We lifted, pulled and stacked a few hundred pounds of apples today…as a team. There’s no way any one of us could have accomplished this solo. Yesterday we did the same with sweet potatoes. In working together, we lessen each other’s load, offer a hand, and do so in a gentle space. Kindness and compassion are the norm, everyone matters, and everyone has valuable work to contribute to the whole.
Some members of our team love to tickle each others’ funny bones and keep us laughing while we work. Others regularly spread their joy, love and sunshine and give off an infectiously happy vibe. And some offer impromptu lessons to their teammates about insects, birds, the water cycle…you name it. Whether in the field or the barn, we all actively listen and allow others to be heard.
One team member is usually non-verbal, but on the farm - in our little community - they have had lots of things to say the past few weeks. This is exciting and an honor to watch their ability to communicate rebloom while working with their friends on the team.
We’ve also had a lot of shifts in how and when we do specific tasks of late, and it is thrilling to see everyone adjust and roll with it. This is not easy for some, and they have been practicing being adaptable and resilient to great success. We are so proud of them.
Kudos to our small but mighty team and all that they accomplish each week!
With appreciation and gratitude,
Allison Schumacher
Farm Manager