This week, I went to a place I never knew about, and it's only 10 minutes up the road.
My friend Fernando invited me to lunch at the World Hunger Farm, or "The Farm" as the locals call it. This 40-acre farm promotes sustainable living along with missions and outreach with a philosophy "to live simply, helping those who struggle to meet their basic needs by sharing and investing in others what God has given to us."
With Jesus' teachings as their guide, The Farm trains individuals in holistic ministry that equips them to work with communities in developing sustainable farming techniques. Volunteers and Interns work to educate those with an economic abundance on methods of conserving and sharing resources. And, they also participate in local and international sustainable development programs including urban farming techniques.
With live-in volunteers and interns, The Farm thrives 365 days a year providing fresh, seasonal produce, free-range eggs, a certified Grade-A Raw Goat Dairy, and pasture-raised beef, goat and chicken meat for purchase. (I didn't want to know anything about this part, so you carnivores are on your own. LOL)
With Fernando, Allan and Neal (a current intern) as my guides, I met the sweetest herd of baby goats at feeding time, which was "udder" chaos. (Ha! Ha!) They were so excited, and I had the chance to love and pray for them just in case they ended up as sausage later. :oP
I may not be a meat eater, and I definitely don't like the slaughter of animals, but I will say this: EVERYTHING serves a purpose at the World Hunger Farm. EVERYTHING. The animals are raised with love and respect and provide milk, fertilizer and meat to sustain those who work there and those needing food in the community. If you are going to raise animals for meat, please do it biblically and with purpose. Jesus did not and would not allow anything to suffer.
From composting toilets to rain water collection, I am in love with sustainable living. In fact, the main education building was built entirely using a straw and mud technique that I want to use when we build our home. If you have suggestions or Web sites for me to check out, please post a comment below.
Live simply. Live well.
DMM :o)
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***Photo from World Hunger Relief, Inc. Web site.
