Roots and Wings: Finding Peace, Family, and Freedom back at Shepherd’s Rest

Building dreams, nurturing family, and grounding back in the tranquillity of Oria.

Returning to shepherds rest Oria feels like stepping into a gentle embrace once again, a place that captured my heart over the summer and gave me a glimpse of what it feels like to truly thrive. Here, creativity flows, my spirit feels lighter, and I can breathe deeply again. After the tough, dreary months that followed our return to Ireland in August, being back is exactly what I need to find my footing again and rebuild.

I want to be clear: I’m not running away from my beautiful home country, a place I love deeply and am proud to call home. This isn’t about escape honestly it’s about finding the space to breathe and build myself back up! after returning home in august I can honestly say it didn't take long....... the feeling of depletion, the un-ease and deep soul exhaustion . The weight of Aaron’s appeal decision, the crushing reality of Ireland’s justice system, the cold wet weather, and the challenges of co-parenting had me feeling like I was drowning. I was so overwhelmed, and I knew I needed to shift my energy again, for the sake of myself my family and the kids.

I am grateful I get to be in this safe space again where I naturally do the the work of rediscovering myself, reigniting my creativity, and building a life that supports my family fully in every way. It’s not about leaving Ireland behind; it’s about stepping into a place that allows me to heal, grow, and create a future where we can all thrive.

Sheperds Rest- A worldschooling Haven

Cori and Joel, the inspiring visionaries behind this place, have created a worldschooling community that feels like family, I just love that I get to meet with like-minded souls, all seeking freedom, connection, and authentic living. Kids here are not just “learning”; they’re truly thriving, exploring the world through a lens of curiosity, friendship, and growth. Here, world schooling is more than an idea; it’s a way of life where every moment becomes a learning experience. Cori and Joel have built a community that supports kids and parents alike, helping each of us remember that learning can be joyful, brave, and boundless.

Shepherd’s Rest is more than a place; it's a vibrant community brought to life by Cori and Joel, who have created an incredible world schooling environment for families like ours seeking something different. Right now they are safe, occupied, and most importantly, they're having so much fun and building friendships that lights them up

We ventured back here in October for the Month in the Mountains for teens and tweens Freya absolutely loved this experience..... From engaging Spanish lessons and creative artist led projects to the mesmerising magician/ hypnotist week long immersion, every day was an adventure for her. Watching her build friendships and flourish in this environment fills my heart with so much gratitude. It's everything I've ever wanted for them, a place where they can learn, grow, and just be themselves.

Just click here https://shepherdsrest.org/ if you want to find out more about shepherd's rest

Embracing a Brave New Path

Delving in to the world schooling path has been years in the making, I had been in contact with Cori from shepherds rest back in lock down 2020 I couldn't believe places like this, worldschooling hubs around the world existed!!!!!!, I had dreamed about making this trip with kids for so long and I am so grateful that we finally embraced this unconventional lifestyle and took the leap of faith in the summer and again this October..... such a blessing

I chose to be brave to go against the grain and reach for something different and I am so glad I did, although it isn't always easy, co-parenting from a distance has its own difficulties and challenges, especially when differing visions of how things could or should be seem to clash. But for me, the kids always come first, and every decision I make is with their well-being at heart , The kids are thriving here, but they're also processing the complexities of our family dynamic. Holding space for their emotions, supporting them as they navigate their feelings, and watching them grow stronger every day has been both humbling and inspiring.

In this supportive community, we're redefining what family means. We're learning that it's okay to forge our own path, even if it doesn't fit the traditional mold. For me the freedom we’ve found here empowers us to live authentically and embrace the journey with wide open hearts.

Breaking Misconceptions, It’s Not a Cult!

I can’t tell you how many times people have raised an eyebrow at our choice to world school or live a bit differently and jokingly asked, “So, is it a cult?” It always makes me laugh, but I get it, stepping outside the traditional box can look strange from the outside.

The truth is, this life isn’t about rigid ideologies or strange rules or worshipping any leaders!! It’s about freedom, connection, and finding a way of living that feels true to us. Shepherd’s Rest is a community of families who are traveling, exploring the world, and learning in the most organic and inspiring ways. It’s a space where curiosity leads, kids thrive, and parents rediscover their creativity and joy.

So no, it’s not a cult, it’s just a wildly beautiful way of living that reminds us we’re allowed to step off the beaten path, embrace adventure, and create a life filled with love and possibility. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nurturing Dreams and Creativity

With my children safe and content, I finally have some free time and space to invest in my own dreams. I am so grateful to Cori and Joel for giving me the opportunity of hosting some mindfulness workshops for the kids and sacred women's circles for the world schooling mums... it has been such a fulfilling experience, allowing me to share tools that help others find peace and balance in their lives. This creative flow has reignited my passion for my work. Thick in the process of designing my heart centred courses and offerings has been wonderful, I am embracing the process the space to create and pouring my heart and soul in to my work, I love being in this creative flow I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead!

Being surrounded by a community that like me values freedom, learning, and personal growth has been incredibly motivating and definitely inspires me . It's a beautiful reminder that when we take courageous steps toward our dreams, the universe often meets us with open arms.

Finding Roots and Wings

As I sit here writing this, I can hear the laughter and fun of my kids drifting through the air, The sun is warming my face. I glance up at the Andalusian mountains, their steady, timeless presence a reflection of the resilience I’m cultivating within myself. In this moment, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and love, not just for this place or this path, but for the courage it has taken to step into the unknown. I am proud of myself for being bold, for stepping outside the box, and for choosing to truly live.

As I have said choosing this life hasn’t been smooth sailing. Leaving my eldest son behind (his life is back home for now, and I totally support his decision and choice fully) has been one of the hardest thing I've had to do!. There are moments when it feels unbearable, and tears well up at the weight of missing him. Yet, I hold onto my vision......a vision of building a life where I can fully support all of my children in every way, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. That is my deepest goal and my greatest motivator. Every step I take here is a step toward that dream, and I am here, in this space, to give everything I have to make it a reality.

I don’t know exactly what my next steps will be or where our journey will take us. Perhaps that’s part of the magic, the knowing that the possibilities are endless. What I do know is that I am here, boldly building a life that feels expansive, full of love, and true to who I am. I am determined to never settle in places or with people that dim my light or dampen my spirit. I want more for my children, for myself, and for the life we’re creating together.

So, as I hear my children’s laughter echoing around me, I remind myself that this is just the beginning.

Thank you for walking beside us in this season of growth, bravery, and transformation.....

Here's to finding peace in unexpected places, Here’s to being brave, to wanting more, to daring greatly, and to building a life filled with beauty, freedom, and connection.....

I hope our story stirs something in you...........a gentle reminder to follow the whispers of your own dreams, to nurture the roots that ground you, and to spread the wings that set you free.

With so much Love & Gratitude,

Sonya xx