Meet a Reader | Jo from South Africa
Hello, everyone! Today we are hearing from Jo, who lives with her family in South Africa. Jo sent me so many pictures, I couldn't even include them all, but I think there are enough sprinkled through the post to give you a really good peek into her life.
Here's Jo!
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Hi! My name is Jo, and I'm a part-time researcher and farmer on a small urban farm in Cape Town, South Africa.
My husband Eugene and I have 3 kids, ages 12, 11 and 7. Eugene makes children's books, and so we're able to both stay home with our kids as they grow and learn.
My parents live with us on the farm in a separate cottage.
We have ducks, chickens, geese, goats, quail, guinea pigs... and I just turned 40...
2. How long have you been reading The Frugal Girl?
A very long time. I think 2007?
When we were in Boston and in debt, Eug and I took a faith-based course on giving more generously, and it helped get us talking about money, frugality, and values.
3. How did you get interested in saving money?
Growing up as one of four kids in a single-income household in Durban, South Africa, there was sometimes a sense of scarcity. My parents managed their money well and also gave generously, but there was also some underlying stress anytime someone needed new shoes.
When I received scholarships to attend a really good high school in Wales, and then university in Boston, where many people came from much more affluent backgrounds, I was met with diverse approaches to money, and it took a while to figure out where I stood.
But frugality was always very necessary to get through young adulthood in foreign places without my family nearby.
4. What's the "why" behind your money-saving efforts?
Over time I guess the "why" has evolved. When our family had 2 incomes and no kids, it was to figure out how to be generous.
Then for Eug to pursue creative dreams.
Then it was to try to pay off debt to move back to South Africa to be with my family.
Then it was to have a little farm without debt, then to be able to farm & parent without feeling we were rushing everything.
Maybe the underlying theme is that we're trying to experience money as a gift and a tool, rather than something that controls us.
5. What's your best frugal win?
My parents live with us on our farm, and having them here is amazing because we're able to look out for their needs as they age, and they're a source of so much love for my kids.
It feels very frugal to share our space on many levels- we share one 23 year old car, one washing machine, one utilities bill, and sharing labour makes the farm workable.
6. How has reading the Frugal Girl changed you?
Over time, Kristen's voice has crept into my voice around frugality. I love the notion of feeling abundance without being super consumerist.
She gave us inspiration to take furniture off the street in Boston and rehab it, made making yoghurt and bread seem practical, and in the 15+ years since we've just kept on building on those inspirations!
As a person of faith who has also had some hard times with church, I also appreciate Kristen's clarity and strength in talking about faith.
7. What's one thing you splurge on?
Gym membership. I get exercise on the farm, but the work can be hard on my back. So for about 2 years, I've been swimming every day, either at the gym or in the ocean.
It's expensive and out of character, but I've grown to love it so much.
8. What's one thing you aren't remotely tempted to splurge on?
Most things..but not because I'm noble- It's just a lot easier not to be tempted if you don't have access to U.S. online shopping and you live in a poor neighbourhood...
9. If $1000 was dropped into your lap today, what would you do with it?
I'd give it to the school next door to us, where they care for teens and are just generally kind and awesome.
10. What's the easiest part of being frugal?
Over time, we feel a lot more abundance, as choices compound, and it gets easier and easier. I genuinely stop wanting stuff!
11. Is there anything unique about frugal living in your area?
We live well below the U.S. poverty line, but we're still comparatively rich for our neighbourhood. It's weird and difficult to feel the push and pull of living, or being aware of, multiple worlds and ways of living.
Frugal in one place is normal in another.
Most people are much more frugal than we are out of necessity, and when they splurge it's often linked to real stressors and trauma. So I guess we are still finding our way.
We really miss the amazing things you could get free or second-hand in the U.S. We would go walking and find things out on the street all the time!
On the other hand, I love that our kids are not exposed to as much marketing as they would be in the U.S.- they still see ads on Youtube, of course.
but I don't think it compares to the marketing and social pressure that kids in schools, and many parts of the world, are exposed to.
We also don't have much access to fast food...
12. What single action or decision has saved you the most money over your life?
Taking a course on generosity really shaped our marriage conversation around money.
Firstly, in putting our wealth in perspective (we entered our income into one of those calculators that compared your income to the global population and suddenly felt super rich) so that we didn't fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to richer people, and secondly, in giving us a framework to actually talk about money, so that we didn't just assume we were on the same page.
13. What is something you wish more people knew?
Small changes compound into big transformations. Taking time to think about where you're hoping to be, and small things you can do today to get there, can be transformational.
14. Which is your favorite type of post at the Frugal Girl and why?
All of them! I love cooking posts, WIS/WIA, and five frugal things, for getting me thinking about our own frugal journeys.
_________________
Jo! My goodness, when I look at all that you are your family are growing and making, I feel astonished that I have been able to inspire YOU in any way.
I am amazed at what you guys do. So impressive.
I think your glass bottle wall is just lovely, your food looks delicious, and the ocean view near you is amazing.
Do you mostly eat the food you grow, or do you sell some too?
Can you tell us about the tiles on your kitchen backsplash? Did you make those?
Readers, the floor is yours!
P.S. Want more of Jo and her family? You can follow them on Instagram here.
Hi Jo! Oh my goodness, I really, really enjoyed your interview, the pictures, your outlook on life, your moving around the planet, your willingness to be generous and share...
This definition about being "poor" when compared to living standards in some part of the Western World - it just doesn't do any justice.....like when I lived in the kibbutz my housing conditions were considered low and poor compared to what I had/have on Germany - and still my life there felt very rich and privileged.
Thank you so much for sharing!
@Lea, thank you so much. Yes, I feel super super rich! And I'd love to hear more about the kibbutz and how that's impacted your life in Germany afterwards, as well.
Hello, Jo. Nice to meet you!
Your words and pictures inspire so many questions! First, do you use all that basil or do you sell it? Second, could you share a link to some of the books your husband makes (does he write, illustrate, or both?)? Third, do you homeschool? And last, and only last because I am already feeling too nosey, what do you research?
I just love your pictures and your story.
@Jody S., Thanks so much Jody, I really appreciate your questions.
1: Ha! The basil. I thought I was going to make the big bucks by selling a lot of it but what I didn't know is that basil takes FOREVER to pick. So we did sell to a local restaurant and a neighbour baker, and i made a lot of pesto. I have a lot to learn though. It was my first year growing veg in a poly-tunnel, which we bought second hand from a neighbour.
2: Thanks for asking about my husband's books. This is his website: https://ebadams.com/
He does also sell on Amazon. He writes and illustrates- it's been a gift of many years of frugality for him to be able to do this because it's not really financially viable, but he's really gifted and our kids LOVE his books, and I love this window into his life. There's a really unflattering self-portrait of us on the website. Hehe.
3: Yes, we homeschool! It really helps that my parents are also here on the farm. More adults...
4: I research people's experience's of food and non-communicable disease (diabetes, high-blood pressure, etc), mainly right here in my neighbourhood. I usually get by on relatively small roles (advising students, small bits of research) rather than being tenure track or similar.
@Jo, Ha, I love his animals! Especially the dubious chicken who doesn't trust indie authors. And he clearly knows what they're all thinking (as evidenced by the picture above of the goat on him and the goat comment about not getting fed enough : )
And Jody S - thanks for asking about his books so we could see!
Hi Jo! I need captions on those photos! So many questions just based on the things in the pictures. One was the same as Kristen's: Did you make the tiles for your backsplash?
Also, I have no concept of the weather in South Africa, but given some of the fruits and vegetables in those photos, it looks to be quite warm and wet. Does it ever freeze where you are?
And not a question: I am so jealous of that incredible amount of basil in the one of the photos. So much pesto . . .
@kristin @ going country,
Jo, If you've ever read Kristin's blog, you'll truly understand her jealousy. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, yes I was a bit lazy- I just dragged and dropped photos into a google folder... Sorry.
I made the tiles during COVID lockdowns. We were watching the Great British Bake Off a lot, and we ran out of seasons… so we watched the Great Pottery Throwdown, and one of the challenges was making tiles. I thought, “that’s something I could do with the kids!”
I was lucky enough to have a neighbour with a kiln, who said if I paid for electricity for the firings, we would half fill with my tiles each time, and half fill with her pottery. It took about a year, and it gives me a lot of joy because I remember times being quite hard, and the tiles are literally all the plants growing around us during the pandemic. That makes me really happy every time I cook. That said, it cost about the same as buying tiles…
Weather: Where we live we get winter rain, and very dry summers. A bit like parts of California- close to desert sometimes (we get really bad droughts), but we're very lucky in that we don't have frost, and can grow vegetables year round- probably could do 4 crops per bed if I was very well-organized. I usually do 3. It can get tiring though. Though I suppose I don't need to spend nearly as much time canning and preserving as those with long hard winters. I usually only preserve peas (freeze) and tomatoes (freeze and can)
@Jo,
The tiles may have cost the same, but you also helped your neighbour by paying for some of her pottery to be fired. And the joy of making them is priceless!
@Jennifer, now I am definitely going over to Kristin's blog!
@Jo,
I found it about a year ago and went back to the beginning. To me, blogs are a great way to learn about different things, people, places, food, culture and hers will not disappoint.
@Jo, Love hearing about the tiles. Love the creativity and the close neighborhood sharing. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
An amazing reader, and an amazing interview! Thank you, Jo (and Kristen)!
Hi Jo! Did you go to UWC Atlantic?
@Rose, ha yes! 🙂 did you?
@Jo, I wish! No, it's just the only prestigious high school I could think of in Wales...
@Rose, oh wow. It's funny, when I was there there it didn't feel prestigious as much as precious- are you from Wales? I have such fond memories and wish I could go back one day. It was incredibly special.
Jo,
Thank you for your uplifting interview. It looks like a very rich life to me and I think your children and parents (and husband) are very blessed to have you.
I loved: "What is something you wish more people knew?
Small changes compound into big transformations. Taking time to think about where you’re hoping to be, and small things you can do today to get there, can be transformational."
I agree with you on paying for exercise. While I could do yoga and Pilates at home by streaming for free or cheaply I pay to go to a studio. I am helping to support a small local business and the value is there for me.
@K D, thank you so much for taking time to comment. I really appreciate it. Yeah, I was super judgemental of paying for exercise and now I'm so grateful to be doing that. Also, it leaves me one less thing to be judgemental about, so that's good!
So much good stuff; thanks Jo! One quote that really resonated with me: "Maybe the underlying theme is that we’re trying to experience money as a gift and a tool, rather than something that controls us." - love this. And so good to find ways to elevate it to intentional discussions, not just vague assumptions that we're on the same page together.
I too was struck by the picture of basil! I join the many who are now salivating and wishing my soil was a bit warmer, to get some basil in the ground.
And I'm interested in your tiles and Eugene's books too. Lots of creativity and beauty in your home!
@Suz, thank you so much for your affirmation and for reading. I love this community and blog so much. I'm inspired to comment more, experiencing the kindness of all the comments.
Appreciating money as “ a gift and a tool” is a wonderful perspective. Sometimes I forget that truth. Thanks for the reminder!
How wonderful that your parents live so near. I’m sure it’s Benedict for you and your family as well as for your parents.
Your life seems so full. You have inspired me in a few ways and challenged me in other ways. Thank you for sharing some of your story!!
Jo, thank you for giving a glimpse of your beautiful life with your family in South Africa. In many ways, small things really do change the whole course of a life, and it's inspiring to see how it has led you to good things.
I echo the feeling of how changing your environment really is powerful in how we view ourselves, like how you feel rich where you live. My family and I have changed home countries also, and in many ways I feel more poor here in the U.S. although we make far more money.
I also want to hear more about how you made those tiles! I used to do some plant pressing on pottery a long long time ago, and have felt the urge to go back and get my hands dirty again.
@Kristina M., Thanks so much Kristina- yeah in the U.S. it was really challenging to feel rich. If you have any hints, I'm sure you have wisdom to share on that front.
I was surprised by how easy it is to make tiles- it was helpful to have two pieces of wood that help decide the side (just drilling a couple of pieces together) so that your tiles are uniform thickness. Small tiles warp less than big tiles. Otherwise, I'm no pro and it was just really fun... and slow. I also watched some Youtube videos and was inspired by old-school tile makers.
@Jo, thanks for taking the time to answer many questions! The tips about tile making are helpful; I used to have access to a pottery studio where we used heavy presses to adjust the thickness of slabs.
As for the challenges to feeling rich in the U.S., I think you answered it when you said the hint is to use money as a tool. In the U.S., more money flows through my hands, but it's just a tool for paying for important things like health care, schooling, retirement savings, which in other countries taxes take care of before that money reaches my hands. For instance, in the U.S. owning a car is almost a must, but in many other countries one can manage with public transit or good bicycle lanes and not feel odd, unsafe or poor.
With some things in the U.S., it helps to remember that perspective and try to nudge the assumption that things have to be done one way. So, we try to bike a lot and currently own just one car between three adults, we don't pay for someone to clean our house or cut our lawn, etc. We might change these, but it will be an examined choice rather than "what one does".
P.S. have you watched the television series "Recipes for Love and Murder"? It's a bit silly, but I love the farm in Eden, Karoo, seeing the nature around it and learning of cultures that are not often depicted on TV.
Thanks so much for sharing, Jo! What a beautiful life you and your family have built! I especially loved all of the pictures of your farm.
I appreciated reading about your desire to be generous and your experience living in 3 different parts of the world. I look forward to hearing the story behind the tiles, too!
Thanks so much Kristen for letting me guest post, and yes you totally inspire me all the time!
I made the tiles during COVID lockdowns. We were watching the Great British Bake Off a lot, and we ran out of seasons... so we watched the Great Pottery Throwdown, and one of the challenges was making tiles. I thought, "that's something I could do with the kids!"
I was lucky enough to have a neighbour with a kiln, who said if I paid for electricity for the firings, we would half fill with my tiles each time, and half fill with her pottery. It took about a year, and it gives me a lot of joy because I remember times being quite hard, and the tiles are literally all the plants growing around us during the pandemic. That makes me really happy every time I cook. That said, it cost about the same as buying tiles...
sorry I didn't answer your other questions! We sell a few vegetables, but I struggle sometimes with the logistics of growing for market AND growing for subsistence- it feels like there are trade-offs. So for now I'm trying to do really well at subsistence and having lots of food for our family, and only second on selling bits of extras. We do sell plants, but that's mainly thanks to a horticulturalist that lives with us and sells the plants, so we can't really take credit for that!
All the questions listed for you so far? I want the answers, too. This was a fascinating post and I feel like we need Jo, The Sequel. I love your creative lifestyle and you have given me lots of food for thought.
@Kris, thanks so much. I love this community very much. I hope I have answered well in the comments, but I will keep checking back and make sure I answer questions.
Baby goats!
@JDinNM, I know. You need them. They are the best.
@Jo, They always look to me like illustrations from a children's book come to life. And they're so playful and funny.
Also I have to ask--and I know this may sound horribly ignorant--but do you worry about crime? I hear so often how Cape Town has one of the highest crime rates in the world.
@Rose, yes. We have really high rates of economic and racial inequality and of violent crime. These are a major downside in some bits of our life, and I definitely notice how my body relaxes when we visit Eugene's family in S. Korea and are able to walk around at night. But for the most part, we adapt in pretty gentle ways and are not fearful. Our farm is designed to be a bit complicated to make it a bit harder for theft (where is the stuff to steal...ugggh why are there geese everywhere!!!!!), I am not sure if it works.
@Jo, I'm an American living in Papua New Guinea and we have to be careful here, too. Expat women aren't supposed to walk around alone, we always have to have at least 1 man or high school age boy with us when in town or walking "outside of the fence" around the mission center I live in. We were so excited when we visited Seoul and were able to walk around after dark and felt very safe! I miss walking/running by myself.
Jo, I so enjoyed this post. Just love your creativity, wisdom and generosity with your words, pictures and outlook. What a lovely life you've built for yourselves, children and parents. I especially liked "Maybe the underlying theme is that we’re trying to experience money as a gift and a tool, rather than something that controls us." Thanks for sharing all of this with us!
@MB in MN, thank you!!!!
Super inspiring post. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Jo! I'm so impressed with your approach to life, generosity, and raising kids!
@Hawaii Planner, thank you!!! Eugene always says the mountains here remind him of Hawaii, so sometimes I pretend I am there. Then I am extra happy. It is odd! It is how I have made peace with not traveling too much- realizing it is do incredibly beautiful right here.
Thanks for once again for showing that we can be so different but the same! It's so easy to get sucked into the American hype -- Buy it, do it, spend it, charge it! Stainless steel appliances! -- so thank you for showing us a rich, full life without a flat screen TV in the kitchen. And those tiles! Please tell us more about those tiles!
@Jean, yes! I definitely get sucked in in subtle ways, hey!! Hope you can see my answers about the tiles above- if not let me know!
Nice to meet you Jo! One of my former students from a teeny upper peninsula of Michigan HS now lives in DURBAN!
@Stephanie, yay Durban,and yay for the ways we are all connected.
Thanks so much for sharing! I have questions, too.
What are the lovely purple flowers? What is growing in that water tank? What kind of native fruits do you grow?
I get the impression from the pictures of some active children (I started to say kids, but there are two kinds of kids in the pictures) that they are hands on with farm work and the home, which is great. I think children can do more than they are given credit for.
You have a wonderful attitude towards money. Thanks for stating it so well!
@JD, thanks!! Hypoestes is the purple flower. It grows really well next to our fruit trees.
we grow every fruit we can. Which is a wide range - from guava, peaches plums, to passion fruit to lemons, oranges and more. We are still learning, but these days we have a LOT. We have a few indigenous fruits, but mainly for jam.
We grow water plants mainly to help feed small fish, improve rainwater quality,and prevent mosquitoes. The water trickles into nipples for the chickens.
we are so grateful for our kids. As you say, they are capable of so much. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Hello, Jo, and thanks for showing us these interesting aspects of your family's life. They felt so full of talents like making your own tiles and cosy at the same time with extended family always nearby.
I would love to know more about the glass bottle wall. How does it look from the other side?
These glimpses into people's lives from all corners of the world are priceless.
@Erika JS, I'm afraid the other side of the walls look a bit strange- the bottles stick out (except for beer bottles, which we cut and taped together). but you get used to the look and in our case sortof like it.
Jo, You are a super brave lady to go to distant parts of the globe by yourself to obtain your education! Not very many people would or could do that! The choices you've made add up to a really interesting life. Your home is as amazing as you are! Enjoyed seeing all the nice photos. I love how you are in a multi-generational living situation with your parents and children, how you're able to stay home with them, and how you are sharing the old car and washing machine, utility bill and labor. Lucky you that you all are not bombarded with constant "gotta have this!" advertising; IMO, commercialism is not one of my country's strong points (I'm in the USA). You've given us a good life lesson -- "to experience money as a gift and a tool, rather than something that controls us." Another point to ponder is what's:" frugal" in one part of the world is "normal" in others. You say you're living below the American poverty level, but from what you posted, it looks like your life is a very rich and joyful one indeed. Keep on swimming, farming and enjoying life.
I love this philosophy:
we’re trying to experience money as a gift and a tool, rather than something that controls us.
Also, is that basil you are growing in the one photo? If so, what do you do with that much? If not, what is it?
Love the post and your feelings about minimalism and the unimportance of 'stuff'.
@Jo, I just read the answers to the questions about the basil. No need to repeat! Should have read some of the comments first. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, Jo! I just clicked the link to follow you on Instagram so I can learn more about your farm life. My boyfriend and I visited South Africa in 2014, but didn't make it to Cape Town. It's definitely on our Bucket list. How wonderful that you are so close to the ocean! It looks so beautiful there.
@Beth B., yeah, I used to fantasize about going to beaches in South East Asia or Hawaii, but I feel that urge satiated by just realising we have pretty much the most beauty here, and can take sips of it every day to nourish us. I can swim through the winter- how miraculous is that?!
@Jo, That is miraculous and amazing! I live in Arizona and our community pool is not heated, so I can only swim from June - Sept.
Jo, I am gobsmacked by your life of self-sufficiency, completeness, fullness, diversity, beauty, and productivity. Thank you for sharing your fabulousness and for answering about basil and tiles.
My questions (always always have questions):
1. Like Rose, I associate Cape Town with crime; what is reality for you all?
2. Where did Eugene grow up? When a couple comes from 2 different countries, someone always has to leave his/her roots, which I see as a massive sacrifice, a true sign of commitment and love.
3. May we learn about that bottle wall?
4. You mentioned drought, and climate similar to parts of California; this causes me to wonder what your water source is.
And comments:
1. I am ever so slightly envious of your proximity to the ocean and a gym with a pool, and impressed by your commitment to fitness.
2. You could take another family portrait since you dislike the one on Eug's site (but since I don't know you, I think you look just fine!)
3. I signed up for the newsletter.
@Central Calif. Artist, you are super kind. I briefly answered Rose's question above.
Yes. Eug grew up in Korea, and we met in the U.S., so I am extraordinarily grateful he is willing to live here.
Bottle walls are a pretty affordable and fun way to build. I just read some blog posts and watched some videos, then tried... Maybe hard in a place with a lot of building regs. But all the walls I have built so far are not loadbearing (3 for us, 2 for my parents).
We collect a lot of winter rainwater in tanks and a natural swimming pool, and have a composting toilet so don't flush water. But we also use well water, which is thankfully close to the surface.
P.S. Are you willing to tell us what financial course you took? Sounds like a great one!
And why school in Wales? You obviously have amazing parents, and you obviously are adventuresome and fearless. (You can see that I am in awe of you. . .)
Finally (maybe, maybe not final), your little farm does not look urban in the least. How far do you travel to a grocery store? the gym?
Wait - what kind of car is that 23 year old wonder? Must be a Toyota or a Honda!
@Central Calif. Artist, it was called "Lazarus at the gate" run by a local ngo called the Boston faith and Justice network.
I was an (overly) ambitious teen and saw a scholarship ad in the newspaper, and ended up in Wales. I was extraordinarily lucky!
Urban spaces in South Africa can be weird. In our case, we decided to buy a piece of empty land adjoining a township, or slum. Many townships used to be farms, and so sometimes small pieces of land are kept on the edges, as a kind of buffer. I love that we are in this weird edge space, where there is so much diversity. Though it is hard in the sense we are building this oasis type place, and next door people are in shacks crammed together. There is a mall 5 mins drive (2km) away, and the gym is also there.
yeah, old cars are not as uncommon here. Ours is a vwgolf. My parents have had it since 2000, but it was used when they got it. I LOVE not having our own car.
thank you so much for writing and I really look forward to learning more about your work!
@Jo, Good for you, Jo. I wanted so much to be an exchange student in Hong Kong as a teenager, signed up for it, but my parents wouldn't let me go because they were worried about crime. (My father was an NYPD officer. When you're a carpenter, everything looks like a nail, I guess.) (Not from Wales. New York City.)
And I also desperately wanted to be an exchange student in college or have a semester abroad, but simply couldn't afford it. I always knew I was trying my parents' patience by being too ambitious.
@Jo, thank you for answering all the questions. I love learning about your life!
About my work, my website has been hacked, so I hesitate sending you there. It is very confusing that sometimes it looks fine and sometimes it is horrible, and I don't know why. I am waiting for the host company to scrub it up. . . you can try cabinart dot net and maybe it will turn up okay for you. Sigh. Thank you for asking.
Wow, amazing post! Thinking of money as a gift and a tool - that really hit home today. I think that would change life for me too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful family and fascinating life!
@Jem, thank you Jem. For taking time out of your day and being kind.
Hi Jo!
It was through reading Trevor Noah's Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood that I got a glimpse into real life South Africa.
One of the best memoirs if not the best I've read in that it made me laugh and cry at the same time. Again and again.
Your pictures added another layer to my imagination of South Africa. Bountiful and luxuriantly green. Thank you for sharing!
@kelly, I've been meaning to read Born a Crime for ages - this my be the nudge I needed.
Jo,
Your garden is amazing! I love your basil. You have inspired me to tile my kitchen too.
Barbe
Oh my gosh. You took frugality, generosity and self reliance to a whole new level. Your children are lucky to grow up in this environment and parents with your mindset. Kudos.
And I am jealous about the crop of your basil. It would be interesting to see a regular update on what you doing, what keeps you busy.
Jo so nice to meet you and share something about your life.
As a grandmother I would love, absolutely love to live with my daughter's family. She and her husband are kind but busy especially with 2 little children.
So my husband and I see them about every other week. And I live for those days. I can't imagine being there all the time. I think your children are getting so much out of this arrangement. I know your parents are.
Basil is one of my favorite plants to grow. I usually plants about 6 plants, so I can make enough pesto for the winter. There is nothing better then eating pesto on a cold cloudy day. It is like sunshine.
@karen,
Maybe you should bring up moving in together in a multigenerational situation? I would LOVE to live with any (or all!) of our parents in an arrangement like what Jo is describing in this post. We are busy and have young kids and it would be amazing to have more trusted adults around!
jo, so wonderful to read about you and our family. thanks for posting. i am so impressed by your photos and the word that go with them. good luck to you and your family. your kids are truly blessed to live near their grandparents. All the best to you all.
Glad to meet you, Jo! It is inspiring to see how thoughtfulness changes our lives. I too have faith struggles but the gifts of my faith family are wonderful. Who else in the U.S. is questioning our consumer culture? Or working on gratitude? Or supporting the dignity of individuals? I am also a "third culture kid," adjusting from ideas of what it means to be rich, and grateful for reminders that our best lives are in our relationships, not our bank accounts.
Best wishes on the well being of your farm and all who live on it. And a second vote for "Recipes for Murder," a TV series featuring another South African woman and her farm and her cooking!
You are doing so very well. To have a farm, three healthy children, and your feet on the ground at age 40! Brava!
What a beautiful, rich and intentional life you and your family have built. Thank you for sharing. I want to come visit! Cool people, beautiful scenery, baby goats, yummy food 🙂
Hi Jo from a fellow South African not far from you in Somerset West. I really enjoyed your post and it was lovely seeing familiar sights.
@Lisa, Thanks so much Lisa. I wondered if there were fellow South Africans here at Kristen's and am so grateful there are!
I have so many questions! How do you find the racial dynamics, given my memory of apathied Sth Africa? Do you feel your financial position is somewhat influenced (as in, you feel your money goes further) in SA vs other places you've lived?