First Impressions

It’s hard to believe it has already been one month here! So far it has been an absolute joy to spend my days in the fresh air in great fellowship, growing great food, and learning about the land. When I came to the farm, I had a few expectations of the ways I would see myself grow through this experience. I can already see the potential for growth beyond what I’d previously imagined. There is so much to learn (you can say that again). Every day is new and different. Some days we are asked to build a greenhouse, as Greg confidently hands us a power drill. Other days we lay mulch or prune berry bushes; and on rainy days like today, we update our blog and research attainable grants (which if you’re offering, we eagerly accept). Preparing the beds for seedlings is easily my favorite kind of day. I love sitting in the rows of soil, rubber boots n’ all, getting as much soil under my nails as possible. There’s also something so appealing about a freshly tilled stretch of land. This may be a disenchanting comparison… but it is like vacuuming actually. If you can identify with that comparison, awesome! If you can’t, come out and visit us and I’ll show you. Simple pleasures are everywhere to be found. On another chilly morning we woke up and one of the sheep had given birth to two precious little lambs! They. Will. Melt. Your. Heart. No doubt some days are harder than others, but we manage to laugh and sing A LOT!  You quickly realize the age old fact that going to bed muscles aching, is one of the most naturally satisfying things you can feel in life. Who knew that a 5 gallon bucket filled with water weighs just over 40 pounds?  That’s just not something one of my little arms is used to carrying… but I’ll get there.

So far I’m most impressed to see how ambitious everyone has been in getting this farm going. As if just growing produce wasn’t enough, we raise animals. As if rotating animals and tending to seedlings wasn’t enough, we want to educate D.C. schools as well. Farming is no joke! It is so multidimensional. There’s so much to be done at all hours of the day, but somehow the guys make time for all of it and the people involved. Over the last year the Greg, Shawn, and Nick have formed relationships with so many awesome people in the area, whom I feel so lucky to have met! I love meeting other farmers and seeing how they all do things differently, yet share the same passion. So here I am. One month down, seven more to go. Lots to learn and inspired by everyone’s patience and excitement to teach.

One more thing… It is funny when phrases like “fruits of our labor” become genuine. I am counting down the days until summer, ready to see (and eat) the fruits of our labor. Until then, you can be sure to find us pairing wine with newly cooked recipes. I love these people. I love this soil. I am really blessed to be here. Come ‘n get it!

Caroline

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