Update and Navigating….

It is fascinating how the mind works. Especially when it is waiting for life to happen. Even when life never stops. I have stopped writing my blog, as I was waiting for my computer to die (due to me placing it in sourdough), waiting to find out our next step, waiting to see if we were going to be true to our initial plan of living off the land and becoming farmers.

           

Waiting...like I am trapped on a rock in a flooded stream after a storm waiting for the water to go down to get back to land. 

That is what I have been doing for a long time. Waiting. I was waiting in Australia to start a new life somewhere else.  I would say to myself: “I will start this project or that painting once I get settled somewhere.” 

Once we did make a move with our daring decisions, then it was another waiting game...When we stop WWOOFing and find a farm or someone to work with together then we can finally start something. Then the WWOOFing ended, next came San Francisco and well after that, more waiting. 

           

What I am waiting for? For my stars to align? For my path in life to laid in front of me with each step lit with gold? I surprise myself sometimes. How I get so easily sidetracked, so easily deterred from my own ideas. I do not even know the reason behind it. Fear is an easy answer. Fear of failure. Deep down I do not even think that is the exact cause and for that matter, it does not matter what stops me only that it me that stops me. 

What are our plans? I am afraid to say they have gotten a bit more boring since I last wrote. Thorsten has got a job as an environmental consultant and we are currently staying in a furnished apartment not too far from Frankfurt, without a yard. We are looking for a home to  and with a job comes some well needed income, stability, and a bit more freedom for planning! A far fetch from our farming dreams…However far they are away they are still close and dreams change. 

We made a joint decision that full fledge farming was not for us as we have learned from WWOOFing that in order to make a living from farming, it requires so much of your time (which we already were aware of), so many regulatory hoops, and a lot of start up money with no real way of getting a loan or being able to pay it back on the earned income. Also finding farmer soul mates is not so easy. If you join with an existing farmer, it is tough to realize your dreams and finding a family of freshy-farmers to farm on a place where you can both agree on is also not an easy task. 

This does not change the fact that we loved it, we just also love traveling, family time and free time. This road might have made a slight detour but we are still including farming in our lives. Thorsten is even growing mushrooms from a box in our apartment and plotting his next moves in aquaponics (TBC)! 

We have ideas, we have made the first steps and now we must in turn let our path update. Adjust to all of our changes. Everything is how it should be. 

Our path in this life is our path, we can dream and even when it looks as if our dreams did not come true, that is not the case and I have learned there is a reason for it. It is exactly how it is supposed to be. With every step, with every bold move there is time and space in between. It is up to us to take advantage of every minute.  

I have learned from just looking at pictures of my daughter: when she feels she is waiting she is not a happy camper; when she feels she does not have to wait she enjoys every moment. 

The problem here is not failing to realize our dreams, the problem is not living in the present. It is time to stop and enjoy the rock with each flooded stream. 

WWOOFING ADVENTURE IV and V: Good Apples. Bad Apples.

It has been a while since I last wrote. There is a reason. I did not want to. The last two WWOOF places were drastically different. The first was another wonderful family in Mecklenburg Vorpommern near the Baltic Sea. This was great, we learned some basic essential building skills and met more lovely people. I also found out that I really do not mind weeding or working a garden, if it is not too big. This time we realized that we do not want to live so far away even if it meant not living next to an ocean. It was hard for us to go there as at this stage we are a bit tired of all the driving and moving around. It is time for these gypsies to take a break and settle a little while. However, once there, it was a lovely experience I would not take back. 

 

This brings me to the last WWOOFing place we attended. We had such high hopes. We met the farmer briefly a few weeks before going there. It was a beautiful property on the river in Rheinland Pfalz. It also would sound amazing on paper. A organic apple farm producing juice and cider and raising endangered cow species with a small community living there. It also had apartments, a farm store and teepees! The farmer also showed interest in starting a cafe. The farmer also was looking to retire in the next 10 years and was looking for a family to take over his farm without the hefty price tag. Really it was too good to be true. 

Our hopes were so high and they got crushed with every apple picked. It turned out not to be a dream but a reminder of reality. Dreams do not come true so easily. However, we must not give up, we must allow forgiveness and not focus on failing but on learning. Easier said then done but still we keep going. 

