Ashley Dawson

It seems to me the one in your initial post is proving effective, at least for revealing some of how people think . Otherwise, maybe something about values (eg. What are some things you value most?
(Their why will likely follow, but in case not, some follow up could ask how they came to develop that particular value, or what experiences may have helped shape it).
Happy asking and learning!

I'm convinced God made dogs for humans. And I am grateful.


Hello and blessings, BJ!

I hope you and your pup are well and enjoying the latest season of life. Dogs truly are a gift ~  it is such a joy to behold their reflections of loyalty, enthusiasm, and unrestrained affection ☺️.

My name is Ashley and coming across your post has been an encouragement - it is nice to see others out here with similar values, interests, and hopes for this life! Also appreciate your gracious speech and grateful heart in these comments.

It is possible our Good Señor may have set you up with someone wonderful over the past few months, but in case you’re still on the lookout, I wanted to reach out .

A little about me in case that’s helpful:

• I am 37, from Ohio, and currently in New Mexico
(but for just a bit longer)
• Love God / Jesus / Holy Spirit and the adventure of life with / in them!
• Spent the last few years in Florida learning and working domestically with a Tropical Agriculture Development organization
• Biggest hopes for life currently include being simply present and available to those around me, growing in knowing the Lord more, and digging deeper into His Word. Also holding out hope for a place where I can care for. garden and maybe even a few sheep (and perhaps even a couple donkeys someday!) I was blessed to spend the summer in Italy and Cyprus where I developed an interest in sheep dairy, and think it’d be cool to do have the tiniest little flock to care for (and learn from with regard to how the Lord sees us!) Of course I think it would be pretty cool to be able to experience the amazing dynamic of a special fella in all this mix, but it’s all up the Lord 🙂.

Hopefully this helps form a little picture! Starting a conversation this way feels like a bit of pressure, so for now want to say if you’re interested to talk further I’d be happy to begin a friendly, expectation-free connection and see what comes of it .

All the best as you remember the sweet mercies of the past year and head into all the new ones!

Joy and peace,
Ashley

Oh my golly, Anne — only just seeing your ‘woolfing’ quip! What a delight ☺️!

Anne Miller wrote:Maybe it would be good to look into Woolfing as there is always a variety of opportunities:

https://permies.com/wiki/213640/wwoofing/experiences/WWOOF-USA

Hi there Anne,

Ah, thank you very much for this suggestion! As it happens, I am presently wwoofing! While my itinerary here in Cyprus has kept me busy with olives, I have thoroughly enjoyed the area’s sheep’s milk yogurt and find the desire to add this commodity to my someday-learning-lineup .

In the past I had done a quick search for some fiber-focused farms and maybe became a little discouraged about finding my ideal specifications in the areas i was investigating— but perhaps that only means I ought to expand the location range a little more widely and see where the possibilities lead!

Thanks for putting this back on my radar 😊!

(Check out this billboard that brightened the drive a couple days ago; it felt timely!)

Riona Abhainn wrote:I know some people who run a guest house for missionaries and others doing ministry work who need a break in OR in the Cascades, its called Sanctuary Inn, I don't think they have any permaculture or farm projects going ... yet, but maybe that is a direction they might be curious about?  Feel encouraged to google them and see if there is commonality there.

Hi, Riona!

Thank you very much for sharing; unsure how I managed to miss replying to this much sooner but really appreciate the insight . It sounds like they would be good people to connect with to better understand the logistical dynamics of offering such a space. Thank you again and best to you 🌱☺️.

Hello, all!

I figured this might be a good place to tuck in this little seed of a dream ~

someday I think it would be nice to create a peaceful space to offer to others to freely enjoy for a season of rest. Maybe missionaries needing respite, or others who we might hear through the grapevine could use a little time away but might not be able to finance it for themselves.

This is still the tiniest seed as I’m a single 36 yr old gal still paying off my student loan and not particularly geared toward or motivated by anything entrepreneurial. I’m unsure where the place would be or how I’d eventually find myself there, but in the meantime figure it’d be nice to learn some things about operating a little guest house and/or raising sheep (mostly for my own education and relational growth with the Lord as I learn more about His being our Good Shepherd - but I have a hard time with the thought of raising them for meat // think I might get attached, so learning wool processes seems like a practical undertaking if I’m going to enjoy their company). I’d also love a life situation with at least one resident donkey.

Curious if anyone knows of places like this which could use the help in their day-to-day, from whom I could learn by participation? I currently work full time coordinating volunteers and hospitality for a nonprofit group in SW Florida, but am happy to be anywhere and to pursue a transition as the wind might blow.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this, and best as you continue in all your efforts toward making your corners of the earth the kind of places you’d like to see in this world.

Gratefully,
Ashley

By the way!
I also interned for a year in tropical agricultural development (primarily for small scale farmers) and worked for a year in the propagation department of the ag nonprofit which I currently support. I also have a deep interest in other cultures and well-developed cultural sensitivity and lots of administrative experience. I love office work . And gardening and the thought of growing all my own beans 🫘! Thanks again for coming this way and I hope many blessings to all of you 🙏🌸!

Hi, lovely people!

My name is Ashley and I don’t really have permie street cred but I like living in a way the grows intimacy with the Lord and the community where He places me, and think it could be so interesting to have a partner in this adventure!

If you’re someone who aims to keep Jesus first, loves to learn from His Word and are also navigating the ‘burden’ of wanting space but feeling the pull to be close enough to shine light into others ‘ lives, let’s talk!

Ps - 36, never married, no kiddos

Hello, Katie! I came across your post a while back and it looks like you’ve got some good leads ☺️ ~ but in case you’re still looking, my Dad shared this video with me yesterday and I thought you might appreciate this fellow as well .



It’s great watch for anyone looking to homestead, but he does mention his hope to find a good lady to share everything with 🙂.