Unique is the word that comes to mind when I think of my life. Raised in a homeschooling family, I am the second oldest of nine children--three girls and six boys. I live on an alpaca ranch and work in the family business. In addition to the animal side of owning a ranch, we have a mill, in which we process the fiber to make yarn, roving, felt, etc. We give tours and have our own little country store.
I didn't always have this unique life. In fact, I used to think my life was rather boring and ordinary. I distinctly remember one day as a young girl, lying on my bed and wishing my life was filled with adventure. I can't help but smile at the memory. They always say, "Be careful what you wish for."
How we got into the business of alpacas is quite a tale--which I hope to write in a book--but for now and to be brief, it started when my dad was laid off. Since then, it has been one adventure of faith after another--from almost losing our business when my dad was sent to the hospital, to losing our house in the 2003 Cedar Fires.
At the time of the fire, my Mom gave birth to my little brother who was born with Down syndrome. He spent the first three months in the hospital with two surgeries: a throat and an open heart surgery. Meanwhile, my parents still had to deal with having lost everything they owned, fighting the insurance company, keeping the business going, homeschooling their kids, designing our new home, and so much more.
There's so much to our story, and it kills me not to share all the amazing details. I'm in the process of sketching out this true story to write, but in the meantime, I'd love for you to get to know me through this blog and follow what other crazy adventures God brings my way.
www.asimplertimemill.com