So what do we do now? With our heads a little lower but still in good spirits. I would not take away our initial decision of leaving our good jobs in Australia for a second. We made the choice to come to Germany and we do not look back. Yes, it is a challenge and there are some low points but Germany has so much to offer and to be frank I am enjoying the seasonal change and the culture it brings. If it was too easy it would not be an adventure and it would cause no fear but where is the fun in that? 

The past six months of traveling and WWOOFing has put a lot in perspective. We are trying to figure out our path together and with that we must be flexible. We ran with an idea when we left but it is not nor will any chosen path be set in stone. We are flowing in the river and where it takes we do not know. We only know where we are at this moment and as long as we do not try and cement ourselves in time we can flow with the water, with life. 

At this moment we will apply for jobs and see where it takes us. We have finally set sights on where we would like to set up and only time will tell if the river will flow towards it. It is good, we still want to incorporate nature, farming, sustainability and family into our life. But maybe full time farming which we have come to realize may not be entirely for us. What we have seen in the past six months is the full-time farmers are real busy and there is not much time left for family. They work so hard and are not getting enough money for their efforts. It is amazing that money does not end up in the farmers hand but the pushers. 

Maybe part time farming is good, art is also something I have thought about. Whatever it is the moment will come and it will happen. Life is like an insect in the forest, you don’t know you are in the dark until the sun breaks through between the trees. 

Do not get me wrong, I do not see this as a failure. I see this as a step in growth. We have made the choices and taken the challenge, there is no looking back. We are flowing with energy and ideas. We are smiling, happy and healthy. This is merely a reflection and sometimes you need a bad apple to point you in the direction of the good ones. 

As the tree sleeps in winter, so we shall. Now is not the time to give up but to ground ourselves and make sure we are rooted but still flowing freely. As I write this last sentence an overwhelming peacefulness has come over me. Once you accept where you are you realize that fear is only of what has not yet to happen. Surrendering is one of the greatest gifts to oneself.  

           

The Time to Unite is NOW. The Time to Heal is NOW.

We are far greater and brighter Spirt if we unite then if we are to stand alone in the dark.

The time to unite is now. The time to heal is now. 

We need to take action against the government for this injustice. It hurts me that I live so far away from Newfoundland at the moment due to family reasons but if I was there I would be taking action, starting a petition against these new application requirements. Because this is not something I can do from Germany I am writing my story and opinion in hope to get people on board who can be there on the front line for the Mi’kmaqs of Newfoundland. And if there is anything I can do for support, I will.

If you feel that I am out of line and that the new application requirements are fair. That is fine. This is just my story. 

I encourage you to read it all as it will put it my opinions more in perspective, but if you do not have the time, I have broken it down into sections. 

Contact me through facebook or email: megan.seipp@gmail.com

My Story

I will begin with my story as it is the one I know best. 

As a child, my mother told us that our great great grandmother was Mi’kmaq and my nan’s mother (great grandmother) was at least part Mi’kmaq. My great great grandmother died in winter and they froze her body until spring so they could bury her in Conne River. Apparently my great grandmother was a woman who used the land in a fishing community and was thought to be a gypsy. 

My mother proceeded to say that we had no way of receiving recognition as Mi’kmaq because the church that had the records burnt down. So as far as I knew as a child, I had Mi’kmaq blood but not much and thus I never felt I was “native enough” to claim it on anything or even say that I was. I felt I never deserved the status as being part Mi’kmaq. 

This view never stopped me from being me and that is someone who loves nature, loves fishing but not before thanking the worm, and someone who loves to read all Native American Creator stories. Many times I would go behind my house to a rock in the middle of the brook and just listen silently to the trees, the babbling water, to life around me. The first time I felt recognized as part Mi’kmaq (other then from my family saying I looked like “an indian” when I was born), was when I moved to Australia in 2009 and a man I worked with was half Cree half Australian and asked me which tribe was I from in Canada. Even then, I felt I needed to let him know that I only have a little bit and not enough to claim I have native heritage. 

Throughout my life when I met others with their status (even distant relatives), there was a little part of me just wishing that I could feel like I deserve to belong to the Mi’kmaq heritage. I never even thought to look for books on Mi’kmaq culture, to be honest when I was young, I believed I could only get information first hand from another Mi’kmaq. I never went to any reserve because I had no proof, no status, and felt like I had no right to be there. I was ashamed to ask my mother to bring me to a reserve because I thought she would think I am foolish as we were not “full blooded Indians”. I never wrote down that I was first nations on job applications or for university because I always thought: what if they asked me for my card? I never had one. I had no connection, no proof to our family tree. 

