WWOOFING ADVENTURE III: Hermansdorf, Sea of Light

This adventure was a bit different and well needed for the third. The first was a introduction to farming and Germany, the second and real dive into the business aspects of farming, and the third, well it was a place of healing and reconnection. 

We discovered ourselves at this little town, Hermansdorf in Northeast Germany near the Baltic Sea and we also found out what feels right for our journey. We almost lost the concept with the last place but quickly got back to perspective with this place. Ultimately we need to prioritize to make sure we are doing what feels right for the soul. 

Family life is important for us, we are doing this mainly for lifestyle not for money. If we have no time to enjoy our family then we believe this will not be good for our morality. We feel that a hard driven farm business is not for us as it is too much stress and not enough time to enjoy each other and life. We want to do this to be apart of nature and to care for it not to strive to be the most successful.

Spirituality is something we never lost but maybe had not paid enough attention to. We have discovered that our new life will have to have a focus on Spirituality and incorporate good energy into our work environment because if you are not clear in the mind and soul then I feel it is difficult to be true to yourself and the greater energy. 

Helping others, in some shape or form, we both feel bliss with helping others in need. Not like a doctor or nurse but to share guidance, to have acceptance to all, and give love and put love into what we do. We want help others and Earth in any way we can. To be apart of healing Earth and hope that we can shed light into the darkest of souls, I feel is something of a goal. I don’t want to sound as if we are almighty or that this is ego driven, no, I just want lead by example and be true, to show that this journey is not easy. As for me, there are many temptations along the way such as material items like clothes and shoes, something I am trying to overcome, it is difficult but I am trying. This is also not about punishing oneself for faulting on what they are trying to overcome, it is time to be kind to yourself and all that surrounds you. 

Enjoying what we do, is of great importance. Keep checking in to ensure we are following our dharma, our path. It is not always easy but if it feels right in the centre beyond your tummy and heart then keep going. We all have a destiny and I truly believe that once you discover that destiny, whatever it may be, things will fall into place. Not saying it is easy, but a rocky road with an inexpressible beauty is worth traveling than a smooth straight road that is monotonously plain.  

A good community we have found at the last place, good people with beautiful energies,  makes us think about this place as possible home. We have yet to decide where we would like to live in Germany but we know we need support. 

Finally, to be financially stress free is a goal. We not talking about being able to afford luxury items or make fancy vacations, just to be able to not have stress on whether we can afford essentials, to pay bills, and to be able to see our families from time to time. As family is important and it is valuable to be able to connect with them in this global society we live in today.

I almost forgot my physical accomplishment for this trip, I can now make beautiful German sourdough bread, a skill I will cherish for life. 

Liljana is a glowworm of light, she is expressing herself and her energy, I just have to remember to let her be her, to guide her but not mould her.

We have many desires for our new life but nothing I see as out of reach and nothing as I see as something we do not deserve. As everyone deserves happiness, love and connection to our greater Energy or God as some may put it. I think as long as one is following what they desire and love what they do in life it does not matter what it is. We choose nature and farming but if art is your passion then paint something beautiful for the universe!

WWOOFING ADVENTURE II: Gut Kappel, Great Impression

It has been awhile since my last communication. This is due to our seven + week learning visit with a beautiful couple at Gut Kappel (Good Chapel). A “little farm” about 300 years old and use to have a chapel. I am not sure if I can ever get used to seeing houses that are 300+ years old, amazing really, I feel safe knowing that the Germans build to last. 

It is funny, we left the last place wondering how or if we could afford to “make it” as full time farmers, to wondering if we have enough start-up money or drive to be full timers. Gut Kappel has been a grateful experience, they have about 4000 Naturland laying hens as their main production, along with, turkeys, broiler (cooking) chickens, cows, pigs and a what it seems to be two other business enterprises, delivering other farmer’s eggs twice a week and buying and reselling regional speciality products such as wurst, cheeses, milk, honey, jams and breads at the local markets. Wow, they are busy and of course they have employees, but it definitely puts it in perspective on what we are aiming for...A quality sustainable lifestyle for us as a family, our animals that we care for and Earth. 

I see us more as earth carers and not just using the land and animals for only our benefit. We want to work and care for them - this includes raising and killing chickens if we want to eat them - there is a humane way to raise and kill a chicken - hence the photo of Thorsten helping prepare. It has come to our thoughts of joining with another like-minded family to ease the financial stress and be able to share the workload. It is hard, demanding and time consuming it is definitely not the lifestyle for the faint hearted. It is a lifestyle not just another job. 

And well, Liljana just loves everything about it! She will run the place before she is potty trained, I think...

I have been a bit more restricted on this farm with the repetitive learning than Thorsten. Mainly due to caring for Liljana and their stricter policies on where she is allowed to access. With good reason, of course this is a much bigger enterprise and more income dependent than the last place.  However, I have had plenty of learning opportunities as well, like collecting eggs, which is approximately 990-1100 per stable per day! Helping pluck feathers on slaughtering day, sorting eggs, going on delivery/pick up tour, helping prepare cheeses and setting up for the market, driving a tractor (one of my favourites, I must admit!) and painting like I have never painted before (including giant happy chickens on doors)! I think I could get a certification as a professional farm painter and make my mark with green and brown doors with happy farm animals for everyone. I truly think these folks do have happy healthy chickens, you can really see that that care for their animals which is a nice thing to experience.  

