01/06/2026
There’s a lot of new faces here since we started this journey. I suppose it’s time for an update.
A few years ago, we decided to start making small changes towards more self reliability. (Nothing major here, just learning and doing what we can in an attempt to regain some of the wealth of knowledge our parents and grandparents had but we didn’t think to take advantage of and soak it all in)
Our daughters were a big part of that push. As parents, we want everything for our kids and teaching them the skills we want to possess is priceless. So, we took advantage of the at home time of COVID, and began raising chickens.
The girls took on the bulk of the chores that comes with livestock with a big helping hand from their Dad when they need it.
As a means to impart some understanding of finances, the girls began helping their Mom make baked goods to take along with farm fresh eggs to Farmers markets. They learned how to calculate cost and profit, and set aside their profit for money to save, money to spend and most importantly, money to give with a cheerful heart. The past few years, the girls have been able to give several hundred dollars towards missions our congregation supports. Their donations are a drop in the bucket compared to the giving of others, but with it, some reality of the material blessings we have been afforded are slowly sinking in. A friend and brother in Christ who helps with missions told our (then) 6 year old who lives for fashion and accessories and our (then) 11 year old who never wants for anything because she has it already, how excited some child in another country will be to get a toothbrush (along with other things). Jaws dropped.
Each year, we add a little more to our skill set. A freeze dryer to preserve food and the girls to make and sell candy and fruit. Rabbits. Fruit trees. Who knows what we will do next.
Anything you purchase from Faith Rose Farm, our little mini farm here in Anderson, the money all belongs to our girls. One is saving for a vehicle, and the youngest is saving because she has to. 😜
We’re headed into 2026 with grand plans that allow the girls to earn money, us all to learn new skills and most important, spending time together.
Thank you all for the support you’ve shown them, a lot of you since day one. We are thankful for each of you.