I currently live in Germany and to be honest I have come to terms with my heritage in the last few years. A card is not really going to affect me. If I have a genetic test and it deems to be not enough so be it but at least give the claimants that chance. That is fine.  I, like many Canadians am a mixed bag and in the end I am just happy and proud to be alive and be able to live my life as I see it. To be close to my family, close to nature, and close to the greater energy (God).

The Application Process

A few years ago, maybe 2009, my uncle had visited the archives and discovered that we were more Mi’kmaq then we previously had known. Turns out that my great great grandfather and great grandfather were also Mi’kmaq and had claimed it on the Census. With written proof and with more knowledge of our heritage, we decided as a family to submit an application for status recognition. Seemed straight forward, finally I was happy to say that I am “native enough” for recognition. We might even have more but we based the application on the evidence that we could provide. 

No genetic testing but a whole lot of work went into submitting our family application. With the application submitted before the cut off date in November 2012, we wait, and wait and wait. Finally we get news, there are complications due to the unpredicted large volume of applications. We are here after all of those years of knowing but not able to apply and now they are changing the application process. Wait. They are changing the application process? Why? Because they do not want to process all of the claims? Because they are afraid of how many Mi’kmaq have been denied recognition for so long? It is not in the budget for this many claims? 

The Struggle for Recognition

Hello government, wake up! We are on to you. 

Did other first nations people of Canada have to go through the same struggles to gain the little plastic apology for lost heritage, oppression, relocations, prejudice?

So what if it takes a few years to process all the original claims. And for those who do not live in Newfoundland? Mi’kmaq people were nomadic. What is that? If an Italian moves to Canada, does that mean all of their Italian heritage is lost? In some parts of Newfoundland there are people more Irish then the Irish. We welcome that heritage as apart of our own because it is. 

How can the government expect people to stay in Newfoundland with no work and endlessly getting “the shitty end of the stick?” And of course some people might apply for both recognition and tax breaks but why not? If it is for your family and if that means you might not have to travel with half of the Newfoundlanders to Fort McMurray to survive while sacrificing family life. So be it.

Suggested Solution 

Here is a solution: What if they went through all of the applications and the ones with valid proof of Mi’kmaq heritage no matter where they are or what they claimed or did not claim on a job application or visited or not visited a reserve in the past, get genetic testing? Too expensive? 

Government and people share the cost. 

Once the application is approved they can set out requirements to ensure that the Mi’kmaq culture and way of life is passed down to the next generations by making requirements for the newly approved Mi’kmaqs to attend cultural ceremonies or take online courses or studies to maintain their status? 

How about introducing a Native American history and culture course in the curriculum? Educating young Canadians about the different tribes’ cultures and struggles of today? 

The Problem

What is the problem here? The government really seems that they want to make sure with their new requirements that not very many applicants can get through. Really? You are either Mi’kmaq or not, no matter where you live or what you have done to claim it in the past. For me, as the unaware young Canadian I did not think I was even allowed to claim native status on job or student applications unless I have proof that I was. 

I was not going to write this because at the end of the day, I do not see a card as making me more native, justifying a part of my heritage or giving me back culture that was lost but I do care about others that are feeling the injustice from the system. 

I cannot speak on a whole but I feel that these new requirements to claim yourself as a Mi’kmaq from Newfoundland seems awfully steep. It is not fair to deny people recognition of their heritage because they don’t live in Newfoundland at the time of application, or that they were not aware of a tribe they were supposed to be apart of before they even knew that they had more Mi’kmaq blood than they thought. 

An Ideal Government Perspective

The government should be happy that this many people are coming forward are opening up and speaking up claiming to be a part of Mi’kmaq. The government should be not worried about how many claims to process, they should be worried about how to give all the people with lost heritage information on their culture, so they can pass it on to the next generation. This is more than a card, this is a fight for cultural survival. Give something to the people to help preserve the culture, let people feel that they are allowed to belong, even if it means for them to have a little card saying so. Provide courses, information on Newfoundland Mi’kmaq’s even an online course for those who do not currently live in Newfoundland.   

For the people who feel a card won’t make a difference

And for those of you are thinking that no other race needs a card saying what they are, you are missing the point. The point is, throughout Canadian history First Nations has not had an easy time. For example, first nation females who married non-native males became also non-native (however that works); people who said they were native in former times had fear of losing their job or lost their job; often looked down at with negative stereotypes (I am sure you all know what I am talking about)...This list can keep going. 

The least that Canada can do is give back some form of right, some pride to be Mi’kmaq. 

An apology in plastic but only if they don’t have to give too many!

We are far greater and brighter Spirt if we unite then if we are to stand alone in the dark.

WWOOFING ADVENTURE III: Hermansdorf, Sea of Light

This adventure was a bit different and well needed for the third. The first was a introduction to farming and Germany, the second and real dive into the business aspects of farming, and the third, well it was a place of healing and reconnection. 

We discovered ourselves at this little town, Hermansdorf in Northeast Germany near the Baltic Sea and we also found out what feels right for our journey. We almost lost the concept with the last place but quickly got back to perspective with this place. Ultimately we need to prioritize to make sure we are doing what feels right for the soul. 

Family life is important for us, we are doing this mainly for lifestyle not for money. If we have no time to enjoy our family then we believe this will not be good for our morality. We feel that a hard driven farm business is not for us as it is too much stress and not enough time to enjoy each other and life. We want to do this to be apart of nature and to care for it not to strive to be the most successful.

Spirituality is something we never lost but maybe had not paid enough attention to. We have discovered that our new life will have to have a focus on Spirituality and incorporate good energy into our work environment because if you are not clear in the mind and soul then I feel it is difficult to be true to yourself and the greater energy. 

Helping others, in some shape or form, we both feel bliss with helping others in need. Not like a doctor or nurse but to share guidance, to have acceptance to all, and give love and put love into what we do. We want help others and Earth in any way we can. To be apart of healing Earth and hope that we can shed light into the darkest of souls, I feel is something of a goal. I don’t want to sound as if we are almighty or that this is ego driven, no, I just want lead by example and be true, to show that this journey is not easy. As for me, there are many temptations along the way such as material items like clothes and shoes, something I am trying to overcome, it is difficult but I am trying. This is also not about punishing oneself for faulting on what they are trying to overcome, it is time to be kind to yourself and all that surrounds you. 

Enjoying what we do, is of great importance. Keep checking in to ensure we are following our dharma, our path. It is not always easy but if it feels right in the centre beyond your tummy and heart then keep going. We all have a destiny and I truly believe that once you discover that destiny, whatever it may be, things will fall into place. Not saying it is easy, but a rocky road with an inexpressible beauty is worth traveling than a smooth straight road that is monotonously plain.  

A good community we have found at the last place, good people with beautiful energies,  makes us think about this place as possible home. We have yet to decide where we would like to live in Germany but we know we need support. 

Finally, to be financially stress free is a goal. We not talking about being able to afford luxury items or make fancy vacations, just to be able to not have stress on whether we can afford essentials, to pay bills, and to be able to see our families from time to time. As family is important and it is valuable to be able to connect with them in this global society we live in today.

I almost forgot my physical accomplishment for this trip, I can now make beautiful German sourdough bread, a skill I will cherish for life. 

Liljana is a glowworm of light, she is expressing herself and her energy, I just have to remember to let her be her, to guide her but not mould her.

We have many desires for our new life but nothing I see as out of reach and nothing as I see as something we do not deserve. As everyone deserves happiness, love and connection to our greater Energy or God as some may put it. I think as long as one is following what they desire and love what they do in life it does not matter what it is. We choose nature and farming but if art is your passion then paint something beautiful for the universe!

WWOOFING ADVENTURE II: Gut Kappel, Great Impression

It has been awhile since my last communication. This is due to our seven + week learning visit with a beautiful couple at Gut Kappel (Good Chapel). A “little farm” about 300 years old and use to have a chapel. I am not sure if I can ever get used to seeing houses that are 300+ years old, amazing really, I feel safe knowing that the Germans build to last. 

It is funny, we left the last place wondering how or if we could afford to “make it” as full time farmers, to wondering if we have enough start-up money or drive to be full timers. Gut Kappel has been a grateful experience, they have about 4000 Naturland laying hens as their main production, along with, turkeys, broiler (cooking) chickens, cows, pigs and a what it seems to be two other business enterprises, delivering other farmer’s eggs twice a week and buying and reselling regional speciality products such as wurst, cheeses, milk, honey, jams and breads at the local markets. Wow, they are busy and of course they have employees, but it definitely puts it in perspective on what we are aiming for...A quality sustainable lifestyle for us as a family, our animals that we care for and Earth. 

