Harvest Hosts – Christ the Messiah Church – Jacksonville, Fl & Four Arches Farm – Pembroke, GA

We arrived at the church, and David gave us warm greetings.  As we were setting up, the Pastor dropped by to welcome us and wanted to let us know if we needed anything to let him know.  They were genuine when they said they were happy to have us there for the night.  The church had a bible garden and our spot for the night was under the oak trees.

The next stop was at the farm.  Our stay for the next two nights was under mighty old oaks with Spanish moss dripping from their limbs.  It was very peaceful.  The farm was home to sheep, chickens, pigs, cats, guinea fowls, and alpacas.  We learned some exciting tidbits during our stay.  The first tidbit – chicken eggs are not only brown and white.  They are all colors depending on the type of chicken who laid them.  I bought a dozen eggs laid that morning.  These eggs would keep outside the refrigerator for three weeks as they have a natural coating protecting the eggs.  The host told us if you purchase farm-fresh eggs from the store, they must be kept in the refrigerator because the USDA requires all eggs to be washed before selling, which destroys the natural coating.

Growing up in the city, I am unaccustomed to farm animals, and I don’t happen to be a fan of any animal.   As we toured the farm, we learned about tidbit two – it was advised not to get too close to the alpacas as they tend to spit on you.  At that point, I moved several feet from the fence and let Mitch continue videoing the animals.  However, I will say they produce the softest wool from their hair.

As a final note – Did you know that guinea fowls and chickens eat ticks and bugs?  Not a bad set of birds to have around.  Both were free-roaming, and we were amazed they never left the farm.  But then again, they know where to find their next meal.

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