Homecoming

The past eight months as an apprentice at Frith Farm have been the hardest I have ever worked in my life. My time here has also given me an opportunity to challenge myself mentally and physically -- through extreme weather, long hours, aches and pains, and dealing with unforeseen problems. I immediately came to value what it took to grow healthy and delicious food for a small community. Through it all, I learned so much and truly loved what I was doing. The best days were always the dirtiest.

In a matter of hours, I'll find myself back at home in California, surrounded by comforts of the familiar.This doesn't spell the end of farming for me at all; it's simply an intermission. By next month, I'll begin working with People's Grocery to help establish community gardens in the heart of West Oakland throughout the winter and spring. And in 2013, I'm scheduled to begin my service as an Agriculture Extension volunteer with the Peace Corps. Changes abound, but I'm also looking forward to spending more time with family and catching up with old friends.