I am always surprised at how fast each year goes by. I am calling this year, "The year of change." Changes that include jobs, churches, and school location. Our change began back in September of 2021. You see, Tommy has been a professional farmer since 2018. We knew from the get go that we would let the land during the Hebrew calendar’s 7th year, or Shmita year. We made our plans and romanticized how it would look, all the traveling that we would do. Well, you can make your plans, but the Lord directs your steps.
What the Shmita did for Tommy...
Letting the land rest is beneficial for both the land and the farmer, but the farmer is not instructed to rest. We learned that this is a time of reflection of where the Lord has you and where the Lord wants to lead you. Letting something rest also helps you appreciated it.
So, during this past year Tommy took up the work of a Handyman. This is something he has done for years and is very good at. He has learned so much about the profession as well as which jobs he enjoys or doesn’t enjoy. He has thoroughly missed farming and can't wait to get started again. He has grown by leaps and bounds spiritually as well, which is a gift beyond monetary value. Tommy has also taken up the sport of Judo with Elijah. They have restled since before Elijah could walk, so this is a good fit for them.
What's Kristi been up to?
Over the last year and a half, I (Kristi) have worked to reactivate my nursing license. I felt a tug on my heart, which could only come from God, to be a hospice nurse. Now that my license is active again, I should begin working sometime around April once the school year is complete. For the past 2 school years, I’ve had the privilege of Directing our Foundations program of our Classical Conversations homeschool community. It has truly been a labor of love and I have loved getting to know our families better and serving them practically.
Autumn...
Autumn is in 9th grade. She is very smart and self motivated and is learning how challenging high school is. She has worked very hard at Pure Taekwondo to serve and support the students. She LOVES teaching and has a special love for the Little Ninjas (6 years old and younger). She just successfully passed her 3rd degree black belt exam, and now I have a stay at home bodyguard. I am enjoying watching her grow into a young lady and can’t wait to see what direction she goes in life.
Ivy had quite a year...
Ivy is a few days away from turning 13. I am not okay with that! She looks very mature for her age, but thankfully she is just as goofy and funny as a 12 year old should be. She is hilarious and messy, and doesn’t seem to mind what people think of her. I wish I had that confidence when I was her age. At the beginning of 2022, Ivy was in her first year of competitive gymnastics, then in February, she dislocated her elbow and in the process, part of her bone ripped off. She had a screw put in her arm and that was the end of her gymnastics journey. She has recovered well and absolutely adores her scar from her surgery. She is going into her second quarter of iceskating (which she loves whole-heartedly), and is also doing judo with Tommy and Elijah. She was recently a part of the Nutcracker on Ice at The Icehouse in Greensboro. She was also diagnosed with dyslexia this year. We have tried many different things over the years, but getting that diagnosis helped tremendously. It has opened up many resources for her and she is thriving in 7th grade. She also has a tutor once a week. All of this has helped Ivy improve in reading by leaps and bounds. For the longest time she has wanted to be a vet and is continuing to pursue that goal. I can’t wait to see what her sciency brain ends up leading her to.
Elijah...
For the past year Elijah has been enjoying judo and has even done a few competitions. He is getting stronger and stronger, which has been a long time goal of his. He is 10 now and is equally as smart as he is strong. He has great convictions in his beliefs and is probably a lot like the Elijah from the Bible, willing to stand up for what is right.
Farm update...
So, the farm is up and running now. We had 16 baby piglets in August. They were fun! We recently had a soft opening of lettuce, turnips, and radishes. Over the next few weeks we hope to incorporate mushrooms and microgreens. Several of our medicinal tinctures have been added to the website too! Check it out and go a head and start ordering at www.5woodslife.com. The plan is to be open Monday through Saturday. If you place your order by 6 pm, then your order will be ready for you by 10 am the morning after you place your order. We plan to build an addition at the end of the driveway in front of the pool for easy and convenient pickups for you.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts...
Thank you guys for all you have done to support us over the years and through this year o f rest! You make it worth every moment of digging in the dirt. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Tommy, Kristi, Autumn, Ivy, and Elijah Wood