Goodbye Farm Life

Edit: As a side note that I forgot to mention in this post originally, if you look behind me in the photo and see the beautiful, fresh cut grass, I did that. I was allowed to mow the lawn one more time on the new mower and successfully managed to maneuver the machine up and down the rows of the vineyard. (Although a few vines and poles may have been slighty injured)

So we've reached the end of my three weeks as a farmhand. As excited as I am to be heading off to my next adventure, there's a bit of sadness in my heart realizing that I won't wake up and head out to work the land here anymore.

The work I've done here is more satisfying than any other job I've done before. I can stand at the edge of this property and feel a sense of pride from having done some work on every acre of this land. The work was hard, it tested my patience, but through it I discovered more about myself than I ever could sitting in an office all day. My body is stronger, my mind, ambitions and goals in life, clearer. 

So goodbye Damali. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me everything you've given me. I'll never forget you. 

Green Acres

Damali Lavender Farm and Winery, 2014

After two ferries, and four buses, I made it to Vancouver Island one week ago to work on a lavender farm and winery. Alexis Kay Arana from college graduate with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications to farm girl. Surprisingly it wasn't me who was doubtful of my farming skills, but my volunteer coordinators. Could an office girl be fine in the dirt and under the sun all day?

I would be lying if I didn't say that every day I woke up after my first five days of farm work with every fiber of my being aching, but it aches in a good way. Your body hurts and lets you know that yes, today you have accomplished something and made a difference. It's only been one week but I have already found out a few things about myself. I found out that I have never slept better after a day of hard work. That I love being outside, and I love driving tractors. I already feel healthier and stronger.

The work isn't paid. I found out about it through workaway.info, where you can find volunteer work opportunities around the world. In exchange for 30 hours of work a week, I get room and board and all of my food and meals. I know work without pay doesn't sound too exciting, but it's a good opportunity to explore, and learn something new whether it be skills or about myself. Also I probably eat better than I do living on my own. Omelette's made from eggs collected from the chickens the day before, fresh mint for my tea, greens collected straight from the garden for your salad.

My clothes may be worn out, I'll be covered in dirt, and my body will be aching, but at the end of three weeks here, I have a feeling I'll be changed for the better.

Xoxo for now,

Alexis the Farm Girl