The Call of the Bees

In the heart of the lush, vibrant jungle of Hawai'i, where life teems with the rhythms of nature, I embarked on a journey last year that would not only enrich our homesteading life but also become an incredible learning experience for my homeschooling children. Our journey into beekeeping has been nothing short of magical, filled with sweet moments and lessons that remind us of the importance of bees and savoring the honey they produce.

One of the greatest joys of beekeeping is the bond that forms between beekeeper and bees. Initially, the buzzing hive was intimidating, but as we learned more about these incredible insects, our fears turned into fascination. Watching them work tirelessly, harmoniously, and with purpose was a lesson in unity and teamwork.

As a homesteading and homeschooling mom, my family and I have always sought ways to connect with our natural surroundings. The lush jungle that surrounds us provides an ideal backdrop for learning and discovery. When we first considered beekeeping, it felt like the perfect way to deepen our connection with nature while also contributing to our self-sustaining lifestyle. Beekeeping seamlessly integrated into our curriculum. It offered an opportunity for hands-on learning in science, biology, and even mathematics. My children eagerly took on the role of young apiarists, learning about the complex society of bees, the pollination process, and the art of honey extraction.

As we nurtured our hive, the bees rewarded us with a gift that transcended sweetness - honey. The taste of freshly harvested honey from our jungle bees is like no other. It's an explosion of flavors, a symphony of floral notes, a taste of the jungle itself. It's a tangible reward for the patience and care we've invested in our beekeeping venture.

Our journey into beekeeping has also reinforced the importance of supporting small, local beekeepers. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to maintain healthy hives and produce high-quality honey. When you source honey from local beekeepers, you not only get a taste of your region but also support the preservation of biodiversity and pollination, crucial for agriculture and the environment.

Large honey companies often prioritize profit margins over the well-being of their bee colonies, leading to harmful practices such as overfeeding bees with sugar substitutes, using antibiotics extensively, and subjecting bees to stressful migratory beekeeping practices. These methods can weaken bee health, disrupt natural foraging patterns, and contribute to colony collapse disorder. In contrast, small beekeepers are typically deeply invested in the welfare of their hives. They tend to employ sustainable and bee-friendly practices, such as minimal chemical intervention, providing diverse foraging habitats, and maintaining a focus on hive health rather than maximizing honey production. This dedication to sustainable and healthy beekeeping not only benefits the bees but also supports the local ecosystem and encourages biodiversity, making it clear why supporting small beekeepers is crucial for the future of these vital pollinators.

Beekeeping has become more than just a hobby for our family; it's a way of life. It has taught us about the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty of simplicity. It's a reminder that when we care for the Earth, it rewards us in countless ways.

Check out how we harvest honey from the honey super of our hive: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxQ2vNkvO9F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==