***
Part II
Be it the academic pursuits of the school-age, or an ongoing project in the functioning shop…there is never a lack of broadening the mind and exploring daily life. Quite self sufficient, The Farm holds nearly one hundred acres of rich farmland on which they grow wheat and a variety of fruit. The dairy, built brick-by-brick by “Grandpa” Rick Shipway, provides fresh milk, cream, and butter for the whole family. A home-brew methane trap, hovering over the sweet-smelling dung, provides gas to power the stoves in the newly-remodeled kitchen. One can make anything out of metal in the shop, catch fish from the pond, gather eggs from the chickens, and pluck fresh mangoes and avocados from the trees.
Whether they came to this family through tragedy or neglect, the past has little bearing on the present. One day folds into the next. The children graduate to higher grades and get a little taller. The youngest ones stand on their own and begin to form words. The eldest learn how to drive the tractors and take off for adventures in the jungle. When a new brother or sister comes to live, they’re treated like they’ve been a missing part of the puzzle. Vital and whole.
Those that oversee the family have diverse stories of their own. Some came to The Farm through direct summons. Others heard of the work, the land, and the family…and came running. Still others are children from The Farm themselves, and have continued to stay to see the work carry on and to impart wisdom. Volunteers, teachers, and just plain ol’ folks are invited to share and grow in every way here. Talents and stories are encouraged.
This is fertile ground indeed.
Steven + Jacki Potorki
Instagram: @jackipotorki + @yr_turn
www.jackipotorki.com
