Scott is originally from Cadillac Michigan and was living and farming in Tennessee at “Bountiful Blessing Farm” as an intern for 9 months before coming to intern with us in South Dakota. After his experience in TN he felt he wanted to glean farming techniques from another farm before venturing out to start something of his own. With his previous experience interning in TN we count it a great blessing to have him with us this year!
Sam is originally from SE Texas and found out about us through his good friends in Rapid City who are loyal CSA members on our farm. Sam plans to go to seminary school in Toronto Canada after the farming season is over and hopes to start a farm of his own someday. We are excited to see how God is growing him in his knowledge of agriculture and know that he will be using it to help nourish many people in the future.
Rob, Mindy, Brody & Jovie Barr
Farm Intern (2011)
The Barr family came to us from sunny California. They have been such a blessing on our farm this year. Brody and Jovie are a joy to be around and love to play on the farm. Remember the Dealy family that interned with us last year? They have started a farm, “Healing Foods Farm,” and we have a hunch that the Barr family will be the next interns to start a farm of their own. We know that they will be doing great things with what God is teaching them here this year..praise the Lord!
Farm Cat
Bandit is our cat and he loves to play in the garden..chasing mice and hiding in the tall weeds.
Our precious Bandit was attacked on the evening of 6/7/11 by, what seems to have been, a Mountain Lion or a Coyote. This cat was truly the most unique cat we have ever met. He appeared on porch last year and never left. We found his parents, brought him back and the next day he appeared on our porch again…he adopted us as parents rather than us adopting him.
Bandit Wading in the Water Following Michelle
He walked with us wherever we went, he would walk into water to be by our sides, he loved to drive in cars and he loved everyone he met. I believe he was a missionary…because he brought love and happiness to every one that he met. I am so thankful that the Lord allowed Larry and I to be his parents for the past year.
Bandit in the Cabbage
We will always remember all the fun memories of our precious Bandit and know that, according to Romas 8:21, we will be with him again….praise the Lord….Hallelujah!
Larry Lesher
Farmer (2009)
Larry is in charge of Battle Creek Gardens, and is working hard to supply the
kitchen at BHHEC , local restaurants and markets with naturally grown
produce. Larry came to BHHEC from Seattle where he was part owner of
Local Roots and before that he was an intern at Natures Last Stand. Any
guests or neighbors who would like to visit the farm are more than welcome,
Larry is happy to have folks out to the farm to learn about God’s second
book – nature – and how we can grow closer to Him in the garden.
Michelle Lesher
Farmer’s Wife and RD, RN at BHHEC (2009)
Michelle initially trained as a registered nurse but her interest in food and
nutrition led her to further her education, gaining a Master’s of Science in
Nutrition (MSN) from Bastyr University in Seattle. While completing her
internship at Bastyr University she had the opportunity to spend two weeks
observing at BHHEC. Several months later she and her husband Larry moved
to the Black Hills. Michelle works primarily as the dietitian at BHHEC
counseling the wellness guest one-on-one and lectures on food and
nutrition. Michelle also loves new recipes and will be involved in each
newsletter including nutritional content of foods that are grown on the
farm along with new recipes. Michelle is out on the farm any chance she
gets and hopes to tend a farm stand on Sundays from 10:00-12:00 noon at
Battle Creek Gardens.
Matthew Dealy
Farm Intern and Tool Re-inventor (2010)
Matthew was born and raised in Washington state. He has been self-employed for most of his professional career, working in the construction industry. He has built several houses, completing each stage of the process himself and even had a business manufacturing stone veneer. His newfound passion is in the health field, however. His learning focuses on achieving optimal health through diet and lifestyle. Matthew headed up a garden ministry at his church in 2009 gardening 1/2 acre and teaching others about gardening while sharing fresh, chemical-free produce. Matthew is a hard worker and often re-invents new tools or techniques to get a job done easier or faster.
Kris
Farm Intern, Indian Nomad and Farming Enthusiast (2010)
Deidre Dealy
Matthew’s wife and Farm Volunteer (2010)
Deidre has been married to Matthew for 7 years and shares his passion for healthy living. She is Matthew’s right-hand woman, helping him in many of his construction and ministry projects. They have two children, Josiah (2 yrs) and Hadassah (-1 yr), who love to help in the garden as well. Deidre is currently taking a sabbatical from school where she is earning her degree in nursing. Having two children makes it difficult for her to farm, so she finds other ways to contribute, like updating the blog and putting together newsletters for the CSA boxes each week.
Danielle Harrison
Farm Volunteer (2010)
Leaving her home in Washington state, Danielle is spending the summer in South Dakota to volunteer at Battle Creek Gardens. In her search for health she has found an enthusiasm in learning about natural healing of all kinds. She strives to live a healthy lifestyle and hopes to incorporate all that she learns at our farm and BHHEC when she returns home.
Oliver
Farm Volunteer (2010)
Oliver has come to us from the East Coast. He will be here for a few months helping us with the farm.
Jedidiah
Farm Volunteer (2010)
Jedidiah (Jed) is a local youth who regularly shows up at the farm to help us with whatever task we may be working on at the time. We are very grateful for all of his help!
Dave and Lisa
Farm Volunteers (2010)
Dave and Lisa are from the south. They are spending a month volunteering at Balltle Creek Gardens. They have a love for gardening and, most years, have quite a garden of their own back home. They are a couple of work horses and we are blessed that they have joined our team.
Jordan & His New Friend….Kale!
Jordan
Farm Intern (2010)
Jordan just finished nursing school in Nebraska. He grew up in Rapid city and came home this summer to study for this nursing exam. He stared out as a volunteer on the farm and was asked to be an intern at the end of April after Kris left. When Jordan stared farming he had never eaten a beet before, now he is a connoisseur of fine foods.
So, where is my profile!
Really? I guess we could do that.