We thank God that our family is well. No major events have been reported this month. From our side, we are excited about our new project. Donna has written this short report:
Good morning from the countryside on planet earth – also called, soil, dirt, dust. Indeed a different planet when you first come out here to stay awhile. After becoming accustomed to the surroundings, one begins to realize the beauty embedded in the simplicity of nature. Simplicity as compared to a city full of modern technology, but actually very complex in its own ecosystem. The best moment for me has been waking early to go outside and look east to the sunrise, up to the stars and planets, and west to the full moon illuminating the sky as if dueling with the sun in capacity to light up the world. With nature waking up to the call of a new day, Then I think not only of the work to be done, but of the wonderful things I can learn if I only pay attention!!!
We are also creatures that desire comfort thus have decided to improve inside the small building structure located on the grounds between the olive groves and grape vines. This is no small feat, and we have taken to it with vigor and passion. The last few weeks it has been very warm around here, so it has been a good time to invest in basic infrastructures. We built a false roof of wood to create a loft and will install insulation to keep us from extreme temperature variations. We also had a septic tank installed and now are working on the bathroom inside the house (if we can call it that). The electric circuitry is being laid, water pipes all the way from the well, drain pipes, kitchen pipes, etc. This place is slowing changing from a simple 4-wall structure to a home and we enjoy every moment of progress! For now, we have a portable kitchen which moves inside or out, depending on the need, which is like camping at its best. We are off grid, meaning we are not connected to any utility services like water or electricity or gas. We get free drinking water from a fountain nearby, which comes from the mountain and is great to replace our usual bottled water! For electricity we use solar power and .a generator. For cooking we have a gas camping stove. The only service we use here is the internet and we have great coverage, for which we are truly thankful!!
As far as the land, we still have a bumper crop of grapes. We have been eating the table grapes, and the wine grapes are turned into juice and jam. We didn’t sign up with the cooperative this year, but in the future we plan to do so. Eventually we will make our own wine in a small scale production just for fun. or alternatively, we will sell the grapes to the community co-op. The trees are bursting with persimmons which are also being turned into jams. In November it will be time to harvest the olives. We have more than 25 olive trees. Lots of work to do always, but it is fun the see the produce.
For relaxation we like scouting out the surrounding areas. There are many historical UNESCO villages nearby, like medieval towns with stone houses, etc. In our local village, about one kilometer from here, we buy bread in the morning. We enjoy getting to know the local people there.
All in all, this is a great outdoor experience, a new outlook to life, for us, with many new things to learn.
Hopefully you may be able to come and experience it with us.
‘But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.’ Micah 4:4
Love
Mom
Images of this month:
