We had a list of criteria. Things we looked for, things we thought were most important. I am not sure how many acres we have walked over in the last few months, how many lists, how many family meetings, how many arguments, how many concepts we have formed and reformed.
Today, we made an offer on a farm. The criteria that have remained constant – a creek, enough acres to do at least homesteading, located close enough to drive to work in a reasonable amount of time, not farther from family, able to be occupied by the Elswick clan en masse. There were others, but these seemed to prove most important.
Actually we were going to go see this place Friday and there were offers already on the table. We were going anyway, and then there was a contract signed. It’s funny but it’s only the second place my heart was actually excited about and then it went into contract. In the midst of a nasty bout of rain on Friday, we decided there was no point. We let the real estate girls know we were interested if something fell through and we went about our weekend. It was kind of a lousy weekend.
I didn’t make it to church this morning, but my daughter came by and gave me the Paul Harvey version of the sermon this morning. Trusting God. Seems simple, and seemed rather timely. I was a little disappointed that a farm that seemed to have excited me and my husband (not an easy task!) would have sold without us even being able to tour it. I really was okay if God said no, but it did really feel like the right place when we drove by it. Still, feelings could be wrong.
So today after the sermon recap, while four of us were searching away for another farm on our various devices, we got an email to call the real estate folks NOW!. We managed to all (not really all, but four adults and four children under 8) pile into the cars and be on our way in less than 5 minutes. Picked up Jim’s mom, met my mom, sister, and brother in law there. We managed to get 12 people to see this farm in a little over an hour.
I can see us there. It doesn’t have a gas stove – fixable, It is not flat – but workable, It has well water – not our favorite, but the well seems to provide adequate water, It needs work – but the price reflects that, it is 5 minutes from my sister – and that is amazing! So, we have made an offer. It feels right. It feels like a place to call home, it feels like a place to gather and grow together.
We will see if the offer is accepted and if all the banking is possible and complete. For the first time in this farm search process (that I entered into with a significant amount of hesitation), for the first time I am excited. Excited to make this country, relaxed, not to pretty on the inside, farm house a gathering place for the crew. A home away from home that may become a full time home at some point.
The adventure began months ago, but for the first time I find myself drawn in and on board. God moves in His time and not in ours. I am not positive this is THE one, but I am pretty sure.
Brandnewfarmers are about to get working – we think!
brandnewfarmers 