Home Sweet Home Down Under

I don’t believe it when I say I’m halfway through my time in Australia… 

For some midway rest, relaxation, and home comfort, my study abroad program IFSA organizes “Country Life Weekend.” We traveled a few hours west of Sydney to Bathurst, New South Wales, to stay with kind, doting families in the countryside.

Four other girls and I stayed with Bill and Lee Lawson of Bald Hill Farm. 

Bill raises cattle. I appreciated his philosophy that even though they are destined for the butcher, it’s important to provide the best life possible for his cows. Not only is it important ethically, but Bill believes it makes for better meat as well.

We also got to meet the Bald Hill sheep. Bill bought the sheep as a gift to his wife Lee a few years ago, and hearing the story made our hearts melt. I thought it was also interesting to consider how gifts vary based on lifestyles. Whereas people living in Sydney would have no space or use for sheep, Bill and Lee make money off of their herd, and Lee is reminded of Bill’s love every time she looks out at the paddock (Aussie for pasture). 

We learned that Bill and Lee were losing sheep to fox attacks, so they bought two alpacas to protect them! Despite shying away from humans, they attack intruding foxes and have saved many sheep!

Bill and Lee also have an Australian kelpie named Larry, which is short for Larrikin (Aussie for hoodlum or goofball). He’s apparently poor at sheep herding, but he was magnificent at receiving attention from humans!

We also visited another farm that raises sheep. The night before, a little lamb had been born! 

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At the close of the weekend, my cup was full – from time with animals, from delicious, homemade food, and from meeting wonderful people. I am struck by the kindness of the “Country Life Weekend” host families, who take home strangers to care for. They taught us about life on the Australian countryside and embodied the very meaning of generosity.