Restoration Farm

Little by little the materials are being assembled for the pavilion build. We are thankful for volunteers, donations and discounts that have helped provide these resources. This generosity is already having an impact on the guests of Restoration Farm. If you want to help cover the remaining costs, simply click on the donate button above.

Pavilion Update: Many of you have been praying for and giving towards the build of a 4 season pavilion on the Farm. Each step has taken much longer than we thought but we are at the point of erecting the structure of the pavilion! YAY!

A volunteer work party is coming from Pennsylvania the second week of May to raise the beams and build the walls for the kitchen and bathrooms. We can't believe it is finally happening.

Please be praying for wisdom on the building process, safety for the work crew, and resources to finish this project. The concrete pad has already been quite a blessing to guests seeking to enjoy grilled chicken at picnic tables or a morning coffee with a view from Adirondack chairs. Thank you for helping us provide a suitable place for quiet rest for those serving in difficult places around the world.

Sometimes part of the ministry Restoration Farm is taking care of practical needs of our field workers and their kids. I love that she trusted me with cutting her hair. ☺️

Roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a bonfire. Yum! Simple pleasures that many kids growing up in other countries don’t usually get to experience.

Restoration Farm updated their address.

Restoration Farm updated their address.

We love how everyone lends their skills and talents to help Restoration Farm. A kind guest said, I noticed how noisy your stairs are. I'm a carpenter and I specialize in fixing creaky stairs. Voila! A silent staircase.

Jeff: “Ed can you just hold onto Lucy for a moment while I untangle her rope?”

And: “Sure. I’d be happy to help.”

🤣 sometimes I think we are like Lucy-Stubborn and determined to pull and get our own way even if it knocks down those who are trying to help us. Anyone relate?

One of our guests was talking about the challenges of being in a winter season in life. How everything seems to be dying. Wishing for all the hard times to be over. Looking for the new and exciting blossoms that come in spring. I shared with her about our camellias. There have been buds on this bush for over 2 months during the coldest, harshest winter days. These flowers just won't be hurried. Through all the snow and ice and heavy rains, these little pink buds held on waiting for the plant to get strong and healthy. Waiting for the right time to blossom into grand fluffy flowers. Winter has its purpose and the blossoms are there - just waiting for the right time.

Right in the middle of our intense season a couple months ago, a team of volunteers from Virginia Beach came for the day to do lots of needed tasks around the Farm. What a blessing they were!

Last week I finally was able to get out to this one bed in the garden and dig up all of the potatoes. I found this very interesting duck in the dirt. I think he’s smiling at me.

So thankful for piles and piles of firewood and this woodstove to help keep us warm. Guests arriving today and we want them to be comfortable. 

This warmer weather lately gives us a chance to use the beautiful picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and benches our friends made this fall. Next step is ordering the lumber for the pavilion,

The many volunteers staying on our farm right now are so busy helping others every day that it is wearing them out. We’re so thankful for walking trails and broad open fields that invite the soul to rest. We all need to take time each day and just sit together and take in the moment.

Can you believe we are still getting vegetables out of our garden? So thankful for helpful hands took pick, weed, and even cook this bounty.

Workmanship: this hefty artisanal furniture was handmade for Restoration Farm by someone using their creative skills to bless others. (“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬)

Sometimes we can’t see beyond the thing right in front of us so we hesitate or even dig our feet in. But the Lord who sees through the fog says: “I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.” Proverbs‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭

Living in community is part of God’s design. We are so thankful for all the spaces being used all over the farm. Living, working, eating, worshiping together as the many volunteers come and go, lending what they have to offer that others may find hope. Thank you to so many who have donated, cooked, loaned vehicles, and campers, served, done airport runs, etc. to help us in this. 

Our fabulous Z-turn mower threw a rod and our grass shot up 2 feet. And with Jeff busy overseeing some local projects for people in crisis, the landscaping needs have gotten out of hand. But this amazing family came to the rescue and loved on our farm to make it beautiful again. Thank you Ranck family for your generous servant hearts.

Sometimes we squeeze onto the porch for a meal with guests. Eating together is an important part of our community time. I can’t wait till the pavilion structure is built so we can have shaded space for lots of outdoor dinners!

I want to be like the sunflower reaching beyond my circumstance to turn my face to the giver of life.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are RADIANT;
their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34: 4-6

What a joy when others lend their skills and their time to come along side us on the farm. Little things make such a big difference. Electrical lines have been laid for the pavilion and the porch steps have a new coat of paint. Yay!

Restoration Farm is poised and ready to help those involved in the crisis in Afghanistan. May God grant them rest and refreshment and the trauma debriefing that they need whether it is here or someplace else.

It’s been a great summer for this garden and it’s not over yet. I’m still learning so much but thankful for the many hands that have helped build a bountiful garden for Restoration Farm.

OK… Maybe I planted a few too many pumpkin seeds… 🥴

Some people really focus on the ‘rest’ in Restoration Farm. 😍 Such an important part of preventing burnout and enhancing effectiveness.

I was picking veggies in the cool of the evening yesterday. The bed of potatoes looks amazing-let’s hope it renders a good harvest. This is the best kale & lettuce crop We’ve ever had.

I think this little guesthouse is full. Or maybe somebody just has a shoe fetish. ☺️

Fresh kale & lettuce from the garden for tonight’s dinner. And a great young man helping!

It's blueberry time! Such delicious sweet berries covering our bushes, enjoyed by many!

One of the great things about having guests who live all over the world or even come from other countries is having them cook ethnic dishes. We recently enjoyed some North African couscous with all the trimmings including mint tea.