An Introduction to Me and Songaia, by Kainui Rappaport - Garden Intern Summer 2015

I was raised in Hawaii and I lived in Oregon before coming here to the North Seattle area. I am a student atCascadia College. I am interested in environmental computer and social activism. My hope is that I can learn to live a more sustainable lifeat Songaia.

It’s easy to get isolated from Nature. Many of us live a sedentary lifestyle. Our society is sedentary from school to work. I have taken classes about the environment – which means looking at photos of the environment in a dim lit room. Furthermore, we become an isolated community in our suburbs on busy streets and with steep driveways that are dangerous for kids to play in.


I combat this status quo by hiking, volunteering or working in environment organizations, practicing yoga, and stretching. I have done various activism for protecting the environment and workers rights, yet I don’t completely live a sustainable life. I don’t have land to practice gardening. I am looking into gardening in pots and garden plots.

Capturing a swarm of honey bees Helen noticed on the driveway.

I said farewell and biked back home. The community had a lasting impact on me. I hope to come back again, whether it be weekly visits or to apply to be an intern. I want to learn more about community housing and permaculture while I contribute my labor and knowledge.

Next week I start school again. I am reflecting on my experience at school and at Songaia. This
spring break I spent considering what kind of life I want to live and how I will be able to contribute to
the environment. My involvement with Songaia will be a big leap forward in living sustainability. I
appreciate all of the mentors in this community who have taught me so much about the gardens.

Peace out,
Kai

Two large tables holding plants being "hardened off". Adjusting to ultra-violet light before being planted.

I recently found Songaia through a northwest directory of intentional communities. I biked an
hour to get to this place. It was a beautiful area in a great location. On my first day, I had a communal breakfast, toured the community, and volunteered in the gardens, and had lunch. I learned more about the communities passion principle: doing things based on interest. I removed blackberry bushes with two other members, a WOOFing intern one of the members of Songaia. I was invited for a community
lunch. I worked in the afternoon to do further weeding. It was a educational experience for me. 

Volunteers from the University of Washington, Bothell, planting tomatoes.