Making a Difference by Chris Putnam
Throughout my summer at Freedom Farm, I have had many valuable experiences. The farm is a place where children and young adults, like myself, can come and learn about God and themselves in the process. Two diverse groups came several times - Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice located in the Bronx, and Camp Deerpark, which is run by Mennonites. Ann and Edgar used several types of teaching methods for each group. They supplied a warm, friendly environment, respected each group, and saw them as equals. The games they played engaged the children, having profound lessons of accepting and respecting others, and appreciating their own uniqueness. We used a scavenger hunt to teach lessons about teamwork and the Bible. The children learned to appreciate nature, loving one another, and they grew in faith as well.
Experience at Freedom Farm has taught me the value of helping others and hard work. Before the groups came, Ann, Edgar, Hannah, and I worked in the garden. Before doing this internship, I would have spent the summer indoors wasting away until school began in the Fall. I am thankful that God led me to the farm, and that I have met Ann, Edgar, Hannah, and the groups in the process. The internship has given me more lessons than I could ever have hoped for or list here. They gave away produce to the children, many of whom have never had farm fresh produce before. Whatever was left, was given to the soup kitchen. They taught me to give as much to others and God as I am able to and that generosity and hard work are two valuable virtues. I personally have learned how to eat healthier, and about the importance of friendship, in addition to growing in faith. This internship has taught me many lessons that I will always close to my heart. The generosity and love that Ann and Edgar possess is something that I pray I will one day do as well as them. The only thing that they ever ask from others is to have an open mind and open heart. In the short time I have been on the farm I have grown as a person in faith, and learned many lessons. I have learned that anyone can make a difference in this crazy mixed up world.
