July 24, 2022

I couldn’t wait to sit down this morning and write to you. Since the season opened, Sunday mornings look much different. Often we have guests in the cottage, awaiting a farm-fresh breakfast, or Bethel is out and we’re luring her back to her pasture. We’ve discovered Bethel goes on a walk-about following every event. We think the music and the attention from guests, oohing and aahing over her big brown eyes makes Bethel feel happy and free.

Honestly, that’s how we feel too: happy and free! From the accomplishment of renovating a 30+-acre estate within 145 days of opening to landing a feature with ABC 7 News on our first dinner of the season, we are rejoicing in the gifts and opportunities that year seven has brought about.

Between our Thursday Night Hangs, signature Dine on the Land events and our first session of Farm Camp, hundreds of guests have visited this season and together we’ve all sensed a rich blessing on this place and its future. At the end of each night, whether around the table or the fire pit, at the bar or while together on a farm tour, we’ve rejoiced with our guests over the good things.

I love the word, rejoice! I looked it up and rejoice blends the meaning of grace and joy together. Even the sound of the word ignites a feeling of joy that springs up from the toes. I pray that you feel this today and tomorrow and always.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, it’s raining and gloomy out. Plans may be canceled due to the forecast. Unlike the happy feeling of the morning sunshine, today’s overcast sky and dark clouds can make your brow furrow and leave you feeling a bit melancholy. How do we survive the darkness of a cloudy day? We consider it joy to slow down and stay inside, embracing those within our household or catching up on some much-needed rest. We also recall the sunny days and give thanks to one greater than ourselves for the many blessings and good things in our lives.

In all honesty, amid the wonderful opportunities and fanfare, we endure many difficulties and hurts alongside our successes and breakthroughs. There is plenty to worry about -trust me. There are many events and opportunities that can bring about bitterness and much anxiety; however, my family and the Locavore Team are committed to a culture of encouragement. Each day we inspire one another to rejoice, give thanks, and rest in the unmerited grace of a good God who has led us here. May you see the unmerited grace and goodness in your life today and rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Until next week,

Rachael

Mrs. Farmer Jones

One Farm Camp down! Next session starts tomorrow. What an incredible opportunity to nurture and share a love for land and lives with kids of all ages. Here's a snippet from mid-July's session.

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Farm Stays

We received a lovely review from our VRBO guests last weekend.

Enjoy a rural landscape and the simple beauty of country living. Harvest vegetables, herbs, and flowers from the gardens, as well as stock your fridge with the farm’s pasture-raised meats, local grass-fed dairy (milk and cheese) and scratch-made baked goods. Each morning, you’ll fetch your own eggs and experience the bounty of having your own homestead. Relax and enjoy the farm as your own - choose to participate in chores or just slow down and let the rural landscape nurture your soul.

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We are embarking on a new journey and gathering our next round of dream-makers. If you are interested, email us for more information.