Learning the ropes

We have felt so welcomed by this family. They have been so gracious towards us as they have been very patient (with all of us and in all the instruction), intentional (by day 3 or 4 they already knew us ALL by name), accommodating (making sure we have everything we need), and FUN (the kids would say about Miss Lacy). We feel like we have moved right into their family and been warmly embraced.

Each day has been similar…yet different. It’s calving season up here and they have about 300 first calf heifers they keep a close eye on. Sometimes things go smooth and without any complication. Other times the calving process needs some assistance. Lacy oversees all of that and the oldest 6-7 kids have gotten to spend lots of time out there with her as she is checking on things very often. This includes riding horses, pulling calves, tagging, bottle feeding, tube feeding, milking, giving shots, and the list goes on! They have loved all of it! Lacy has been such a good teacher and has just adopted the kids.

Stephen has helped with the feeding of the different herds. Some of the kids have rotated helping him as well. That involves driving tractors, and using a bail chopper to put out corn stalks and hay and French fries. It’s amazing to see over 1,000 cows with their calves lining up to get fed! Massive!

There are so many similar yet different things we are getting to experience. It’s neat to see the large scale with which they operate. It’s fun to be in a different climate and see different terrain. God’s beauty is expressed in so many facets. We were excited to get to come up here and be a blessing to the Elders. Funny thing is, they have really blessed us! We have SO enjoyed our first week!