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Mary J. Yerkes

Mary J. Yerkes

Writer | Spiritual Director | Leadership Coach

Farm Life

Farm Life

In the summer of 2019, I moved from the Washington, D.C. metro area to an 9.5-acre hobby farm in Sanford, North Carolina. The move from a fast-paced, achievement-oriented culture to a quiet country setting was good for my body and soul. 

As a young girl, I remember sitting at my father’s knee, talking about the farm we would one day have. That dream never came to fruition for my father, but I am blessed to be living the dream we had spoken about for decades.

During those conversations with my father and the walks we took through the woods near his childhood home, I learned to skip a stone across a creek and drink water from a mountain stream. I fell in love with the beauty and simplicity of country living.

Today, I spend most days writing at my desk and working with clients. I take frequent breaks throughout to day to romp with the collies and tend to the flock of chickens and miniature donkeys up at the barnyard. Evenings are often spent reading or in conversations with friends over shared meals. Life is abundant.

Country life has also facilitated physical and emotional healing in my life. Diagnosed with a neurological gait and movement disorder several years ago, I have found walking the property has strengthened my legs and balance, allowing me to walk with minimal support and do more than I have in years. The beauty of God’s creation, the deep relationships, and interacting with the farm animals daily has also healed deep wounds from my past. 

Spiritually, I have grown as well, as I have come to experience God in the ordinary. The setting invites reflective living and fosters community in ways that are especially meaningful in this season of life, and I am deeply grateful. 

Thank you for joining me on the journey.

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Kitchen buffet... Kitchen buffet...
A great find in Charlotte. A great find in Charlotte.
Waiting for the lavender wreath for the tobacco ba Waiting for the lavender wreath for the tobacco basket. Welcome to the South!
Refreshing the farmhouse with a few new pieces. Th Refreshing the farmhouse with a few new pieces. This is the renewed entryway.
Instagram post 18119546485172413 Instagram post 18119546485172413
Mary J. Yerkes

Copyright © 2021 · Mary J. Yerkes • Photos of Mary by Collie Expressions and Divzi Media • Site by Design by Insight

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