This is the way we remember our kitchen, full of folks and milk and farm activity. Usually there are five or six things going all at the same time: bread being made, cheese in the press, butter churning, dinner cooking, dishes being washed. But our house caught fire last Tuesday; the top floor and the roof burned, and the bottom floor is hopelessly water damaged. We’re going to have to rebuild.
This post is intended as the beginning of a ‘thank you’ to all the generous, wonderful, loving folks who have been reaching out to us with condolences, and good wishes, and financial help. We cannot begin to deserve your kindness, your friendship, and your confidence in us, but we’re going to try. To all the friends who have promoted the givesendgo campaign, and all those folks who offered prayers and money at the Hardison Mills Homesteading Festival, please know that as we work — tearing down the old house, building the new, and farming — all the while, farming — our minds will be full of the thought that this rebuild is only possible because you are so good. We wish we could throw a big party for you all. We will be praying for you.
The family has already come behind this rebuild. We’ve moved into our cabin in the woods — we are so blessed to have a place to go, and so close to home — and we’re making plans. Our children will be doing the rebuild — we thank God for our sons and daughters with so many skills: architecture, carpentry, timber framing, masonry, plumbing, and all kinds of finish work. Yesterday we got started on the demolition, while some of us began the long process of making lists for the insurance people.
We want to post updates so you’ll see our progress. We’ll try to do it here, or maybe one of the kids will have the i.t. skills to make a better site on some other platform. Stay tuned. We’re hoping to share with you our joy in being together and making this good thing happen, thanks to you.
The One-cow Revolution 
Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear that. I’m sure that with all thd hrlp you have and all thd skills around you, your next home will be even better designed. Maybe with homesteading in mind and a more streamlined design.
We only heard the other day about this tragedy, Shawn and Beth! Please accept our sympathy for your great loss and know that you are in our prayers. God, in His infinite wisdom and goodness, has provided for your needs with the talents of the children and the cabin. May He continue to bestow His blessings upon you at this time, even though He has allowed for this great loss.
Thank you!
God is so good! We are simply made to do good works for His glory. Praying for your family as the work of rebuilding begins.
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
amen
Beth – you both are in our prayers and we will do what we can to help. It was wonderful to see you and Shawn last weekend at Rory’s. Even the short chat in the busyness of your tent was rejuvenating. Thank you.
It was great to see you, Mark!
You both impressed us so much when we met you a few years ago. We were inspired to start our milking journey. We’ve been praying for your family. May God send angels to attend your every need and walk with you through the valley. Praying to see beauty from the ashes.
Thank you. God is already supplying us with more than we could dream of. We’re so grateful for our loving and supportive friends!
We are so blessed to have y’all! How could we not help!?!
Genesis 50:20
As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.
May God use what the enemy meant for evil for your good.
We are so unbelievably heartbroken for you all. You are an encouragement even amid such tragedy. Thank you for your beautiful example of loving Jesus well. We thought of you and prayed for you as we made butter this week. It was such a joy for our family to stay at your cottage in the woods just a few weeks ago. May you and your family be enveloped and sustained by the abundance provided by the author of the Tree of Life.
Thank you for your prayers — it was such fun to see you a couple of weeks ago. The Pies really enjoyed you as well. When the house is rebuilt, you’ll have to come visit!
My heart stopped for a second when I first heard about the fire…I’m so thankful no one was seriously injured. You both have been such an inspiration to me on my journey to homesteading, and speaking with Beth at the Women’s Retreat last November was a highlight of my year. Praying the rebuild goes smoothly…if you need extra hands, you know we would all show up!
Thank you so much! We may plan a work party at some point, and let you know —
Beth
If you plan a work party, please let us know. We will help out if we can.
Thank you!
Heather Goodman told us about your loss! We are so very sorry and praying for y’all and your rebuild. Thank God you were all OK! God bless you!
Anne Hougham and family
Thank you!
Ditto on the inspiration, praying and extra hands ready~
Did you take down the givesendgo campaign? I cannot find it anymore
It reached its goal and the boys closed it down.
Thank you! The givesendgo reached its goal and was closed down; we hope to rebuild within that budget.
It appears the GiveSendGo campaign is closed. Is there another way we can contribute financially?
Thank you for asking! We shut down the givesendgo when it reached its goal. We hope to manage the rebuild within those limits, and want to leave folks with more liberty to donate to other causes. Bless you!
Count me in if you do a work day!
May God give abundantly all you need and more! From the ashes may beauty and friendship arise.
From our family to yours, we are so sorry for this loss, and pray that the Lord would lift all the heavy burdens and comfort your hearts as you navigate this next season of life together. As sad as it is, I also rejoice, and I am excited for your family, and what God is going to do in and through this! The devil is a liar, and he is defeated! He’s the one that came to steal and kill and destroy… But Jesus! Yes, Jesus! He came to bring abundant life! Thank you, Lord
Plus, God said he is working all things together for your good, because you love him, and you are called according to his purpose! That means he is going to work even this for your good… And his good is beyond what we can imagine! I am praying for you and your family and beyond… Knowing that this will impact so many more people than just you. You have been a powerful source of light and encouragement, in stewarding God‘s creation and teaching homesteading! Thank you!!!! May he continue to use you!
I also wanted to encourage you to have some sort of way for people to continue to donate. Your humility is honorable, yet, if the Lord puts it on someone’s heart to help you, it is a matter of obedience for them… And it would make it easier to find the way to get it to you if there’s a link or mailing address. I know he impressed it upon our hearts to give, but when I went back to the page I originally saw, it was no longer available. My exhortation is to have open arms to whatever the Lord wants to do, and not put limits on him because he may want to do more than what you have planned! His desire… He says, in his word… To do exceeding abundantly, above, all that we can imagine!
You are an inspiration to so many, and we value you all! Praying for your family as you walk through this transition together. May the blessing and refreshing, protection and provision, and continued greater revelation be upon you all! You are loved and valuable… Amazing creations with Powerful Purpose! You are irreplaceable! Praise Jesus!
Hi, Jody,
Thank you so much for your testimony and kind words, and for your generosity. Our family is anxious that we stick to our minimalist cash ethic, and people have been so generous! We are still receiving checks from people who are determined to help us; if you feel really called to do so, you can mail to The Sow’s Ear, 210 Burge Rd., Toronto, Ohio, 43964. Please know how grateful we are for your prayers and good wishes either way. We pray that other folks should be so abundantly blessed. — the Doughertys
So sorry for your loss, God has you in His hands. Your a strong family, and you”ve helped so many. Looking forward to see your new growth.
Thank you! God is good.
My prayers for you all at this time. My home burned last spring, so I am about a year ahead of you in this process. My advice? (Not that you asked, but….) 1. You already know this-let God guide you each step of the way. (I have a tendancy to get ahead of God, go figure) 2. Take time to do the things that will support YOU, refill your gas tank so that you can move thru this very challenging season. Remember, it IS a season and they don’t last forever. 3. Remember daily there are so many people out here praying for your day, your safety, your rebuilding that you will never know about and let that be a balm that helps soothe this wound. 4. Finally, I found that God allowed this fire and then brought incredible blessings thru it- He blessed us and allowed us to be a blessing to many others as we rehomed things we let go of as we entered into a season where we are slowing down (60’s and 70) and have determined to let go of the things we no longer need. Remembering the incredible blessings on a daily basis has been so beneficial for me. Again, my prayers for your strength, obedience, clarity of mind and for the excitement of what God is going to do next! Blessings.