Practice Makes Progress

 Since our county fair is getting really close, it was time to start working with our 4H pigs this week.  On Tuesday the family housing our pigs held a little 4H pig training for our girls, along with a few other local 4Hers.  It was a full morning full of learning hog-handling!

 

From what I hear, Amana was a natural.  She jumped right in without hesitation.  She wasn't afraid to get dirty...very dirty!  And she wasn't afraid of the pigs.

Anlynn, however, had a rough time.  She didn't want to get in the pen.  Once in the pen, she didn't want to leave the side of the fence.  She was terrified.  She cried.  She had to be taken aside for a gentle talkin'-to.  I got a phone call strongly urging more practice to build confidence.

So we went back over today.

Me, Amana, Lucy, and Anlynn.

In our muck boots.

We were adorable.

Amana hopped in like she lived there.  I went around to shoo the pigs from the shed to the open pen area.  Anlynn stayed on the outside of the fence.  Actually, about 5 feet from the fence!

She was digging in her heels.  She said adamantly, "I am NOT going in there!"

Oh great.  

Over $100 invested in this little porker, and Anlynn is too terrified to even get inside the fence.

 This wasn't gonna fly.

I told Anlynn to come to the fence.  When she did, begrudgingly, I grabbed her and told her to get in.

Okay, so I pulled her over the fence.

 Needless to say, she started crying.

A pig started heading in her direction, and the poor girl went into hysterics, nearly scaling the fence in terror.

I felt like the worst mom ever.

I stood there thinking, 

"What if this is one of those moments that will scar her forever in the depth of her soul???"

Remaining inside the fence, we took a moment to breathe.  Okay, so not to actually breathe (we were in a pig pen, remember?!) But we took a moment to calm down and collect ourselves.

Arming her with a pig swatter and vowing to remain by her side, I was able to move Anlynn slowly toward some pigs.  She gave one a nudge then bolted the other direction!  We tried again.  And again.  Each time, Anlynn was sticking around a little longer.  She was giving more nudges.  She decided their dirty faces weren't that scary.  She petted one.  After about 30 minutes, Anlynn was running toward the pigs all by herself.  At one point, a piggy ran right at her.  Instead of freaking out or crying, she held her ground and gave it a little swat.  The pig turned around and Anlynn guided it around the pen!

I am so proud of this little girl.  

I think she was proud of herself, too.

Today, practice may not have made perfect, but it definitely made PROGRESS.

I'm praying this moment didn't scar her soul forever.

But I'd be okay if was a defining moment for her, especially as she remembers,
"I can do all things through Christ who strenghens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

Our Kearney County Fair is July 13-15th.  

Swine Showmanship is scheduled for Monday, July 14th beginning at 8:30am.

More pictures to come!