Hello farm friend,
We wanted to share a meaningful life update with you — because if you’re here, following along with our farm journey, you’re part of this story too.
After 15 years as a lead software engineer at the Regenstrief Institute, Chris recently learned that the government grant funding supporting his team will not be renewed & his position ends at the end of March. While the timing was sooner than we would have preferred, it wasn’t entirely unexpected and we’re choosing to see this moment not as a setback, but as a turning point.
At the same time, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s this past year. We’ve quietly sensed that it was getting close to time to move in with her to provide more hands-on support. It now feels clear that the time is here.
So we are packing up our home and moving to my mom’s house on Lake Woodland in Carmel. This allows us to walk closely with her through this season, simplify expenses, and give Chris space to discern what’s next professionally.
And alongside that… we’re leaning more fully into the farm.
Leaning Into the Land
What began as a dream is becoming our daily work.
We are expanding our organic market garden on my mom’s 111 acre farm in Columbus, Indiana – growing nutrient-dense, chemical-free produce with care and intention. The food will be grown there and transported locally so our Carmel/Fishers/Westfield/Indy community can enjoy it.
This shift gives us more time on the land. More time building soil. More time planting seeds – both literal and figurative.
And by the end of this year, we plan to open a few small rentable cabins on the farm. A place where guests can:
• Walk prairie and woodland trails
• Sit quietly by the pond
• Garden
• Rest
• Reconnect with nature
It’s a new chapter rooted in family, land stewardship, good food, and meaningful community.
A House Full of Memories
We are incredibly grateful for the neighborhood where we’ve raised our children, Alex and Anna. It has been a sweet season of life. We are currently 80% moved out, the painters start Monday (Feb 16th), and our home will be listed in the next couple of weeks.
Transitions are rarely simple – but we feel steady. There is peace here. And there is purpose.
Stay Connected
If you’re seeing this, you’ve probably already signed up, but if not & you’d like to follow our journey, purchase organic produce this season, or be the first to know when our nature cabins open, we’d love to stay in touch.
You can sign up for updates on the home page here:
FindTrails.com
Thank you for being part of this story. Whether you’ve cheered us on from near or far, prayed for us, bought produce, or simply believed in this dream – it means more than you know.
With love and gratitude,
Jenni & Chris Beesley
The Snow Garden/ Farm view from Northeast corner/ entrance to the farm
