From Huts to Heifers: Life

Well I have now been on the farm for 3 weeks today. Time moves in a funny way here... slowly, but very quick all at once. I feel like I have been here for years somedays, and others I feel like Ive just set foot here... its all strange and wonderful at the same time. The people who are attracted and take part in stuff life this (and by "this" I mean long-term volunteering for little to no pay at all and living communally but all for a purpose, or greater meaning) are some of the most interesting and wonderful people I've ever met. I felt this way about the Peace Corps as well. You get all these wonderful souls all co-existing and sharing their passions and inspirations for a common idea/goal. The Peace Corps was such an incredible experience for me and my fellow PCVs. It has really made me appreciate being surrounded by those very people, and here I am given another chance on Overlook Farm to get to share life with the same spirits.

In my short time here I have learned so much about farming, animal husbandry, gardening, manure digestion, and countless other topics. Heifer International is truly a wonderful non-profit organization and I am so happy to be a part of this farm-ily. I feel that it will have a similar yet very different impact on my life. Being around all these forward-thinking young people have already made an impact. I am not only becoming more interested in agriculture both commercial and organic, but I have taken a inward glance at my own life and seen places I want to make some changes. As most of my friends and family know, I was a vegan before the Peace Corps and I have taken it back up in full force since I've been home. It makes me feel good and lessens my impact on the Earth. There is a group of volunteers here at the farm who have decided to do a month of raw-vegan eating. Raw Vegans are people who not only keep within the rules of veganism (no dairy, eggs, or meat) but also nothing cooked over 180 degrees. Really no cooking at all. This is thought to preserve more nutrients in the food and you are getting more bang for you buck with you eat. I think this month-long goal is amazing, but I am not ready for that totally. I have decided to take a look at what I am putting into my body more often, and make an effort to make my food choices more raw, less processed and always vegan. Its an exciting new goal in my life and I am looking forward to sharing some of my ups and downs with how this effects my health and body.

I am also toying with the idea of doing a 1/2 Marathon in Huntington Beach on Feb 2nd. It would be an awesome thing to train for while I am here and maybe one of the only times in my life when I have the focus and energy to do so. I have not totally made up my mind on that but I am really considering it. I would love your input...

Those are the big things happening with me at the moment. I have put some pictures below of some more adventures I've had...