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Debbie Verdecia |
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Debbie Verdecia is a substitute teacher and homemaker from California. She and her family arrived at the Colony midway through the project. The Verdecias endured a unique colonial experience, arriving midway through the project as a group of unexpected new colonists. She and her husband have three children: Maddison, Tony, and Emily.
"I think that the most challenging aspect for me was living away from my regular community -- people who 'get' me and know what our family is all about. What I realized when I came home (pretty much what I think everyone realized) is that the 21st century is full of stuff that is so unnecessary. We had a small house, limited food, few clothes, no car or TV, and my kids were happy. What does that tell you about the things we think are essential? Which brings me back to the original point, and that is that nothing is really essential except friends, family, and our faith in God."
The Verdecias are a farming family with sturdy yeoman roots.
They have sold a modest farm in a Somerset village in order to start a new life across the Atlantic. Their ancestors have lived in Somerset for several generations, so to migrate is no small matter. They leave behind many loved ones, family and friends.
All three of the Verdecia children are hard workers. The eldest daughter, Maddison, still has a few years left in her parents' household before she's expected to marry.
In part, the family hope for a better life. More than that, however, they are increasingly concerned by the social and political unrest and seeming moral decay of England.
A deeply religious couple, David and Debbie believe that the church is in need of reform. They hope that the New World will provide a fresh start for themselves and their three children, far away from the corruption of England.
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Debbie explains how the experience has impacted herself, her family, and her faith. Watch the video.
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Debbie reflects on what she's learned while living on the Colony. Watch the video.
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| We had a small house, limited food, few clothes, no car or TV, and my kids were happy. What does that tell you about the things we think are essential? |
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