by Hannah Sattler, Farm Specialist
When I came to L’Arche last August, I was coming off a year as a Jesuit Volunteer (JV) in Montana, serving as a Woman’s Advocate at a domestic violence shelter. It challenged me, helped me grow, and wore me down. I learned about resiliency, the power of community and support, and the need for self-care. After many attempts to find what preserved my well-being, I found myself drawn to the dirt of my little houseplants, and the joy I found in repotting them in the middle of winter when outside was covered in inches of Montana snow. It grounded me.
When I decided to do an additional JV year, I let the experience of connection and healing I found in my little house plants inform the search for placements that were earth/dirt/farm oriented. Immediately, I was drawn to the L’Arche Tahoma Hope Farm Associate position. I had first heard of Jean Vanier and L’Arche in college. I was deeply moved by his description of the ‘vulnerable God.’ The idea of what a ‘vulnerable God’ might be inviting me into intimidated me. The idea of building vulnerable and mutual relationships with folks with and without intellectual disabilities intimidated me. So, I said yes!
When I arrived at the farm I felt embraced and invited into communion with community and the earth. A beautiful reciprocity began to unfold as I worked in the dirt alongside core members. I picked up “Braiding Sweetgrass,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer – a book about Native wisdom and ecology – and I was struck by the line, “All flourishing is mutual.” At the Farm, I have witnessed resiliency, wisdom, strength, frustration, empowerment, stubbornness, laughter, deep connection, and growth: each an invitation to flourish. The Farm is not an experience tailored for individual growth; the Farm is designed for mutual flourishing as friends and teammates. This flourishing is not limited by our physical bodies, but encompasses the earth as well. As we tend with and for her, side by side, every part of the equation is invited to flourish. The power of vulnerability in the earth, myself, and others must be sustained through building relationships to hold the tenderness of one another. I am thrilled to stay on at the Farm to continue to witness the daily flourishing. To continue, as we say, Growing People, Growing Plants.
