Fun Farm

By: Katrina Segers, staff writer

Edmee Rodriguez/Sun Photo. Elder Mark Christensen feeds Pippi a treat in her pen at Deanna Rose Farmstead, 138th Street and Switzer Road, Overland Park. Christensen and fellow Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints members volunteered June 27 as part of their mission work.

Deanna Rose Farmstead is receiving a few faithful hands.

Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help on Tuesdays and Fridays in the Fishing Shack and Dairy Barn at the farmstead.

Elder Mark Christensen said he has been working at the farmstead for about seven weeks and enjoys the manual labor, such as breaking down and cleaning pens.

"It’s good hands-on work," said Elder Jordan Owens.

Owens, 20, Logan, Utah, said he enjoys the farmstead, 138th Street and Switzer Road, Overland Park, because as a child he lived near one.

"I enjoy being with the animals," he said. "It was always fun seeing the cows eat. It’s fun to see other kids enjoy it."

Christensen, 21, Monroe, Utah, said the farmstead is a great opportunity for children to see and learn about animals.

Near the Fishing Shack, Elder Juan Mondragon, 21, Acapulco, Mexico, and Elder Edward Ayala, 23, Los Angeles, finished feeding baby goats and prepared to ready poles and bait for young fishermen.

Mondragon said not only is it great to see the smiles on the faces of the children, but his mission work at the farmstead is teaching him how to take care of a family.

"It benefits me by helping me learn how to take care of children, how to share my beliefs, help my future wife," he said.

His mission companion, Ayala, is excited to be on the farm.

"I’m a city boy, so this is totally different for me," Ayala said. "It’s the first time I’ve been close to a cow. It’s bigger than I thought."

Ayala and the others said they enjoy helping the children and the community.

Christensen said at age 19, church members have the option of going on a two-year mission. The young men stay with member families in the area.

Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Bradley said elders have been helping at Deanna Rose Farmstead since 2006.

She said they have donated about 500 hours since the farmstead’s season began April 1.

Mondragon said he has been with the farmstead since this year’s opening.

He said there are good days and bad days, but his mission is helping him learn to always see things in a positive way.

"It just strengthens our faith in what we believe…," Christensen said.

"Serving others," Owens added.