Advocacy With A Side of Self-Care
As I visit more and more farms and homesteads across Montgomery County and make invaluable connections, my heart can’t help but swell.
There is some selfishness in my mission.
Yes, I want to feed people.
Yes, I want to make a difference in the lives of minority families in my community.
However, I would be lying to you if I said that I do this purely for the work of it all.
I find such peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city and in the welcoming spaces of newfound friends such as Jenny Freeman of Community Farm Share and Alan Black’s Donoharm Farm.
With open arms, they've welcomed me and my veggie-loving children into their homes, allowed me to try things I’ve never tried, and be free to be the me that many people in my age range and community don’t understand.
I feel at home in these spaces, so much that my heart aches when I make my way back to my townhome near downtown Silver Spring. Being one with the land is my safe space, my self-care so to speak, and it has become a necessity to reconnect with my mission.
The bag of veggies I always seem to come home with is just a bonus.
On Saturday I learned how to lay drip irrigation and how to cost-effectively layout a small farm for intensive harvest, and hang heavy-duty trellis. Their lessons have become my harvest and I am eternally grateful for this priceless education. I spent the morning learning of the trials and tribulations of the small farm. Alan sowed knowledge into me that I hope to be able to one day bring back to my community in our own farming efforts.
Tonight at my dear friend Jenny’s I drove a tractor for the very first time and learned that building a metal greenhouse was mind over matter. I had a very deep conversation with horses (lol) Jenny compares to oversized puppies, hung out with the ladies (hens), and marveled at the little piece of heaven Jenny has made for herself in Poolesville. As a single mother trying to live this life, she has given me hope.
I’m so grateful to these people in my life, but it’s not lost unto me that none of it would be possible if not for the greater mission that put me in their paths. There are still good people in this world and especially in this County.
To the people who have taken the time to teach me invaluable lessons and sow wisdom and motivation into me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I won’t let you down.
xo Vanessa
PS: If you are looking for a way to get involved, volunteer your time, and give back to the community we have several volunteer opportunities available with Community FarmShare, Alan Black, or Homestead Hustle & Healing - Check out our new volunteer opportunity sign up page. Hope you see you all at MoCo Grows on June 4-6!