I see us more as earth carers and not just using the land and animals for only our benefit. We want to work and care for them - this includes raising and killing chickens if we want to eat them - there is a humane way to raise and kill a chicken - hence the photo of Thorsten helping prepare. It has come to our thoughts of joining with another like-minded family to ease the financial stress and be able to share the workload. It is hard, demanding and time consuming it is definitely not the lifestyle for the faint hearted. It is a lifestyle not just another job. 

And well, Liljana just loves everything about it! She will run the place before she is potty trained, I think...

I have been a bit more restricted on this farm with the repetitive learning than Thorsten. Mainly due to caring for Liljana and their stricter policies on where she is allowed to access. With good reason, of course this is a much bigger enterprise and more income dependent than the last place.  However, I have had plenty of learning opportunities as well, like collecting eggs, which is approximately 990-1100 per stable per day! Helping pluck feathers on slaughtering day, sorting eggs, going on delivery/pick up tour, helping prepare cheeses and setting up for the market, driving a tractor (one of my favourites, I must admit!) and painting like I have never painted before (including giant happy chickens on doors)! I think I could get a certification as a professional farm painter and make my mark with green and brown doors with happy farm animals for everyone. I truly think these folks do have happy healthy chickens, you can really see that that care for their animals which is a nice thing to experience.  

                                                   

Thorsten speaks the language and therefore obtains much more valuable information through conversation, which will benefit us both. I am struggling a bit in that department and made some funny mistakes, like putting asparagus shavings in pea soup instead of it being for two separate soups...oh well. I think the best was saying "Ichhohnchen" translating as "I little horned thing" instead of "Eischhohnchen" which means "squirrel". You can see how one can get it confused...I probably never spelled them right either, for the German speakers out there reading my blog may get additional laughs or not...I at least like to think I entertain the Germans with their own language and my version of it! Something I have come to take light-hearted because it would not be so fun to learn if I never. 

Another great thing to mention is that we are both happy with the work and lifestyle potential farming has. It is quite satisfying at the end of a long hard day and looking upon the rolling hills and listening to the birds sing and not cars yelling. Liljana loves to be around all the animals and makes sure to feed the chickens grass, taste test the dog food for quality, and mooo at the cows to say hello. 









Challenges come both physically and mentally but I believe as long as we look at each other at the end of the day, smile, feel satisfied and it feels right in the heart and soul then we can overcome the challenges one chicken at a time. 

Our first WWOOFING Experience: Ehrenberg, Germany

Our adventure has begun. We drove east from Darmstadt (near Frankfurt) for five hours almost to the Czech border to a little place called Ehrenberg.

Upon arrival, we were not sure what to expect but the living arrangement was surprisingly pleasant. Not luxurious in any sense but comfortable and dry. Liljana got comfortable pretty quick and tearing the place apart everyday was routine! At first, I was disappointed and a little concerned with my lack of excitement but was relieved after my first day of hard labour that a sense of accomplishment came over me as I went to the chicken house to greet my husband collecting eggs.

After a fews days of working I felt more and more satisfied with how things are. The family is lovely and hearty, the food is delicious and being outside, having tasks to do is just great. The best Liljana, so happy playing outside getting dirty and learning new animal sounds first handed. Our shack is cozier everyday and the warmth from the woodstove makes it a home. It is starting to open my eyes on living with less and no desire to get more. It is also satisfying to not be connected, no television, little internet and little noise other than the sounds from the rooster letting everyone know that daylight has come again.

Collecting eggs is something I can see doing myself. It was hard the first time as you have to get use to the curious chickens being happy to peck at my hand, shoes and pants. The thing I never liked was having to disturb the hens and take the eggs from under them. It was something I accepted but I felt like a sneaky fox taking more than my share. However, it is good when you know that they live a much better life than many chickens and allowing them to be chickens and not caged animals in horrible conditions is nice. Last thing, don’t forget to thank the chickens!

The two weeks went by so fast and each day felt refreshing as we were to work six hours, Monday to Friday and I did not mind. It was a good experience full of learnings and reflections to take in for our new beginning. We have planted our seeds, we just need to give ourselves love, air and water to begin to grow.