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100 %
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11 Apr 2024
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Details
Description
For our international guest please note: This is a cultural exchange with emphasis on learning. This is by no means a work program or paid position!
We live on a small farm located on 23 acres in central Texas. We have goats, chickens, ducks and rabbits. Our horse is being leased by a trainer in another town so he will not be here.
This is basically a cultural exchange with emphasis on learning. Some of this things you will learn about include gardening/weeding, milking goats (depending on season), doctoring animals, fence repair, moving goats from pasture to pasture, grooming animals, cooking and preparing meals. From time to time we might teach you skills such as painting a structure or barn. Animal feeding/care is done twice per day (morning/evening) most days we have a lot of free time depending on what projects we have that week but it doesn't take long - 30 minutes maximum.
We love to share our Texas culture and will try to provide authentic Texas style experiences while you are here such as rodeos and horse related events, music venues and other cool stuff. We will also include you in events, rodeos, restaurants, etc. so the only money you will be spending is for your own souvenirs, alcohol, special or junk food and anything you want to buy for yourself. Most people never spend any money while they are here learning.
We are also looking for a short term candidate who can house/farm sit during short vacation trips.
There are snakes/spiders/bugs all around us. Not to be afraid of but to respect. They will not harm you if you don't harm them and stay out of their way. There is also a lot of animal manure/poop. Occasionally animals get sick and die or we have to humanely put them out of their misery. We also use our rabbits for meat. If you are squeamish about any of these you probably aren't going to fit well with us.
If you'd like to come and share our culture, we can accommodate up to 2 individuals at a time either singles or a couple. Housing is a small travel trailer with plumbing, A/C, heat and electric (and an awesomely comfortable queen size bed as most everyone says!). One evening meal with our family will be provided and you will be responsible to prepare breakfasts and lunches either with food provided in the RV or you are welcome to come in our house to prepare what you want to eat. We do provide all food for meals so you will not have that expense other than if you have special dietary needs or want to buy your own junk food as we do not eat that way. People with food allergies/special diets (veggie, vegan, lactose intolerant, paleo, all-organic/all-natural, etc) are welcome as long as you supply your own specialty foods if unable to eat what is prepared.
We only speak English and you would need your own transportation to get to Texas but we can pick you up at the bus station or airport in Dallas. No children or pets.
Hope to see you soon!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Get a true Texas experience - we'll try to show you the best of Texas and the people who call this piece of heaven "home".
Help
NOTE! If you are fearful of COVID-19, you probably aren't going to fit in well here. We do not do not do social distancing or mask wearing or vaccinations.
Our guests would be expected to help with all aspects of the farm and maintenance/up keep so you might learn from it. This might include helping with cooking and preparing meals, harvesting vegetables and weeding gardens. I also need things done in my house from time to time such as cleaning, sweeping, painting. Feeding is done twice per day (morning/evening chores, feeding animals which takes about 20-30 minutes) most days have a lot of free time depending on what projects we have that week. I usually ask that you complete one chore or project per day. This can take anywhere from 30 min to 4 or 5 hours (rare).
I expect my guests to behave as adults and as good guests. I’m not cheap– but frugal. I ask that helpers not be wasteful (or destructive) of our resources–food, supplies, power, water, tools, belongings.
We get many requests from volunteers each month and due to limited space, I can only accommodate a few. All requests are first come, first serve. When I accept someone, another is turned down. Please be mindful of this as last minute cancellations and/or no shows impact many.
All Visitors must carry some form of medical insurance for the length of your stay with us. (If you currently do not have any medical insurance, may we suggest worldnomads website).
Upon arrival, we will go through a brief registration process. You will provide me with copies of ID, passport etc. A Release of Liability will be signed by visitors upon arrival to property.
When it comes to power, gas, and water, please be mindful that it’s expensive!!! When you leave your room, turn off the lights/fans. Keep your shower to a few minutes–one shower per day. Do not waste household supplies (cleaners, detergent, tissue, etc). It helps us out financially. When you come into the house please remove your shoes. If your shoes are muddy, remove them outside.
