By Sandra Dumitras
My summer as a gardening intern at A Rocha has been one of the most intensely rich experiences of my life. I had never gardened before, but was curious to learn about how sustainable agriculture contributes to the creation of holistically healthy communities. In addition to that, I came with desires for rejuvenation, a deeper interaction with nature, career direction, spiritual guidance, community and opportunities to learn practical skills. I am profoundly amazed and thankful when I see how God has more than met each one of those needs.
During my first week of living on-site at the Brooksdale Centre, I experienced something that has been remarked on by several visitors: an immediate feeling of belonging. The staff and volunteers have made this place truly feel like home, and I’ve found that this atmosphere of acceptance and support has enabled me to grow significantly in a variety of areas over the summer. I am much more confident in applying the skills I’ve learned, as well as in learning new ones.
If I could offer you a rough sketch of the richness of this summer, it would include moments of wonder and discovery: watching sunsets in the meadow, planting my first seedling, spotting owls and deer, hearing a medley of bird chirps in the garden, learning how to pickle and make kale chips, harvesting colorful bounty in the misty morning hours, working outside on rainy days that turn the soil into a mudpie, sampling carrots with bits of dirt still clinging to them, identifying trees on forest walks, and deciphering constellations by the fire. It would include moments of beautiful intimacy in the midst of community: being present for the arrival of two new babies, sharing creatively prepared meals, receiving mentorship and validation, discussing books and documentaries on intern nights, transforming hay baling into a memorably fun activity, accompanying an international intern to the airport at 4am, enjoying cups of tea after the day’s work, and taking the chance to try something new simply because someone else believed I could do it. It would include the myriad of opportunities to grow and learn outside of the centre: going on an epic boat trip, camping out for the Creative World Justice Festival, visiting a permaculture site, and participating in Shore Keepers activities. It would include the challenges and small personal victories: persevering in seemingly endless weeding on hot days, disentangling myself from the garden hose, taking care of chickens, realizing how my work directly impacts the well-being of CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) members, and learning how to cook for thirty people. It would include the value of living in an inspirationally creative community: learning guitar chords from a kind friend, hearing music flood the site, dabbling in poetry, revisiting assumptions and growing up just a little bit more.
I know that I am not who I was at the beginning of May, and those who are closest to me can attest to it. All in all, I’ve been blessed with a sense of wholeness that has re-connected me to creation, and has helped me recognize the sacredness of what I’d previously taken for granted. I’ve been blessed with comfort, beauty and hope.
