continue to grow. This is my team and I wouldn't change a thing. I love each of you dearly.
I see in the future a workshop being built and a large workable eat in kitchen with a long table for serving many. I know God will continue to provide because this land has been set apart to serve the community and all who visit.
Isaiah 58:11-12
"The Lord will guide your continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoing your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes."