This earth is filled with magic. This world holds beautiful people, each with their own unique light. Sometimes we forget or we lose sight of the magic and our light dims. We move through the motions of everyday life and we begin to feel unfulfilled. It takes another light to remind us of that magic we’ve forgotten. For me, that light was a farm, shining were two incredible and strong women raising two young boys with kind souls and big dreams. Their light, their love of life and passion to take care of our world reminded me of that magic. I’m forever changed and for that I am forever grateful.
Lisa, Elizabeth, Landrum, and Aydan live on an off-the-grid sustainable farm in the Appalachian Mountains. The family focuses on teaching and learning about breathing with nature, the animal and plant kingdoms, and the spirit realm. They serve as nature’s caregivers harvesting land using permaculture techniques and tending to many animals ranging from goats to guinea pigs; each chicken, duck, cat, and dog with a wildly different personality.
These boys, uninterested in conformity, love the life they live. They learn and grow every day while they explore and discover all this world has to offer. Their adventures have led them to become impressive outdoorsmen, theatrical unicyclists and beautiful musicians of many instruments. They develop these skills in an unconventional outdoor classroom. The earth is their school. Although they do make time for standard education at home, they develop far greater skills and more impressive qualities through their incredible endeavors.
Because the farm is focused on teaching and learning, many different individuals and groups have come and gone through the years. The family generously shares their wisdom and their humble home with anyone willing to believe in the magic of the earth. I remember sitting in the cabin having conversations with the boys, more intellectual than many students I interact with on my own campus. I have watched first-hand as Landrum thoroughly explains each integral process and piece of a working grey-water system. I have seen the love and respect Aydan treats each animal with as he wakes up at sunrise to care for them. The boys are wise beyond their years, and yet they still play a competitive game of capture the flag and can hula-hoop until they’re dizzy with laughter.
As they grow and climb, run and explore, these boys are surrounded by, and are very aware of the endless beauty this earth holds. Their mothers, family, friends and neighbors provide them with an inspiring support system that allows them to flourish and chase their dreams. During my time on the farm, it took only a week for me to see what a magical childhood these two have. They support each other and laugh and play together while they take this crazy life head on. They’re hungry for knowledge and you can see the light in their eyes and in their hearts.
Landrum and Aydan have set their sights on a new adventure at a summer camp in California. Camp Woolman, founded on Quaker principles, is the perfect fit for these young men to continue to learn and grow. I could not think of two more deserving young people to embark on this exciting new experience. My hope for these boys, and all of today’s children, is that they are able to continue through this life together, discovering what their world has to offer and creating their unique light.
If you feel inclined to learn more about Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm, Aydan and Landrum and their journey, and/or Camp Woolman please see the below links.
Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm
Amazing Boys: Learn, Love, & Grow