My Service Learning

Before I Volunteered
I didn't quite know what to expect before I went to volunteer at the Catholic Worker Farm In Key West. I was nervous because I am not used to working for people I do not really know, but at the same time I was at ease because I went with somebody I knew. I didn't know what I would be doing but since I had lived on a farm for 18+ years I figured it wouldn't be that hard. I didn't really have any goals other than to get acquainted with the people I was working for and to do what was asked of me.

During Volunteering
Both times I went to volunteer I went with Jenny. Both times we were there we weeded gardens. The first time I weeded a potato garden while Jenny picked peppers and eggplants. I was having fun and getting carried away with he potato fork and accidentally stabbed it into my shoe. It barley missed my toes but we had a good laugh about it. After we were done weeding the first time we went inside to ask her questions. The second time we weeded out a garden that had run down plats because they had been frosted on. Jenny pulled some of the wrong things and I felt bad for the lady and Jenny, but the lady didn't seem upset. We then pulled old broccoli plants. After we picked them off the garden we put old hay down to cover the ground. We went inside for some cider, and then we came back out to pick up chickens eggs. After that there wasn't much left to do so we left. At first my feelings toward this project were like I was too busy. I had so much going on but when I was actually there I realized that these people have busy lives sometimes too and they still have to make time to get it done. I ended up having fun while I was working. I had the most fun when the kids were outside helping. They made things fun. And when we told them something they listened. They lady we worked for, Mary Moody, was very nice. She made us feel welcomed and invited us into her house many times. Her faith is very valuable to her. I found this out because she is very involved in her work. She was talking about the Hope House often and the other programs they are involved with.

After Volunteering
The most positive part of my experience was knowing that I had helped people. Some I knew better than others. But In a way I had helped the less fortunate, even though I didn't directly help them. I helped people that help the poor. There wasn't really a hard part about volunteering. I think maybe the hardest part was finding the time to go volunteer. I have just been so busy but if you truly want to accomplish something you will set your mind to it and achieve it.