Part 4 Conclusion: Reflections on Our First Home Hog Butchering….OR …. Our Journey Toward Self-Sufficiency

Continued from Part 3

The whole scene for both days was somewhat picturesque, with the snow on the ground and snow flying off and on in the air. Several times we all stopped to watch the cloud of black that was really birds flying across our hollow to the pine trees on the east ridge, and then over to other trees later. We imagined that they were watching our proceedings with interest, hoping to capture some of the meat for themselves. Butchering these hogs was a very surreal experience for me both days. It has had a profound impact on me, as evidenced by this writing that is now in it’s tenth page on a Microsoft word document, with single spacing, no pictures, and a small font size of 12.

I will long remember this event and the lessons we learned butchering our first hogs. These past two days mark a milestone for our homestead, and possibly a turning point for us. I now feel that we can do anything we need or desire to do. There are many more old-fashioned homestead endeavors on our minds that were once the objects of dreams and wishful thinking. They all now seem attainable, and I feel a renewed zeal to forge ahead into the unexplored realms of my self-sufficient fantasy world.

With God, all things truly are possible. I desire to live a quiet, peaceful and simple life that is pleasing to Him and as we journey down the path toward self-sufficiency, I want Him to be glorified each step of the way. He is equipping my family for a purpose and is positioning us to be a great help and encouragement to others both now and in the uncertain times we will face in the future. Thank you, Lord, for all that you are allowing us to experience here at this wonderful homestead you have provided in Pure Water Hollow.

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1 comment
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Morning Sunshine on February 10, 2009 at 7:10 am
wow – thanks for sharing this adventurer with us. This is something I have wondered if I could do – slaughter animals I have raised. We are still working on egg chickens, though, so I guess I have a few years and animal adventures to have first though!

Sounds like your son and you handled it well and got a lot done!