                                                   

Thorsten speaks the language and therefore obtains much more valuable information through conversation, which will benefit us both. I am struggling a bit in that department and made some funny mistakes, like putting asparagus shavings in pea soup instead of it being for two separate soups...oh well. I think the best was saying "Ichhohnchen" translating as "I little horned thing" instead of "Eischhohnchen" which means "squirrel". You can see how one can get it confused...I probably never spelled them right either, for the German speakers out there reading my blog may get additional laughs or not...I at least like to think I entertain the Germans with their own language and my version of it! Something I have come to take light-hearted because it would not be so fun to learn if I never. 

Another great thing to mention is that we are both happy with the work and lifestyle potential farming has. It is quite satisfying at the end of a long hard day and looking upon the rolling hills and listening to the birds sing and not cars yelling. Liljana loves to be around all the animals and makes sure to feed the chickens grass, taste test the dog food for quality, and mooo at the cows to say hello. 









Challenges come both physically and mentally but I believe as long as we look at each other at the end of the day, smile, feel satisfied and it feels right in the heart and soul then we can overcome the challenges one chicken at a time. 

Our first WWOOFING Experience: Ehrenberg, Germany

Our adventure has begun. We drove east from Darmstadt (near Frankfurt) for five hours almost to the Czech border to a little place called Ehrenberg.

Upon arrival, we were not sure what to expect but the living arrangement was surprisingly pleasant. Not luxurious in any sense but comfortable and dry. Liljana got comfortable pretty quick and tearing the place apart everyday was routine! At first, I was disappointed and a little concerned with my lack of excitement but was relieved after my first day of hard labour that a sense of accomplishment came over me as I went to the chicken house to greet my husband collecting eggs.

After a fews days of working I felt more and more satisfied with how things are. The family is lovely and hearty, the food is delicious and being outside, having tasks to do is just great. The best Liljana, so happy playing outside getting dirty and learning new animal sounds first handed. Our shack is cozier everyday and the warmth from the woodstove makes it a home. It is starting to open my eyes on living with less and no desire to get more. It is also satisfying to not be connected, no television, little internet and little noise other than the sounds from the rooster letting everyone know that daylight has come again.

Collecting eggs is something I can see doing myself. It was hard the first time as you have to get use to the curious chickens being happy to peck at my hand, shoes and pants. The thing I never liked was having to disturb the hens and take the eggs from under them. It was something I accepted but I felt like a sneaky fox taking more than my share. However, it is good when you know that they live a much better life than many chickens and allowing them to be chickens and not caged animals in horrible conditions is nice. Last thing, don’t forget to thank the chickens!

The two weeks went by so fast and each day felt refreshing as we were to work six hours, Monday to Friday and I did not mind. It was a good experience full of learnings and reflections to take in for our new beginning. We have planted our seeds, we just need to give ourselves love, air and water to begin to grow. 

The Amish got it right...

We have 18 days left in Australia before we venture to Germany! Wow. I still cannot believe it and cannot wait. Packing our lives away in boxes, one by one, memories put away for later. We are downsizing big time, the good will can survive off of us for awhile! It is amazing how much unnecessary stuff you collect and hold onto. Too much consumerism for my liking.

I long for nature. It is where I feel at peace. I cannot think of a better way to connect to mother earth than to look after her. In a way, the Amish got it right. I am by no means a hard core Christian but how they connect with one another as one in a community, where everyone has a place and their help is needed and appreciated, how they live off the land and make everything by hand. There is a real sense of belonging in the most simplest form. In a way I do not want to get my hopes up in case we do not succeed as farmers but part of me dearly desires to drop the city life and find people who desire simplicity as well.

There is one soul in the universe and everyone has their part to take care of, it is time I listen to mine, quiet the mind, silence the stress.

I will try and write again soon. Have been busy with life but I am trying my hardest to document our life change.

Do you like your coffee black? How about your beans?

This week I feel, my husband and I took a dive in the water head first together. We officially both resigned our "corporate" jobs. It is funny how your view on life changes. My goal coming out of university was to get a good paying job as a geologist, get recognized for my hard work and get promoted. I don't think I can be further away from that now.

In my prep work for business value adding ideas, I have been trying some ideas. Mainly because my husband is very good at reading attentively and I do not have the attention span at the moment to finish a book. Instead, this weekend I tried to roast my own coffee beans. They are drinkable and they are definitely roasted. I even took pictures for this blog, like the professionals so I could share my excellent work to the world. Well I have pictures and in addition I had an angry baby who I woke up too early from her nap and a grumpy hungry husband who thought I was making lunch while he napped with the baby! But this will not stop me, I will try again this weekend and every weekend until I get a cup of coffee that I am happy to share with my friends.

