Although my New Mexico experience has just started, it has been quite the adventure. From the start of our journey at the airport, to these past 24 hours in Santa Fe at a community farm and La Plaza, I have been exposed to so much, which I am truly grateful to have experienced. Our day of travel transferring planes and waiting in airports was exhausting, but when we arrived we were met by our laid back friendly leader who is so exemplary of the culture in New Mexico. Hearing the story of our leader and the stories of so many others has been so interesting and eye opening as it forces us to reflect back upon our lives, the experiences we have had, and the things that we value.
At the community farm we were exposed to the labor associated with running a farm. Joining in the activities like picking weeds, planting beans, and picking apples was such a unifying experience and truly allowed us to feel as if we were part of the farm for the day. Being the first time I was ever on a farm, I didn’t know what to expect, but once we arrived I was able to join right in as the people there were so friendly and open and helped us to work to improve the farm. At the farm we learned all creatures and things hold value here and nothing is put to waste. It’s so refreshing to be around people who live so efficiently and peacefully.
Later on we walked through La Plaza or the town and learned about the history of New Mexico. As we walked it became clear that everything was very close and easily accessible and that the people are close too as they even regard newcomers as family. In La Plaza, the handmade Native American jewelry was too beautiful not buy and the mountain backdrop provided the most beautiful canvas for pictures. So far my experience in New Mexico has been so calming and exciting and I can’t wait to continue my experience in Santa Fe and to start my experience in Shiprock, a much more rural area.
-Christina Raymond, 2015
