Austin Texas Day Trips

While many people stood in line with a Black Friday-induced determination to pick up a few deals, the Lui family threw our tent, sleeping bags and cots into the minivan and headed 1 hour north to Elm Mott, Texas. We had a different determination: Eat lots of good food and enjoy the the Homestead Fair while camping with a few friends.

The weather was awesome when we left and I threw up the tent while wearing shorts and a t-shirt. However, by the time we left, the weather was in the 30’s and I had as many smokey campfire-smelling layers of clothes as I could put on. Good thing we also packed our friend, Mr. Buddy, to keep us warm at night.

The Homestead Fair showcases a community who want to preserve the timeless values and sustainability principles that used to be soprevalent in our society. It’s like going back to the “Little House on the Prairie” Days. I’ve never seen so many people take pride in the things they make: Fresh cheeses, handcrafted wrought iron and wooden furniture, pottery, quilts and anything else you can think of…all homemade and done in a way that is sustainable. The thing I like the most is their rain water collection system and gristmill that is powered by a waterfall.

I like the idea of sustainability because it plays an important role in disaster preparation. The one lesson that is easily missed when visiting the Homestead Heritage is that the community of people is what makes sustainability work. All of the delicious organically grown food and items made from Master craftsman are only possible because families come together to serve one another.

We came to camp here with some friends in our small group at church. It’s great that we have a community in our small group and to a larger extent, our church, that will rally around us when a crisis hits. And if a local emergency affects us all, we won’t be surviving alone. What’s more important than being able to live “off the grid” and have storehouses of food and water is a community of people that love and care for you.

Would you be prepared in an emergency? Do you have this type of community in your life?

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47