Peoples Republic of Barnacre

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Cheers everyone,

Well I have finished my five weeks on the farm and what an amazing time it has been. This was a truly special adventure in ways that are hard to explain in words. Barnacre farm is a world of its own and because of that a once in a lifetime experience.

I feel so happy that I was able to participate while I could. Having joined the group towards the end I was able to be there for the completion of the project and see alot of people who have lended a hand over the past four years. Hearing everyone's stories of projects and events that took place over the years was really great. Around 300 helpers have come to Barnacre and each has had a similar but different experience. There are those elements of the farm that have changed dramatically and those that have stood the test of time. The whole project has evolved and progressed and the people have changed but there will always be the tee pee, the mud, the great meals, the family, pool rugby, the sense of camaraderie and the acceptance of everyone being dirty and stinky haha. Seeing and meeting a bunch of the helpers from the past allowed me to kind of travel back in time and get a sense of life on the farm before I was there. I could instantly relate with everyone just because I had been part of the experience and this makes the bond between us all the more special.

The party was a great success with live music, a fireworks show that could have rivaled professionals, a huge bonfire that was seen for miles, friends and family that will last a lifetime and all the food one could imagine. There was football, go carts, donkey rides, drinking, dancing, singing, eating, living, laughing and loving! It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of an era.

While it was such a joyous occasion I lament having to leave. This has truly been the most difficult transition I have experienced in my travels so far and as a result I move forward with a heavy heart. I know that goodbye's are an intrinsic element of traveling and it is something that one has to accept. This acceptance does not instantly relieve the weight that one feels from the separation of something truly wonderful. So continues the practice of acceptance and willingness to move forward and recognize that there are no endings just new beginning. The experiences you have, good or bad, stay with you and give you the ability to re-live them as often as you desire.

That being said I will leave you guys to the pictures so that you can get an idea of the experience I have had. Imagine the place in your heart where you are free and apply it to what you see, this will give you the best idea of what Barnacre farm is like and what I am speaking about. Good luck and Godspeed to everyone.

All Love,
Brian

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Photos

the group
These are some pictures of my group of helpers and others who have come back for the party with the Kenan family.

Trouble maker
this is John and Paul (Paul is the one upside down) out of the kids paul like to be the human punching bag

Barnacre Celebration
There was a lot of shouting in celebratory fashion

Comments

[anna m verstegen]

leaving is such great sorrow
Hi Brian, So happy to hear from you again, but from your story, I can understand how there was no time for stuff like letting us know what was going on. Right ????? I love your statement, "No ends, only new beginnings". How are we ever going to get you back on the farm after all that???? Miss you and Love you, Nanny and Grandpa