From the Land: the little moments of progress

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Two things we’ve learned since we moved off-grid are that everything happens at a slower pace and sometimes the smallest completion of a task can mean more than you realize.

Take, for instance, the day we moved our bed from the camper to the cabin. My husband built a bed frame into the cabin and when the mattress was moved it was like he handed me a dozen roses and a huge box of chocolates… and a convertible. That night I stretched my arm straight up from the bed and said “Look, I can’t touch the ceiling!”

There was the day the door got hung in the cabin, making it feel like a real home. Everyone had to try it out, even the smallest of us.

Or the night I saw my dreams come true as I watched the Papa build the first fire in our wood stove. The next morning we cooked breakfast on it which was indescribably satisfying.

There was the day the Papa made the camper’s indoor toilet usable. Somehow not having that night time bucket in the bathroom made everything brighter and cheerier.

And then there is the day I came home to find counter tops in our previously bare kitchen. In an afternoon he transformed that room from a box to a kitchen.

But the latest and greatest addition to our little homestead has got to be the sink. That drains. Outside. You never know the power of drainage until it is gone.

All of these little things are making our days workable and livable and far easier than those first few weeks. But I am glad for a time before draining sinks and wood stoves.

That time taught me that sometimes it is good to be uncomfortable. Those times allow us to see ourselves for who we really are and realize that comfort in this world should not be our goal. And if I happen to be able to wash dishes inside without dish pans you can see what a convenience really looks like.

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10 Comments

  1. Oh my — what progress! Life is suppose to be a work in progress, and you all are giving it new meaning. It is so wonderful to see photos of your new home. Love and hugs to all.

  5. I lived for a year in Sudan without the comforts of many of the things you just described. And even now, several years later, I am able to stop and pause and be thankful for drains, and our bed, and screens without holes in them. I love when we’re given chances in life to live without, so that we can be more inspired to be thankful!

  7. It has been such a joy to read your updates from the land. Thank you for sharing and for encouraging all who value such a beautiful way of life. May God continue to bless your family.

  8. I found your blog after doing a search for Gaps diet friendly recipes. I have really enjoyed your posts about moving off grid, as when I was young, my parents built a log cabin together on ten acres of woodland. We lived in it while it was being built, and it was the best time of my life, I have so many frond memories of it! I wish you the best in your new adventures!

  9. I know exactly how you feel. We lived off the grid for 3 years. First starting in a travel trailer then moving to a 384 square foot cabin, that my husband built. It is amazing how much brighter the sun seems to be when you have a kitchen with cabinets or bath tub with running water! This is a link to a post I wrote on our website about our adventure living off grid. Good luck and enjoy! http://ow.ly/7tQMf

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