We Bought a Farm: Finding Solace

I must admit that when discussions first emerged about buying a farm, somewhere around year 1 of our married life, I had my misgivings.

Year 3. Year 7. Year 10. Year 16 of marriage. Discussions continued.

And each time, I had misgivings.

There were many.

But the chief misgiving was: Wont't I be lonely? 

I know I'm not alone in that worry because as I told people that we were planning on moving away from civilization they would echo my worry: Won't you be lonely?

(Side note: whenever you have a fear and someone else vocalizes that fear it makes the fear all the more real.)

As we began looking for farms, I reiterated to JB my requirements. They included:

1. At least 30 minutes from a Target.
2. Within 15 minutes of a grocery store.

I think that was it. There may have been something else, but those were the ones that I kept reiterating over and over again.

(And it wasn't so much about the actual store Target as it was about what the type of town that has a Target represents for me.)

But as we began looking for farms, it quickly became evident that, well, gosh darn it, you can't have everything you want. 

In other words something had to give. 

We couldn't have everything for the price we wanted to pay. We couldn't have the acreage and the house and a house for JB's parents and the distance from town unless we wanted to pay for it .... like really pay for it.

So we started looking.

And we found this farm.

• 1 hour from a Target.
• 30 minutes form a real grocery store. (There is technically something called Food Country 15 minutes from the house, but honestly, it just doesn't really count.)

And we loved this farm. 

And we bought this farm.

When we moved to this town our family of 8 increased the population by an entire percentage point! Yes, it's that small. And the nearest town of appropriate size is a half hour away. And even that town isn't really, quite, appropriate size. It doesn't have a mall. It doesn't have a Target. It doesn't have a Chik-fil-A. You get the idea.

So, my point.

Okay, here it is.

Last night I watched my kiddos trek through the pasture to find a huge guinea nest. I walked four wayward geess back to their enclosure. I took our new pups out for some playtime. And then I did a quick five minute once-over of our sheep. Three mamas still haven't delivered. 

And I stood there, I thought to myself, "I'm not lonely. Not even a little bit."

Yes we have a JB's parents here. And yes we have a lot of company. And yes we have WWOOFers here regularly. And yes I have found a great church and an amazing homeschool group. 

I see maybe three cars drive by my house all day. And they are almost always someone delivering something to our house.

Ducks quacking. Chickens clucking. Sheep baa'ing. Geese .... goos'ing? 

At night, when you walk out of the house it is pitch black. 

It is sweet, quiet, wonderful peace.

JB and I have had long discussions about this. I used to think I was an extrovert. I thought I got my energy from people. But while I am definitely outgoing, I have realized that I am, at least now, an outgoing introvert. I am getting my energy from .... nature. Stars. Animals. Peace. 

I love our farm.

I love living much more than 30 minutes from Target.

Okay, okay, I wish there was a closer Target.

But I have find solace.

I belong here!

And I'm happy.

We bought a farm!