Farm life has taught me a lot of things I would have never been able to learn in the city or without my aunt. Living on this farm has taught me how to be responsible and how to take care of animals and children. Farm life is a great and new adventure I get to experience, because each day there is something new.

The work on a farm can be dirty and hard, but it must be done. I have been able to find ways to do the work until it is complete. It is a great blessing to be able to to the things I do every day and wake up in the morning excited for another day.

I lived in the city from birth to the age 14,, then I moved to the country with my aunt and cousins. Growing up I was raised as an only child. I was always wishing for a sibling, and now I live with my cousins, who act like siblings. Between them and the farm animals I pretty much live on my own private petting zoo. This was not what I had in mind when I prayed for siblings.

Having to help take care of so many animals…and kids…I got to learn so many great skills. Some of the great skills I have had the opportunity to learn include: how to give subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, what to look for when a goat is close to going into labor, how to garden, and most of all how to have fun while taking care of these responsibilities and looking on the bright side of farm life. I would say I have a quite unique skill set.

The best part about living on a farm is that I get the opportunity to be able to help in ways that are valued. I am now able to be a part of something bigger and better than I would have been otherwise. I get to learn skills that will last me a lifetime and no matter what happens these skills will always be needed in some way, shape or form.

This past week has been cloudy and rainy, however during the sunniest and driest part of the day I try to get something done. This week I have tilled the compost pile and piled it into a mound of dirt. I also got the burn barrel emptied. Later this week, I am looking forward to cleaning out the barn, cleaning the chicken coop and chicken yard, cleaning out the car, and organizing the milking room.

Pretty soon I will be going to college and I am now getting to “train” my oldest cousin to do the chores I do in the mornings. Soon, he will be the one who gets to experience these great opportunities. Being homeschooled and nearly a homeschool high school graduate makes it easier to do these things than it would if I had to go to a public school.

It has been a fantastic blessing to live on a farm. I am so glad I was able to gain this precious life experience. Most people think living in the country with animals is all fun and games. When you aren’t busy taking care of the animals and property, then it kind of is all fun and games. All in all, farm life has been a great eye-opener for me. It has me ready for my next life adventure…college.

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