Welcome to my uncomplicated life beyond the picket fence image.

 

Hi friends! Welcome to Picket Fence Farm in Shipshewana, Indiana, where Ron and I have been lifelong residents. Ron’s family farm began with four dairy cows in the 1950’s, and that land is still farmed by the Yoder family. We live an uncomplicated, but compelling life beyond the storybook image and I’m excited to share this lifestyle with you.

My marriage is like the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Italian “city” girl marries a Mennonite dairy farmer. My family had four girls and the Mr.’s family had all boys. Let’s just say we have learned a lot from each other in our thirty plus years of marriage.

The Mr. and I have four adult children we’ve worked hard to FLEDGE well. We have a daughter, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and three fun grandsons who all live out of our area. We raise goats, chickens, cattle, and Bernese Mountain dogs. 

As new empty nesters, we’ve discovered camping and relaxing more than we used to during the busy years of raising kids while teaching and dairy farming. We have an Airbnb suite in our empty nest spaces and love extending welcoming hospitality to guests in our unique Amish country community.

Let’s sit on the porch and get to know one another

 

  • I’ve been both a stay at home mom and a working mom.
  • We were dairy farmers for the first half of our marriage.
  • Ron has been a higher level math teacher for over thirty years.
  • We currently are youth group leaders.
  • Ron and his brothers form a perfect quartet and are part of a men’s chorus.
  • I have taught Family and Consumer Science, History, and even preschool.
  • I was once an antique dealer.
  • Ron and I both love to garden.
  • I write for Guideposts “Mornings with Jesus.”
  • We ride a Harley Davidson.
  • I preserve around 75-100 jars of garden produce a year.
  • The Yoders are avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fans.
  • I serve on the Board of Directors for Stonecroft Ministries and Menno Clinic India.
  • I’m a contributor to Every Woman’s Bible.

On a more formal note

I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and Seminary, am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, am a licensed school counselor through the University of St. Francis, and have a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Purdue University. I currently work part-time as an elementary school counselor and have a private counseling practice providing services through a trauma informed approach.

As a Christian communicator, I speak, write, educate and advocate for the all things related to life, faith, and family beyond the storybook image. I communicate like a pastor, teaching truth, but caring for you with a shepherd’s heart, moving you towards personal growth and healthy change in your life and faith.

I speak in a variety of venues. My theology is grounded in the inerrancy of God’s Word, the Bible, and the contextual truth of God’s unchanging character in each of our stories.

How can I serve you?

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This