From Dream to Homestead: Our Journey in Panama
When James and I moved to Panama in 2014, we were searching for more than just a new home—we were searching for a new way of life. Panama drew us in with its long-standing political stability, use of the US dollar, and the vibrant mix of modern amenities in Panama City alongside countryside landscapes rich in culture and natural beauty.
For James, the dream was simple: build a home near a world-class surf beach. For me, it was about rolling up my sleeves, getting my hands in the soil, and living the values of sustainability I had been teaching for years. After seasons of working, traveling, and saving, we were ready to stop dreaming and start doing.
Planting the First Seeds
Our vision began humbly—with a craving for fresh salad. We planted a small garden, never imagining how far that single step would take us. Homesteading has its own magnetic pull: once you realize you can do something you never thought possible, you keep pushing your limits.
What started as a garden in a degraded cattle pasture has, over the past eleven years, grown into our own Garden of Eden. We’ve regenerated the land, planted trees, and built healthy soil. Today, nearly 90% of what we eat comes directly from our farm: aged cheeses, charcuterie, beef, tropical fruit wines, fermented foods, and an endless variety of vegetables and fruits. We raise ducks, pigs, dairy goats, and cattle, weaving together an abundance that sustains not just our table but our lives.
A Family Rooted in the Land
Perhaps the greatest joy is sharing this way of life with our two children. Their days are filled with curiosity and wonder—whether it’s cuddling baby goats, helping make sauerkraut, or harvesting fruit from the orchard. On our farm, learning feels like play.
Food and life here are inseparable. Growing food nourishes our spirits just as much as eating it nourishes our bodies. Every bite carries the flavor of living soil, careful tending, and deep connection.
Lessons Along the Way
Looking back, there are things I wish I had known when we began. My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting their own homestead is this: invest in quality, both in tools and in expertise. Having a good plan can save you from costly mistakes and exhausting trial-and-error. While your vision will evolve, a well-thought-out plan gives you a foundation to grow from with confidence.
What began as a search for stability and a fresh start has turned into a regenerative journey of abundance, resilience, and joy. For us, Panama has not only become home—it has become the fertile ground where our dreams continue to take root and flourish.
“Food and life here are inseparable. Growing food nourishes our spirits just as much as eating it nourishes our bodies.”
