After returning to the United States, I began to feel a stirring to a new season within my calling. The call was to help care for those working overseas in a missionary capacity and to give towards organizations that do work with children.
For those reasons, Cacti Rebel was born (actually it was born with no name and went through a few but you get the idea). It's all about giving back. Its so easy to say "I want to help with this" or "I want to give to that" but it's not often we do something about it.
This company is 100% about the doing. A portion of all our profits are going to organizations we have relationships and know the work they are doing first hand. This for us is the heart and soul. It's not conventional. But it's the right thing for us.
There is more coming! So much is stirring in my heart! But for today, I will just share this part. Stay tuned because the time will come to share more!
So every time you shop, every sticker, print and card, it gives back!
]]>This organization, while doing good, had some major hiccups within its internal operations. It was really a volunteer role that I had (not a paid one) and the desire of the leadership was that I was out 3-4 nights a week doing these different projects. They were very short staffed, so everyone was overworked.
First of all, let me say, I love helping people. So I loved the work I was doing. But I had 2 small children at home and being gone 3-4 nights a week was not what I wanted. I really enjoyed being a stay at home mom. (I know this is not everyone's dream, but it has always been mine). I didn't mind 1 night out doing this volunteer work and I didn't mind doing things I could help with from home. But being with my boys was what mattered most to me. It was were I felt I belonged. Where I was called first. (This was before my daughter was born).
After several months of almost feeling like this organization was owning me, I took a stand. That stand lead to some confrontations, me being called "ornery", and eventually we walked away from that work.
But it taught me some very important things - for me family is number 1. My time with my kids while they are growing up is paramount. Because it is not going to last forever. Number 2, it taught me, I can get feisty when I need to and I am ok with that.
You see, I used to be this girl who always tried to please everyone. I didn't want to ruffle feathers. But this was the breaking point where much of that would begin to change.
Now many years later I look back and I am not the girl I once was. I am bolder, stronger, and anchored in what is right for me and my family. I know who I am. And I don't care who doesn't like it.
What about you? Are you living life on your own terms? That's what I had to find a way to do. I took a lot of risks, and probably a path others would disagree with. But in the words of the Chris Stapleton song, "I love my life, its something to see, its the kids, and the dog and you and me..." I love the path this has led me on and I love who I am. I wish the same for you!
]]>I have been reading Janette Oke books since I was a pre-teen and I still love them to this day. I am also an avid fan of the TV series, inspired by the books. So, when I heard that a musical had been written I knew I had to go see it.
]]>Now you might be wondering what took me to this town, you have probably have never heard of in the middle of Indiana? Well this place pictured right here!
This is the Round Barn Theater which is part of the Barns of Nappanee. This very special theatre, is responsible for producing the original musical "When Calls the Heart", based on the books by Janette Oke.
I have been reading Janette Oke books since I was a pre-teen and I still love them to this day. I am also an avid fan of the TV series, inspired by the books. So, when I heard that a musical had been written I knew I had to go see it.
(This picture was taken with permission from Christy Stutzman -owner, for advertising purposes only. Taking photos or videos during live performances is not allowed without prior permission.)
Before, I go any further into this trip, let me say - the musical - it blew me away. This theatre produced a Broadway quality show. I was astounded by the quality, the acting, the music, everything. It was top notch and I full recommend it for any performance. (And just as a side note, they are bringing When Calls the Heart back in late May through part of June!)
In case you are wondering - it is based on the first book in the Canadian West series, also titled When Calls the Heart.
This is inside the theatre. It really is an old barn that was moved to the property many years ago, restored and then turned into a theatre. It is a beautiful place and the acoustics are great.
For my trip, I signed up for a VIP weekend for fans of the TV show. This included some wonderful extras, that again, I recommend. (And just in case you are wondering, this post isn't sponsored, this is just my opinion.) This photo above is from a meet and great. We had the privilege to do a meet and great with the cast and crew. We also had a Q&A session with some of the writers, including producer Brian Bird from the Hallmark hit TV series and owner and writer of the musical score for When Calls the Heart the musical, Christy Stutzman.
