WOW...an eventful and adventure filled year it has been!
The most exciting news is that we are expecting another baby to join our family around March 29th 2015. Nash is going to have a baby sister and we are over-joyed!!
This fall/winter we rented a 32ft yurt (800sqft) in the valley. After spending 5 months in our motor home, it feels like a palace. We have a bathroom, a bedroom and a kitchen open to large living area. Heating is by wood-stove, power is a mix of solar and gas generator. There is a propane cooking stove and small fridge. Water is heated in pots on the stoves. It's very cozy (except when it's -15c), yet spacious. As much as living in a circular space is wonderful, our time here taught us that a yurt is not our optimal family dwelling.
Progress on our 15 acre mountain paradise is phenomenal thanks to Mark and his assistant Josh. In the spring, a waterline was developed from 1km up the mountain to our property and to 5 other families in the area. Developing a waterline, down a mountainside, off the grid, is a massive project in itself...I am so proud of and grateful to our team for their service and hard work. Fresh water is the juice of life!
We now have a road, level building sites with underground plumbing and power lines, an outhouse, an incredible root cellar and a garden shed. Landscaping is ongoing with mulch paths, forest pruning and wildflower patches.
The foundation has carefully been created for the next stage of growth. Through this gruelling and amazing process, we are learning to slow-down, simplify and refine our progress...to further prioritize our plan according to the needs of our family and community. We are noticing that less consumption allows for more intimate connection. It is always a relative balancing act, with many challenges and opportunities for growth.
Nash is now 23 months, turning 2 February 26th! He is a healthy, glowing and amazing person. He loves to help and get into lots of mischief. One minute he is full of kisses & cuddles and the next minute he's a little tyrant...Ahhh the toddler "Joie de vivre!" He's teaching us so many valuable lessons. Our little prince is getting quite chatty and charming us with his constant enthusiasm to learn. He is an absolute blessing to share life with. Nash has lots of friends here. It's a beautiful thing to see children of various ages, playing and socializing together. The sense of kinship, community and culture is truly wonderful!
Saranagati is a 1700 acre, off-the-grid, spiritually-focused, organic farming cooperative. A heaven on earth...with many quirks and endless possibilities!
Our focus for the next few years will include nurturing family, developing the Ananda Loka Ashram, building a home, contributing to community...all rooted in the spirit of loving service.
