This $1,000 House Will Be a Big Destination
I’ve spent the past nine days in Chihuahua, Mexico, with Helen and my father-in-law on a missions trip. It’s our fifth visit, but the first with both boys in tow.
We left Waco at 5 a.m. last Saturday, driving thirteen hours through mostly sun-scorched desert. As evening fell, we pulled into the driveway of our friend Benny. His modest home sits on a lush, tree-lined lot. A literal oasis — and the only one around.
The boys burst out of the car. Lucas ran joyful laps through the grass after his car-seat captivity, the dry air rustling through the trees overhead, as the golden sun sank low to kiss the horizon.
Peace.
From the patio came the smell of grilled meat, onions, and fresh tortillas. Benny and his family had prepared a taco feast. It was more than dinner — it was a full-hearted welcome. Every detail of that arrival said you belong here.
But what happened next was even better.
After dinner, Benny drove us a few minutes down the road. We pulled into a deserted lot and stopped in front of an old, forgotten farmhouse.
Benny had attended our Homesteading Conference in Texas just weeks earlier, and after hearing my talk on turning farms into thriving destinations, something sparked. He came home, started searching, and days later found this house — about to be demolished.
He offered to take it off the owner’s hands, and $1,000 later, it was his.
Now, he plans to move the century-old house to the back of his property and reconstruct it in a thriving garden which, thanks to a dream he had last year of growing his own food, has already taken off.
One afternoon this week, we walked the land together, laying out the vision: an immersive hospitality experience rooted in a working homestead, orchard, and great food. Benny plans to document the journey, inviting others to watch, one day visit, and maybe even build something of their own (you can follow along here if you wish).
I drew up this before and after of the lot with the garden and farmhouse stay
As we wrapped up, we wandered rows of sweet peas, plucking pods, unzipping them, and savoring the succulent little pearls. Delicious.
Benny has a winning combination: a generous heart and courage to act. Not just dreaming — doing.
And that’s the takeaway: The best time to start building something beautiful is now. Start where you are, use what you have, share it with others.
Whether you’re restoring an old farmhouse or just planting peas, it matters.
Let your hospitality speak louder than your words.
And wherever you are — make it an oasis.