Next we had a backstage tour, seeing the dressing rooms, makeup areas, and learned all about costuming. It was very interesting to learn all that goes into making this come alive. One of the parts I found fascinating was, how the costume person found, modified and created the costumes for a production like this.
If you wish to purchase a print of any of these photos, they are available here:
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/13-sarah-elliott
The grounds of this property are gorgeous. Maybe that's because of living in the desert and not seeing grass everywhere! lol
The days we were there we mostly amazing weather (although there was a crazy snow on Mother's Day!) The sky, the grass and the barns were just stunning.
This building holds a great restaurant. A wide selection is offered and the food is very good. The other part of the red building offers locations for classes, special events, and private parties.
No visit to the Barns at Nappanee would be complete without running into one of their local peacocks. At that time of my visit they had 2. And if I remember right, one of them is named Kevin.
The Barns of Nappanee used to be called Amish Acres. If you are not familiar with the Amish life, there are fantastic tours here. I took the house tour, which goes through one of the original Amish houses on the property and shares what everyday life is like for Amish in that area.
I also took the buggy tour, and the wagon tour - which includes a stop at the school. Amish school life was also very interesting.
Who can resist a stop and small the flowers kind of picture? Not me!
The property also houses an Artesian shop full of locally made items. I grabbed some cute earrings for my mom, and hand sewn purse for my daughter.
And of course you need to stop at the ice cream, chocolate and coffee shop. For our weekend the chocolatier made chocolates in the form of a Mountie shirt. They also offered a class where you could learn more about chocolate making.
This is inside the tea and coffee side. I made a couple of stops here. It was delicious!
On our very last night, the rain and snow cleared and I caught these beautiful sunset shots. The white house in front is a small Amish home that is part of the tour, and the larger one in back is also. One of our buggy drivers had family members born in that larger one.
This trip was pretty memorable. I enjoyed it with friends, but it's also perfect for family. The musical is great for all ages, and of course anyone who is a fan of the TV show or the books.
As you plan your summer travels, think of Nappanee, and make a fun little stop for the weekend. You'll be glad you did!
You can find more information about the musical, other shows and everything offered at the Barns of Nappanee through these websites:
https://thebarnsatnappanee.com/
https://www.roundbarntheatre.com/
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It’s been a while since I have updated the blog part of this website. Truthfully, I plan to update at least weekly, but the past couple of months have just been transition. And with that, I have just given myself time to go through that transition.
I mourned leaving the church I worked for, the children, the volunteers in the kid’s ministry, and the staff. Even when you know God is leading you to do something, it doesn’t make it easy to say farewell.
It’s been a strange time to transition, with not being able to say goodbye, without being able to go into many places, and having to change our plans at least a dozen times. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad.
We are happy. We love our little home. This is the first home; Jeremy and I have ever owned. We never knew how long we were going to be somewhere so buying just never seemed right. Until now, when we purchased this one. We love owning it and being able to make changes as we want. It is such a blessing.
For today I will share some pictures from last spring. I took the kids to Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud Minnesota for an afternoon. It is a free garden, with lots of flowers, and paths to walk and it sits on the banks of the Mississippi river.
I seek out free things to do as a family. Oh sure we pay for some things that we do, but I like to find things that are free. Family fun & homeschooling is doable on a budget; you just have to be creative!
And with that here are some pictures from Munsinger Gardens. Enjoy!
I invite you to sign up for our email list. We won't bug you, but we will keep you up to date! Link to sign up is at the bottom of our home page. Thanks!
***I have changed the name of my photography to match my online store. So you will start seeing "Dandelion Inspired Photography" instead of "Sarah Elliott Photography". However, on some pictures where I already have the older water mark in place, I will most likely leave it. It takes so much time to update every photo. Just wanted to share in case you wandered!
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