Here I am riding into the sunset on a train from Ottumwa, IA. Out the window are small forest glens that are begging to be explored and enjoyed. And as the sun slants through the tree trunks I’m oh so thankful for my time here in IA. When the trees aren’t blocking the view I can see the corn and soybean fields and I smile and even tear up a bit as a remember the kindness of the farming family that took me in and taught me about life on a farm.
This past week I went to visit my friend Kristi and her family. They operate a farm in southern Iowa where they grow crops and raise pigs and cows. While I was there I helped paint storm windows, catch escaped pigs, paint the rusty parts of the barn, load pigs to sell, and add rings to a tin grain bin. I loved working outside with my hands and being able to see the work that we were able to accomplish and know that I had a good reason to be tired. I also got to know Kristi better and got to meet her family. Poor Kristi also got to answer all the questions I’ve always wanted to ask about farming but never had a chance to. Questions like: “How long does it take for the pigs to grow to full maturity?” or “What are the benefits of wrapping the hay bales in plastic?” and “What is a cultivator and how is it different from a combine?” I also soaked up a lot of information and I now know the difference between a grain bin and a silo, a rake and a disc, and that there are different kinds of tractors that are for different things. I feel like a got a crash course in farming and I loved every minute of it.
I also truly enjoyed working side-by-side with Kristi and her family and enjoying everyday life with them. I came to appreciate the Geometry in quilting through Kristi’s mom and I’m even thinking about using it in a Geometry lesson in the future. Her brother and sister-in-law welcomed me and made me feel like part of the family. And her dad encouraged me with his wisdom about life and trust in God. I will treasure the conversations we had around the table and while we were working together on a project. God definitely used them to bless me and encourage me to continue on.So tonight, as I listen to the rattle of the train wheels and rock to its rhythms, I am thankful beyond words for the chance I’ve had to visit the southeast corner of Iowa, to see Amish and Mennonite communities up close, to tell others about my life in the Philippines and what God is doing there, to discover the joys of life in the country, to spend time with friends living new experiences and getting pleasure from old experiences, and to celebrate the love of our Heavenly Father who continues to provide for all of our needs.
