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.