You will keep your sleeping area clean, your personal things put away at all times, and the bathroom sanitary. Bed linens, Towels will be provided; along with hats, gloves and work clothes if needed. You will clean any areas that you cause to be disorganized or soiled.
We appreciate any input on better ways to do things here. We are still learning too. Ultimately though, we will have to make the final decision on what is best for our home, animals, and land.
If you like to sleep late, lay around watching videos/TV/chatting or texting on your phone and are the lazy type, you are not going to fit in well here so please don't apply.
We are up early every morning with the sun, energetic and active people and expect our guests to be the same!
The more you interact with and help us, the more inclined we will be to show you a good time! Lay around unmotivated, you will not inspire us to want to entertain you. It's just that simple!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Housing is a small travel trailer with plumbing, A/C, heat and electric with a super comfortable queen sized bed!. We only speak English and you would need your own transportation if you want to drive places but we do have bicycles you can use to go around town. No children or pets. Home made evening meals included and/or groceries provided for helpers to make their own meals. You will prepare your own breakfast and lunch each day with groceries we provide so you won't have any food expenses unless you want to buy your own food.
What else ...
We are 45 min from downtown Dallas, Texas and 1 hour 30 minutes from Ft. Worth. We can pick you up at either Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) airport or Dallas Love Field airport (DAL) or the bus station in Dallas.
Our town is small but we do have some historical areas to see and things to do. If we go out we will take volunteers with us to music venues or other events such as rodeos and horse related events for entertainment. We try to make you feel as if you are part of our family and we would love to share our country/Texas culture with outsiders and hope to gain insight to other's culture as well!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, maximum 25 hours a week
Feedback (35)
Betina's home is a true haven in the heart of… read more
While they were here, they helped us around the farm and completed any projects we discussed quickly and efficiently and never needed much direction. I think they were the fastest learners I ever had… read more
the two picked us up from the airport and received us warmly.
One of our daily tasks was to feed the animals at the house and the goats a few streets further (morning and evening) which was always done very quickly. one of our favorite tasks was to go for a… read more
This cultural exchange was more than I could have hoped for.
Daniel was probably the most enthusiastic helper I've ever had the pleasure of hosting. He never stopped being helpful.
His personality is fun, optimistic and he always has a smile on his face.
I truly enjoyed his visit and he helped us out A LOT.
His talents include but are not… read more
Feedback
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Betina's home is a true haven in the heart of… read more
While they were here, they helped us around the farm and completed any projects we discussed quickly and efficiently and never needed much direction. I think they were the fastest learners I ever had… read more
the two picked us up from the airport and received us warmly.
One of our daily tasks was to feed the animals at the house and the goats a few streets further (morning and evening) which was always done very quickly. one of our favorite tasks was to go for a… read more
This cultural exchange was more than I could have hoped for.
Daniel was probably the most enthusiastic helper I've ever had the pleasure of hosting. He never stopped being helpful.
His personality is fun, optimistic and he always has a smile on his face.
I truly enjoyed his visit and he helped us out A LOT.
His talents include but are not… read more
He is tons of fun and a good conversationalist. While he was here he cut a lot of wood, drove the tractor, cared for the animals and helped around the farm. It was really cold during one week of his stay and everything froze. He came through like a trooper, bundled up and broke… read more
STELLAR is the perfect word for how I would describe Jade and James. I felt an instant connection and good vibes from them the minute we met.
They stayed with us for about a month but it wasn't nearly long enough.
Both have eternally cheerful attitudes and are willing to help with anything. Jade… read more
They'll try their best to let you discover the surroundings and the texan culture. They're super nice and easygoing that is impossible not to like them. You'll be… read more
They are so friendly and willing to do just about anything asked of them. We had lots of fun with them playing games and also had nice conversations learning about them and their… read more
Tony and Zuzi spent almost 3 months with us and saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've had to do.
Super helpful and always willing to take on any task asked of them, they are also self starters. You will never have to ask them to do something twice.
