The preparation to move from the suburbs to a homestead has been a balancing act. Sometimes, it feels like I’m living in two different realities. I envision our future homestead with trees, green-topped mountains, and valleys. Yet, my current reality is looking outside my window and seeing neighbors’ backyards and front yards from every angle.

Two years ago, I maxed out my credit card to purchase a glamping bell tent from Amazon. My husband and I drove three hours to our property and set it up. The tent was spacious, large enough to fit 15 people, and we were excited to create an off-grid getaway.

One often-overlooked aspect of homesteading is first aid. My basic military training in wound care wasn’t enough, so I prioritized learning more. I involved my kids by turning their fear of insects into a learning opportunity. We now know how to identify potential dangers and what to keep in a well-stocked first aid kit.