Broadforks. Kohl rabi. Dibblers. Lambsquarter. Drip tape. Hoop house. Fish emulsion.

By Madison Ostrander

All things I had no idea existed until about two weeks ago, but now encounter daily as an intern at Eighth Day Farm. I admit that I came into this internship with no farming experience to boast– only a desire to further understand the workings of an urban farm, especially the connections between food, faith, and communities. Although the summer has only just begun, I am grateful for all that I’ve learned thus far due to the abounding patience and “teachable moments” shown by John and Andy, Eighth Day’s farmers, as well as the other three interns.

Now, sixteen days into my summer on the farm, I have not only earned a deepening farmer’s tan, sore muscles, and a nine o’ clock bed time, but I’ve also learned a lesson or two– a few of which I’d like to share.

Every day I have the pleasure of learning and growing (quite literally) alongside three other interns, Chelsey, Monica, and Karey, who are all a unique and inspiring balance of hardworking and humility. Spending time together while seeding lettuce, transplanting tomatoes, watering-in beets, and pouring over the jungle of weeds surrounding the onions, has made me increasingly grateful for the people I spend my dirt-covered days with. In other words, your veggies from Eighth Day Farm are grown between the aisles in which four former strangers are cultivating new friendships. Which brings to me to my first lesson from the farm: As each one of us is created in God’s image, every person I meet presents a particular opportunity to grow closer to the heart of God. The women I work alongside at Eighth Day are no exception to this, as I have already come to better understand the importance of selflessness, grace, and boldness because of their eagerness to learn quickly and their dedication to challenging work.

To prove the dirt under my nails isn’t caked in vain, I’ll share my other most memorable lessons to date:

•Fish emulsion, also known as “fish smoothie,” is a delectable, peanut butter-colored, repugnant-smelling liquid that both enriches the nutrients in the soil and reminds me of my grandpa’s garage.

•The compost used at Eighth Day comes from all over, but some includes shavings from a local wooden shoe company. Also, potatoes and walnut trees can grow wild in an unwatched compost pile.

•There is a dainty yellow flower bolting from mizuna (an Asian green) that mirrors the taste of broccoli.

•Apparently dogs aren’t technically allowed at the Holland Farmers Market. However, as someone who cries embarrassing tears of joy at the sight of a puppy, I am greatly appreciative of those who so kindly bend the rules.

•Weeding is infinitely more fun when listening to “embarrassing moment” stories or solving riddles (let us know if you have one you think might stump us!)

•There is a proper way to water in a freshly-seeded plant. If you’re curious, ask Andy by emailing andy@eighthdayfarm.org about his joke regarding the Sheen brothers, as I’m sure he’d be happy to share.

Lastly, I’ve learned–or perhaps have been gently reminded–that God’s sweet and divine plan for my life is always far greater than any I may carefully dream up. As a recent college graduate with a business degree and a long-standing infatuation with the corporate world, I find myself continually surprised (and overwhelmingly grateful) at how much I feel a sense of honest purpose as I wash heads of lettuce, gingerly band vibrant bunches of kale, sample edible weeds around the farm, and sweatily broadfork under the early-June sun.