This week we made our last trip of the season to Flavor Country Farms in Crescent, Iowa. We started working there on June 15 and experienced many wonderful moments. Number 1, Kevin and his crew. From the moment we set foot on the farm, we were welcomed with dignity and respect. All too often, those words are thrown together to mean something. I saw dignity and respect happen. Looking someone in the eye when you speak to them. Remembering their names. Remembering what they like to do. Kevin, Adam, Angel, CC and Avery showed up each week offering the gift of friendship.

Number 2, the types of things we were able to do there. Jason loved shoveling mulch into a wheelbarrow and then spreading it on the flowers. Devon enjoyed harvesting mini marigolds for salads. Makyra loved anything to do with tomatoes. Sarah, well, Sarah will do whatever it takes to continue a convesation. She loves to work while she chats. There were many others who visited Kevin’s farm over the summer, and many who want to return in the spring.

Finally, number 3. We spent many a sweat drop in the tomato patch and greenhouse. While it was hot and buggy, it was great to plant the tomatoes that we weeded and then harvested. Kevin told the team that their work produced over 1,000 meals in local restaurants. Feeding others is important.

Harvesting mustard greens and cilantro from the compost heap.

On our final day together for the season, we each shared what we’d liked the best about working on this farm. New friends was the common answer.