Today was another day of blessing. We held the official groundbreaking and dedication for Butter Valley Harvest this afternoon on the Ehst Homestead Farm. The last two days since we arrived home from the Derstine Reunion in New Hampshire have been full of stress, anxiety, and activity as we prepared for today. I am (and I think we are all) so glad it is over. I just finished looking through the pictures Aunt Barb took today, and was able in the quiet of this evening to just reflect and feel blessed.
Blessed because so many family and friends came to be with us today. Our siblings, our parents, our grandparents, our aunts and uncles, our cousins, and many friends from the Bally community joined with us in prayer and praise today. It was such a joy to share the history of the Ehst farm with everyone and know that now I, too, am a part of that story. As we talked about the things that were added, changed, and modernized by various generations of Ehsts, it was crazy to think that someday, our great-great-grandchildren may talk about us and the beginning of the hydroponic (or Soilless Environmentally Controlled Agriculture) farming on the land.
As we stood on the ground where this week, excavation will begin for the greenhouse foundation, it was a privilege as well as a humbling experience, to be surrounded by everyone as we committed Butter Valley Harvest to God. We sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as an expression of all the God has already done in and for us and the generations who came before. Greg Bowman shared some thoughts out of his passion for locally-grown food, the environment, and his God before offering a sweet prayer on our behalf. Then we planned for three generations of Ehsts to break the ground (Pop, Dad, and Ryan). But generation #4 wanted in, too. Ryleigh helped to break ground after her Daddy. It was really special. Then Melissa led us in a responsive reading she had put together. Uncle John Ehst gathered us all in close for a final prayer. Those moments were really special as our friends and family huddled around us, lifting us and the business to the Father. Uncle John Derstine led us in another song "Be Thou My Vision" as we looked forward to God's continuing guidance. The afternoon ended with everyone gathered in the yard, sharing refreshments and fellowship.
Blessed because so many family and friends came to be with us today. Our siblings, our parents, our grandparents, our aunts and uncles, our cousins, and many friends from the Bally community joined with us in prayer and praise today. It was such a joy to share the history of the Ehst farm with everyone and know that now I, too, am a part of that story. As we talked about the things that were added, changed, and modernized by various generations of Ehsts, it was crazy to think that someday, our great-great-grandchildren may talk about us and the beginning of the hydroponic (or Soilless Environmentally Controlled Agriculture) farming on the land.
As we stood on the ground where this week, excavation will begin for the greenhouse foundation, it was a privilege as well as a humbling experience, to be surrounded by everyone as we committed Butter Valley Harvest to God. We sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as an expression of all the God has already done in and for us and the generations who came before. Greg Bowman shared some thoughts out of his passion for locally-grown food, the environment, and his God before offering a sweet prayer on our behalf. Then we planned for three generations of Ehsts to break the ground (Pop, Dad, and Ryan). But generation #4 wanted in, too. Ryleigh helped to break ground after her Daddy. It was really special. Then Melissa led us in a responsive reading she had put together. Uncle John Ehst gathered us all in close for a final prayer. Those moments were really special as our friends and family huddled around us, lifting us and the business to the Father. Uncle John Derstine led us in another song "Be Thou My Vision" as we looked forward to God's continuing guidance. The afternoon ended with everyone gathered in the yard, sharing refreshments and fellowship.
I haven't had a positive attitude about this in a while, especially this last week or so. Today was very humbling, very blessing, and I am very grateful. If you were part of our day and are reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting us and believing in us. And Aunt Doris, if you read this, thank you so much for your words. At least I know, when the tears fall, that I'm not crazy! :) And for all of you out there who couldn't be with us today but have been lifting us in prayer, thank you for that. And please continue. We are so grateful for your support.
Just another note about the smaller, funny ways God sometimes lets us know he's there. This past week (while we were away), someone put up really nice roadside signs along Route 100 that say "Now entering the beautiful Butter Valley." Most people drive through the area and don't know it's the Butter Valley. This felt like an affirmation of our use of the name in Butter Valley Harvest. And now people will know when they drive through, where they are. It's just a little thing. But it's kinda' cool. And it's just a little reminder that God is present in all things.
1 comment:
Blessings on your journey, dear...your personal journey, and the new venture.
And have you read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (I think the author is Michael Pollan, but not 100% sure)? He has some important things to say about the budding loca-vore movement, organic agriculture, etc. Munchkin and I listened to the audiobook on several long trips, and much enjoyed it. Peace... roo.
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