CHARBER FARM

A New Beginning: Our Journey to the Farm

When our last child packed up and left for college, the house felt quieter than we ever imagined. The constant hum of school projects, family dinners, and weekend plans with the kids had been replaced with feeling that lacked purpose —our nest was empty, and for the first time in years, we had time to hear our own thoughts.

For decades, our life had been fast-paced. Between work, raising our family, and trying to keep up with the whirlwind of everyday life, we had long dreamed of slowing down, of living a simpler, healthier existence—close to the earth, connected to the land. Owning a farm wasn’t just a passing idea; it was something we had talked about for years, something we both secretly longed for, but never found the time or the courage to pursue.

The dream of living on a farm had always been in the back of our minds, but it was always just that—a dream. Until one day, we found the courage to take the leap of faith. We sold our house in town, traded in our tiny yard, and bought a piece of land in the country. It wasn’t a grand estate or a newly built home. But to us, it felt like a fresh start, a chance to reinvent ourselves and embrace a new chapter of life.  Stepping onto the farm for the first time was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The land was beautiful but served no purpose. There were no fences, no structures, just a vast expanse of wild fields and trees that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. We were excited but also intimidated. There was so much to learn, so much to do, and neither of us had any formal training in farming, homesteading or livestock.

But we were determined. This was our challenge, our opportunity to grow in ways we never expected.

We began by diving into the basics—raising chickens for fresh eggs, starting a garden to grow our own food, and learning how to care for the soil. We spent hours researching and reading books, watching videos, and talking to local farmers. We quickly learned that homesteading wasn’t just about surviving; it was about embracing a mindset—a mindset of patience, resilience, and adaptability.

We weren’t just learning how to take care of animals; we were becoming students again. There were so many days when we felt like we were stumbling through one challenge after another. Our first attempts at raising a baby lamb were heartbreaking— we sadly lost our precious Ralph.  The chickens? We learned quickly that they were unpredictable and full of surprises. But with each mistake, we learned. We adjusted. We trusted the process.

There were moments of doubt, of course—times when we wondered if we were in over our heads or if we’d ever be able to make this work. But we kept going. With each passing day, we felt more connected to the land, more at peace with the rhythm of the seasons and more confidant in ourselves. The farm didn’t just change the way we lived; it changed the way we thought. It taught us patience. It taught us that the journey wasn’t always linear, but that it was worth it, no matter how long it took to get there.

And now, as we’ve found our footing, we get to share our journey with others. We’ve opened up our farm to visitors, to curious souls who want to learn more about the joys (and challenges) of livestock. We’re proud to be able to tell our story, to show others that it’s never too late to start something new, to trust the process, and to find joy in the simple things.

It hasn’t been easy. It hasn’t always been comfortable. But looking out at the land we’ve transformed, at the animals we care for, we know that every bit of struggle has been worth it.

This journey to the farm was never just about a change in scenery; it was about rediscovering who we are, slowing down, and living in a way that aligns with our values. We’ve become farmers, beginning homesteaders, and lifelong students in the process. And every day, we’re reminded that the journey is the reward.

The best part? We’re just getting started! If you are interested in staying at the farm and learning first hand let us know! We would love to share our experience with you.