living with intention

In 2019, we crossed paths in the charming town of Grahamstown Makhanda in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. There, a shared affection for nature ignited a dream within us: to live off the land and savor the fruits of our own labor. A few years later, we find ourselves nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Tsitsikamma Mountains along the Garden Route of South Africa.

In 2020, as the world grappled with change, we made a bold decision: to leave behind the ordinary and pursue a life of self-sufficiency.

From that point, we rolled up our sleeves and crafted our reality. We built a home from scratch, repurposed materials for chicken coops, nurtured gardens that grew our food, and embraced the rhythm of living slow and sustainably. Composting toilets and worm farms taught us the beauty of cycles, while a buzzing beehive added its own touch of wonder. What emerged was not just structures, but a living testament to resourcefulness. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we then learned that this was not to be our forever home and we had to move on.

Our journey taught us to value simplicity, the gifts of nature, and the intricate dance of human existence. It led us to a more mindful way of living, caring for animals and coexisting harmoniously with the land. Amid challenges, we found resilience, and together, we discovered the strength of unity.

In July of 2022, we embarked on an epic 45 day bicycle journey, rediscovering all that nature has to offer along the Garden Route. A key lesson we’ve learned is that freedom is a state of mind. 

Now, in 2023, we feel unstoppable as we have just moved into a tiny house that we built, almost completely from salvaged materials. This is our spot to put down roots, grow not only our family, but also abundant food gardens, and live the life that we choose.