My week at the farm was great, I picked up new skills, connected with some awesome people, and definitely felt myself drawing closer to God in ways I didn’t expect. But like every trip, there are those standout moments that stick with you. Here are a few of mine that really shaped the experience.
Hands down, the trip to the potato fields. We got to watch this huge sorting machine in action—it was insane how it dug up the potatoes, shook off the dirt, sorted them by size, and shot them straight into storage bins. Made me appreciate the sheer scale of what goes into our food. And yeah, those extra potatoes they tossed our way for dinner that night? Total bonus. Made the meal feel like a little gift. 🙂
Confrontation on the trip
Okay, I hope no one’s peeking at this (hint hint, nudge nudge), but yeah, I had a real moment. It was Wednesday evening, around 5ish, and they had me spraying all-purpose cleaner on the tractors to cut through the oil stains. Quick job, maybe 25 minutes tops. But then I finished, and… crickets. No one came to grab me. There were three other workers right there, less than 5 meters away, scrubbing away on their own tractors, but nobody even glanced over. I stood there getting more and more worked up, picturing this whole nightmare: having to walk all the way home alone, what if I got kidnapped or something worse? Who’s gonna break the news to my family? My mind was spiraling into full panic mode, tears starting up. Then, out of nowhere, this calm voice cut through it all, like a voice of pure reason and peace. It was the Holy Spirit, straight up telling me to chill: everything’s okay, no danger here, I’m covered by Jesus’ name. Stop obsessing over worst-case scenarios for me or my family, Jesus has a plan, He’s got our protection, He’ll guide us no matter what. That hit me hard; it reminded me I’m never truly solo. Not just with my church crew, but the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are right there, every step.
First off, the Holy Spirit’s always got my back, I can lean on Him anytime, no questions asked. Second, I don’t have to tough it out alone or bottle up my worries; just ask another believer, even if it feels dumb, and they’ll step up. Practically speaking, I got the hang of spotting different apple varieties, like how the Galas have that reddish blush versus the Granny Smiths’ sharp green, and sorting them without bruising. Also, gloves? Game-changer for wrestling open those stubborn lids on paint cans or whatever without shredding your hands. But bigger picture, I learned a ton about the folks around me: the quiet guy who hustles without complaining, the chatty one who keeps spirits up during long shifts. Saw how they tick, their quirks and strengths. Hope they picked up a bit about me too, maybe that I’m reliable but still figuring stuff out. 🙂
What was an unexpected exprience?
It’s kinda funny now. On the drive out, everyone was chatting about how this farm trip “changes you,” and inside I was rolling my eyes like, “Pfft, nah, not me. I’ll just pitch in, sow some seeds, help where I can, and pick up my regular walk with God when we get home.” Total skeptic mode. But that Wednesday freakout flipped a switch. Suddenly, every snag, frustration from a messy task, ache from sore muscles, whatever, I was handing it straight to the Lord instead of stewing. I already knew He’s my Creator and Savior, but this week drilled it in: face struggles, pain, all that junk by seeking the Holy Spirit’s lead first, not my own half-baked fixes. Didn’t see that shift coming at all.
Couldn’t capture the whole week in one entry, we’d be at it for a year. But man, it shifted something real in me, and I’m beyond grateful for the chance, plus the Du Toits’ killer hospitality (those home-cooked meals were next level). Hoping I get back there soon to sow more seeds, labor alongside God-loving folks, and keep closing that gap with my Creator. Anyway, bye.