Their energy and positive attitude is infectious. Super fun and always happy,… read more
We loved having him stay with us and can highly recommend him!
Namaste Will!
She's an early riser, well centered and focused.
Veronika takes on any task with a good attitude and willfulness to help and get the job done.
We miss her terribly and can't wait for her… read more
She helped us feed animals, paint a house and do just about any little thing we asked of her. She always did it with a willing spirit and… read more
I stayed in a trailer behind the house, which was very spacious, warm, and clean. I had access… read more
Both are energetic, fun-loving and a joy to be around. They are a beautiful couple both outside and inside!
Leigh is always smiling and willing to take on any project. They worked on our tractors, lawn mowers and helped us tidy up a barn and… read more
The thing that struck me most was how easy going and respectful they are.… read more
There is so much to say about this beautiful soul. She is the whole package - beautiful inside and out. Klaudia has the biggest heart and soul you would ever hope to find in a human being and I found a kindred spirit in her! A perfect description of her is "child of the universe" - always an encouraging word and positive vibes, love and… read more
It was my first workaway experience and I stayed for a month and couldn't have asked for… read more
Unfortunately he came on a day when our beloved Australian shepard, Jack passed away. The first thing he did… read more
He is responsible and trustworthy, so much so that we entrusted him to run the whole farm while we went on a mini vacation for 5 days! Not once did I worry while I was gone!
While he was here he was responsible for taking care of the animals - this entailed feeding our goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, dogs and… read more
What can I say? Words cannot describe what you brought not only via helping! to this farm, but also personally what we gained by knowing you.
You came when we really needed you and I feel as if it was a kind of "karma". The universe called out and you stepped in to save the day for us.
I'm still missing your sweet smiling face greeting… read more
Like everybody said you have your daily cores, feed the chickens, the rabbits, the dogs and watch the goats every day, you’re gonna have your responsibility and do so many things that you can’t be annoyed for a minute! They trusted me so much that is… read more
There is so much to say about my experience having her share our lives over one month, it would not fit on this forum!
Elena is exactly as she describes herself on her profile, a happy, cheerful young lady from Northern Italy. Always full of optimism and ready for fun!
When… read more
It was my first Workaway experience and first time staying at a farm and it turned out great. During the stay, I fed cute… read more
He's very easy going and super easy to get along with. Takes everything "in stride" and doesn't sweat it! I'd definitely… read more
She came at a time when I really needed her! I had surgery and could not work on the farm - she took over like a champ and stayed at our home while we were in the hospital - all on 3 days… read more
Tom
I stayed with them the last two weeks and it was an amazing experience.
The main work consisted in feeding the animals and some other easy work.
Normaly after working, Betina cooked for me and it was always a pleasure to eat it ;)
While these two weeks, Betina organised a lot of things and she was… read more
Betina has always found activities to make me discover Texas in addition to going out with family and friends.
I would recommend this family very welcoming and kind. Furthermore if you like animals you will be satisfied. Not a minute… read more
This was my first workaway experience and I couldn't have had better hosts than Betina and Cliff! From the first minute on they welcomed me and threated me as a part of the family. Betina explained… read more
I loved taking care of the animals every morning and there was always a different project going on to get involved in.
The area is peaceful but the city is just next door.
I recommend it 100% to animals lovers.
We enjoyed every minute of your stay here and hope we lived up to your Texas expectations. You are welcome here anytime and I would HIGHLY recommend Amandine to any workaway hosts!
XXOO
My stay with them was extraordinary. It's not just a family, they will become your family for a while. After a difficult start in the USA, they made me fall in love again with american people :)
You will discover a pleasant and nice life in the countryside, with lots of animals and love.… read more
Thank you… read more
I fed the goats, rabbits, dogs, chickens and ducks, milked one goat, bottle fed some young goats and did a lot other works. Betina explained me everything and from the second day I did the daily work on my own but always could… read more
Betina and Cliff are very nice peoples, they took care of me during my stay and always make sure I had all I need. If you have a "farmer spirit" you will enjoy your stay too. They bring me to museums, rodeo events,… read more
