Isaac French

🏢 In a transformed small-town location, the store "Gathered" showcases global finds from Germany, Wales, South Africa, Sweden, and Argentina. Initially bought for $110,000, the former Kozy Korner diner underwent extensive renovations, revealing timber roof trusses and adding new wood floors and bathrooms. The store reflects a family's passion, with the mom cutting fabric and Grandma Jan weaving. The family did most renovations themselves, making it a vibrant, creative hub.

🏖 In Crawford, Colorado, childhood memories of flying, cherry picking, and camping sparked a dream of aviation. Meanwhile, a little white summer cottage in Maine, 45 minutes from Acadia National Park, became another beloved destination. A memorable flight to Maine involved delays in Dallas and navigating Boston without modern GPS, eventually leading to an unforgettable journey through New England, including Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The cottage later hosted a honeymoon during a vibrant New England autumn.

📖 Over the past year or two, I’ve taught free weekly workshops on building nature hotels, though they may end soon. I’m now writing a book to share both successes and mistakes from these projects. I’m seeking input on what information could assist others in creating beauty in their own lives. Your feedback is invaluable—I’ll read every suggestion.

🍓 From ages 14 to 18, the author participated in farmers' markets in Moscow, Idaho, held weekly from May through October. They sold brie, camembert, and yogurt from their first Jersey cow, Bluebell, and later expanded to Gruyère and Orchard Blue cheese. The author also started ventures with popsicles and homemade sodas. Despite moving to Waco, Texas, 7 years ago, the author fondly remembers these market days, which provided an education in entrepreneurship.

🎤 Five years ago, Live Oak Lake opened after construction hurdles in 2021. Airbnb suspended it but gained popularity on Instagram. Forrest Frank, a musician, rose to fame online, bypassing labels. In December, tickets for his new tour were released. Relocated to Mexico, a giveaway was made, nominating William for tickets, a friend of Zach, who died after a four-year cancer battle diagnosed at age five. William supported Zach throughout his illness.

🚆 In February 2020, a semi-truck transported a 110,000-pound train car, Car 306, over icy roads to its new home in Texas. Originally part of a railroad dismantled in the 1950s, it was purchased for $3,000. The challenging move required two years to organize and included a bulldozer assisting the truck. Once used for grain storage, Car 306's journey symbolizes a new chapter, nestled at the property’s hillside edge.

📄 Thursday afternoon, a visit to the U.S. Consulate General in Juarez revealed a lengthy, arduous process for many seeking citizenship. Thousands waited, with families holding hopes and documents. By Friday morning, an hour and a half later, Benjamin's citizenship was confirmed, contrasting with multiyear waits for others. Preparation and prior experience helped avoid complications experienced by others, like a family who faced DNA tests and jail earlier this year. This journey emphasizes the stark contrasts in immigration experiences.

🎶 On a recent Saturday, a group of around 40 people, including Helen, visited local nursing and disability homes for a singing mission with Josh & Jessie. Despite being two weeks from her due date, Helen energetically led the choir, managing her roles as a mother and church worship leader. This activity, reminiscent of past missions in Texas, aims to uplift both residents and participants, and many faces brightened during the event.

📖 A family dinner in Chihuahua revealed a touching story: A couple, having lost two of their three children, adopted two girls from traumatic backgrounds. One girl was isolated for six years, the other exposed to horror films from infancy. Over time, through love, prayer, stories, and music lessons, the girls began to heal. The parents attribute this change to divine intervention and consistent nurturing, illustrating the transformative power of love and small acts.

🏠 Saturday evening, after two days on the road, we arrived at a concrete house a few miles north of Cuauhtémoc, Mexico. It was our first move since our honeymoon, six years ago. Our friends renovated the house, moved our gifts and furniture, and set it up with a “Welcome Home!” sign. David and Lisa left flowers and a candle on the table. We settled in with our two boys, reflecting on the journey and changes.