I am so procrastinating on the book list I said I would post since two blogs ago because I actually don't know where we packed them and I do not know all of the authors by memory. When I do find them they will be listed nice and neatly :) 

One step closer to Germany!

Yesterday I put in my resignation in at work! One step closer to our life change. It is an exciting and scary feeling at the same time. Part of me is relieved that my corporate time is coming to an end and the other part is freaked out about the unknown ahead. 

All the planning in moving overseas is stressful but not my first time. However last time I had a job and a company to help me with the move. Also, moving to Germany or any country that you do not speak the language will be tough. 

Our rental house is getting sparser and sparser as we often joke that we would be unaware if we have been robbed when we walk in. Everyday is closer to our move date and closer to our new life path. If there was ever a fork in the road this is certainly a change in our direction. 

As preparation to get our minds into farming and starting our own business we read a few books...Well to be honest my husband read more than me but I am trying to catch up. One of the most influential farmers we came across in our research is Joel Salatin (http://www.polyfacefarms.com). This guy deserves a whole blog topic on his own and in some future one, I will. 

That is it for now, I will provide a book list soon! 

Welcome to the New Year...We survived so far.

It has been some time since I last posted a blog. Mainly because I went back to work as well as looking after our daughter who is a happy and active 18 months old. The other reason is that I had to think about where I wanted to take this blog...as a mom or as a individual. I chose to change the name, not that I am sure anyone would really notice as it does not look I am that popular according to google statistics, but none the less I sort of want to redirect the focus of this blog. 

Background

My husband and I both have excellent jobs in a pretty awesome part of the world; a place where I could only dream of as a child as the ultimate place to live...where it is always sunny, sandy beaches at your front door, nice people, easy living...This is Australia, mate. 

But we are not quite settled...Why? If you think of life and how you would see yourself as successful, I feel we are fortunate enough to tick at least some of those boxes. Yet, we kept asking ourselves why are we not satisfied? One of the conclusions I have come to is that life is a bit too easy. Definitely not something I like to admit as I know how many people struggle and suffer throughout the world and how many people work hard, like we did to get where we are today. Taboo to say this or not, it is the truth. 

I worked so hard to get where I am today only to realize it is not what I need to satisfy me in this life. I feel anxious, stressed over things I never thought I would care about and it took me awhile to understand that it is because I am trying to fit where I do not belong. My soul is crying out to be set free, to fulfil a purpose, to help others and connect to Earth. I just cannot stay and watch my life pass me by so I have to do something. 

My perspective

I feel like I am trapped in one of those 50s television series where life is great and their are only little problems like the dog has a water hose attached to him and he runs in the house and somebody walks in with a cake unaware of the situation, slips and the cake falls on their head...basically problems to keep the watcher entertained. 

However, neither one of us can stomach the thought of working in an office for the rest of our lives to pay a mortgage on a house that we settled for because it was all we could afford and spending all of our hard earned savings on a trip to see our family overseas only to return to the mundane life of office work to pay the banks for a house that we call home and a whole lot of extra interest on top because they were so nice to buy our home for us. And why? Because we did not want to have to pay someone else's mortgage, we wanted something we could work on, something we could call our own, that is what our parents taught us to do, that is the norm, that is what I dreamed of doing as a kid right? hell no. 

I do stress that I do not judge people for above being their ideal life. This is not meant to offend or look down on people interested in that life path, this is just an insight to ours and merely just an alternative perspective. 

The Point

This leads to the purpose of this blog, well at least for the next year...to document our breaking out from the Matrix. Our goal is to get a little farm in Germany and attempt to be self employed and ultimately self sufficient. The plan so far:

1. To read heaps of books on farming and business. CHECK
2. To sell most of our belongings and ship minimal to Germany. Working progress. we are running out of places to sit.
3. To quit/take long unpaid service from our jobs and go WWOOFING (http://www.wwoof.org) for three seasons in Germany. Starting March this year.
4. Come back and work for six to eight months, digest what we learnt and plan the next attack.
5. TBD

This is a slow and uncertain plan but this is our plan so far. My parents are supportive but think we are crazy, our friends thought we were bluffing, and I believe reality has yet to sink in for me even when I talk about it I think am I really saying this?

The Reason

There are a few reasons for this life change, some are logical, like our parents are getting older and our siblings are having kids and we want to be apart of that. Other reasons are selfish in that we want to make the best of the short time we have in our hosts' beings lifetime in a way we see as ideal. Finally, we want to be apart of healing the Earth, even if we can only afford a small patch of land to nurture and feed only a small number of people good and happy food, it is a start. This last reason/connection is the main drive. 

Outlook

I am not saying we are going to be successful at it, or that it is going to be a holiday, or that we won't go back to our jobs and be thankful for them. I do not know the outcome and I guess this is the fun in documenting it. 

Next time I share the books we read or are still reading...And if you are intrigued please stay tuned as their will be more. Whenever I get time to write.