Joining in on the fun....by Jacob Sandoval, 2016 Summer Intern

In a portion of the earth where peace, harmony, and community prevail, I have been granted the opportunity to join in on the fun and work that is involved in flourishing a garden, as well as a community. It has been about a week, and since the moment I've arrived, I've descended into a feeling of peace and welcomeness. So far I've met and/or worked with various wonderful and encouraging human beings that have made adjusting into my stay at Songaia a comfortable and easy experience. 

One thing I didn't exactly know and learned was that blackberry vines can be invasive, painful, and monstrous. But with a good team, the vines were banished from the tree that they were strangling and fed to the goats. Also, I got to hands on another thing that I've been interested in, which is called hugelkultur. It is the ultimate compost row pile that lets nature takes it's course and eventually can grow whatever it is that is desired to plant.

Each day has been an amazing learning experience. I am looking forward to the growth of these plants that I'm getting aquainted with, along with the growth of my knowledge and friendships among the community, which have already been cultivated. 

Already we got so much done and another week is on the rise. This fruitful journey will continue, and I am ready for whatever knowledge and experience that I shall harvest.

As the work week began, it started with where it all begins; compost. For sometime I have had an interest in making a compost bin, and my weeks introduction of work at Songaia brought me an amazing lesson towards the whole process of building one through rebuilding one. And that was just the first lesson among many others.

Another lesson I've learned and am learning is the importance of community. We've experienced multiple community dinners and it all is so extremely good and good for me. I am thankful for all the people and the meals they've made. Hopefully soon I will attempt to make one for everybody else as well. ​

Everyone is a delight and with the combination of the enjoyment of living and working among these determined kindred spirits and the knowledge gained through experiencing this natural occuring system of farming and community, great excitement fills me for the days ahead.