As our first year of seeding and planting comes to a close, I cannot help but reflect on what Rhodiola and the community that comes with it has come to mean to me personally. We chose to start this journey with a group of 3 families and the relationship we have built has been invaluable. Honestly I do not know how we would have fared without the camaraderie of our fellow partners. The journey of doing Rhodiola is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to invest in it and put in the hard work associated with it. It is not lost on me how blessed we are for those who have gone before and paved the way for this journey! But a paved road does not mean there still isn’t hard work to be done! Diving into the Rhodiola rodeo has been a combination of ups and downs and puzzles and mysteries and the greatest part is we have just started. I am well aware we have a lot more to learn and plenty more growth and stretching as we walk this road that has been paved before us.
What do I mean about the road being paved?
Many years ago a group of people started this and through more trial and error than we have had to experience, they grew this opportunity into something that could be followed. A mission with a map if you choose to accept it awaits those who are willing to take the risk and do the work.
Will it be easy? No it will not but I do believe it will be worth it.
There is a reason the Bible uses many illustrations that relate to farming.
While farming grows a tangible product it also grows you. It stretches you to be someone better, more refined and able to weather what life can throw at you. My first year in the Rhodiola rodeo has been a time of growth I will take with me for a lifetime and I know next year I am ready to do it all again. No, we haven’t been paid yet and yes, 5 years seems like a long time to wait for what this crop will produce, but this year we have already cultivated relationships with our partners and with seasoned growers who have encouraged us, helped and guided us, gave of their time and expertise and shared their stories of how hard it was back then and to how it is now.
This is a committed group of people to improve the Rhodiola way. We are so blessed to be part of this coop and as we continue on our journey we get excited for what is to come.
This is a community worth joining for many reasons. We are living proof! Now grow sweet plants! We bless you and look forward to what is to come!
April and Evan
