We have a few aspiring homesteaders coming to visit us in just over a week.
They connected with me through our walkerland facebook page about six months ago.
They are city dwellers who live in another province. After several months of chatting, answering questions and getting to know them a little, they asked if they could come visit for a few days this summer. We said yes. We write and share our story to help other people gain insights and skills into this life. Why not go that extra step and welcome them into our home?
It can be easy to romanticize homesteading but it is not for everyone. If we can help someone see what it's really like then we are doing a good thing.
When Strangers Become Friends
We've done this before with good results. We opened our home to two strangers last year.
I was really anxious throughout the week leading up to their arrival at our doorstep. Insecurities and self doubt washed over me. What do we really know? How are we qualified to be giving advice to other people? What if we give the wrong advice?
It turned out to be a great experience for them and for us. This lovely couple really picked our brains and asked questions that surprised us. It was a great exercise for us, testing our knowledge and giving us insights into what aspiring homesteaders want to know more about. I learned a lot about what we do know, and the experience boosted my confidence.
This couple decided to go ahead with their homestead dreams. They are moving to their homestead this summer. We are really excited for them and know they'll do well.
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
– Dalai Lama
Homestead Bloggers In The Public Eye
I had never realized what a responsibility our blogs and social media presence would become. We are often answering emails and private messages. People asking for help with using a pressure canner, their chickens, their gardens. We always do our best to help. When we don't know the answer we are able to guide them to someone who can help.
That's the amazing thing about modern day homesteading movement.
There is a wide and growing network of homesteaders across the globe. I've found that most are very supportive of other homesteaders and are very community minded. We help each other to help others.
This Is Our Home
Not all of our experiences have been good ones. I pride myself in having good instincts about people and sometimes we politely have to say no.
This is our home and honestly, if they aren't interested in homesteading and just want to pop by for "tours" as though we are a petting zoo we have to say no. We don't have an infinite amount of time to give. Some people get really rude which always stings. We offer so much of ourselves already and they demand more?
People who behave like this remind me of why we live in a private cabin nestled in a forest. It can make me feel like withdrawing and closing myself off. I just have to remind myself that not everyone is like this.
We need to stay open and welcoming because we want to build community around us. We want to do our part to help people empower themselves. I often say that living this lifestyle is my quiet rebellion against all the things I feel are wrong with society. Helping others on this path is another facet of my quiet, yet active protest.
Homestead Classes
We are in the habit of giving away all of our knowledge, experience and time for free. We never ask for anything in return and feel good about this. I think many homesteaders are the same. We want to help people succeeded. We want to do our part in making this world a better place.
Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom
~ George Washington Carver
That said, life ain't free, the tax man has a way of coming to call no matter how deep in the woods you try to hide.
As part of our income stream I have been considering offering small group classes. We both enjoy teaching & we know how to prepare courses and lessons. I think it would also help us to engage and meet some people interested in this lifestyle, that live nearby. These classes would also give people who are curious but not really committed to homesteading an opportunity to see what it's all about.
I would also like to do some video/on-line lessons. I see these courses all over the place on-line. I do wonder if anyone makes money at this? Video is not one of my strengths though so this is a big maybe!
There are people who are seeking more than a blog post to read. Some people year for a more personal hands on experience. We can offer this. We could teach small groups how to can and preserve food, how to bake bread, make soap, and all kinds of things really. They get to take something home for their efforts.
I am really curious. Do any of you open up your home to strangers that reach out? Do you offer classes at your homestead? Do you have any advice? What sort of classes would you be interested in?
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Building a greener, more beautiful world one seed at a time.
Homesteading | Gardening | Frugal Living | Preserving Food| From Scratch Cooking|
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