Page 23 - CFAN_Apr2014

T

H E FA M I LY has forsaken more traditional

pastimes like movies and date nights. “If we shop, it’s
at the feed store,” Sara says. “What you will see is Elijah

sitting on top of the pens and Ron and I standing by
talking about how excited we are about calving season.

Or you will ind us all three working on new stalls or

pens together.”

“Truthfully” she continues, “my idea of a great date
night is just that—us standing around our livestock

talking about our plans and dreams for what we are
building.” Despite the hard work, Elijah is enjoying

the family farm. He likes showing and fence work
the best. He’s also made many friends, many of them

older, who are eager to encourage and teach him. In

the meantime, Elijah is being homeschooled. Sara
prepares lessons.

truck, Ron concedes they didn’t realize the farm’s true
“To say our schedule keeps us busy would be an potential. “I didn’t realize the change in my family that

understatement—to say the least. Funny though, we it would produce. When you are given the opportunity
can’t see life [being] any diferent,” says Ron, who sings to build something from the ground up and you get to

with Crossire Quartet, a Lakeland-based southern share it with the ones you cherish most in this life, it
gospel group. “Most weekends we spend on a 40-foot changes your perspective,” Ron says. “I feel privileged

tour bus with Crossire traveling to diferent churches to stand along side my partner, Sara, and be able to

and events. Fortunately, we are a family ministry, so teach our child to not just live of the land, but thrive
we are seldom separated from each other.”
of it.” he experience is humbling. “here will always

be experiences that Elijah will look back on, life’s
Although their original plan was to raise money lessons about old stubborn stumps or crazy heifers that “I feel privileged
to
for Elijah’s college expenses, and maybe buy that
will mold him into the man he becomes,” he adds.
partner,
stand along side my
Sara, be able to
and
teach
Aour child to not just
live off the landELIJAH'S
, but
FIRST BRAN- thrive
GUS SHOW, off it.”

where he won
Reserve Grand

Champion

Heifer. From left
to right: Ron, AND SO, RON AND SARA are leaving a

Sara, Elijah, legacy for Elijah, a legacy rooted in love. “I hope we
Judge Jesse
plant a passion for God, family, and agriculture [in
Savelle, and him],” Sara says. “I hope he always loves the livestock,
IJBBA Queen
the peace and quiet of the pasture, the feel of dirt in his
Kourtney hands, and eating something he grew or raised.” ag
Gardner.

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