The Power of Community
What would you do if you got a frantic call from your best friend asking, "Can we move our farm to your farm? There is a fire across the road from our place."?
That is what I heard on the other end of the line when my phone rang at nearly 4:00 this afternoon. It turns out there was a grass fire directly across the road from Rob @wwf and Carey's @careypage place. They have dozens of chickens, almost 20 goats, and a small flock of geese. And just to make things interesting; there are four new-born goats in the mix.
That is a lot of livestock to move. But my immediate answer was absolutely. We are renting a farmstead that has outbuilding sheds, a chicken coop, corral with a shelter, and almost five acres of grass. The house is smallish, but has a fully finished basement. It also happens to be the farm that Rob grew up on.
We were in emergency mode, and ready to go into action.... and then ... the fire settled down. If you know anything about wildfires, the visible fire and smoke can change quite quickly, but it leaves behind smouldering underbrush and underground branches, that can re-ignite and blaze up in an instant.
So the excitement has died down for the moment, but what I want to share is that, if the situation were reversed, I know that my friends would happily do the same. This is the value of community. A group of friends who support each other in tough times, celebrate the good times, and come when needed. This can be accomplished on a super-small scale, but it can also work in a larger community.
So, who is managing the fire? The community volunteer fire department. Neighbors from the local area who dedicate the time to get trained, and the hours on call, and the time away from family to be involved and support neighbors in their community.
It is a responsibility and a pleasure to have a close community, tribe or clan. I am honored to be a part of this clan. We are imperfect, opinionated, strong-willed, silly, hard-working, focused, goofy, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. But what bonds the relationships is the desire to be in supportive community of people of like mind who will be there in good times and bad.
You can pop over to Rob's page @wwf or Carey's @careypage and get more details on their experience from the 'hot seat'.
Save the grass! :D :D :D
There's nothing better then a well meshed community coming together to take care of one another. I sure hope things settle down for y'all. 🙌 prayers & best wishes.
Overnight tonight is the critical time. If the winds stay calm, tomorrow should be a good day.
Here's to hoping you're getting some rain up north it drizzled a bit all day and we got a bit of a dousing this evening here ( just east of Calgary).
That is quite encouraging to read. I have a small community and with my family it starts with @earthmother. Knowing that she has my back and I have hers whenever there is a need. I am there for her as much as I can be.
This is something I strongly feel that people should understand. We need to stop living and growing in separation. I know what that is like and it is not where I want to be. I try to share my insights with people that are willing to hear. Hopefully people get it and try and as well.
I hope there are no more dangers over there. Hopefully a little rain with come your way and help some as well ^_^
It is a form of insurance that many people miss. It is awesome knowing someone will be there for you. The separation that happens when people need to work so hard to just keep up with the basics is a huge drain on the time and ability to make the connections that are vital to have a thriving community network. Keep talking. People with come along.
I looks like the danger has mostly passed. But the fire season is just beginning. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you Muriel. Yes, we are not out of the woods yet. This fire is not done but the risk has diminished considerably. But if the winds pick up again like they were this afternoon, we may have to bug out. It will be a long night.
You know we are here for you.
Absolutely! I have a large and fantastic community!
Yes. We do.
Thank you very much Muriel, It was so wonderful to hear your voice on the other end of the telephone during that incident. All worked out ok, but is is scary to see the fire so close. The support is so comforting. We are here for you as well.
I am always here for you. Much love.
Thank you so much for your support. It is so grately appreciated. We woud be there for you in a heart beat. You probably already know this.
I love the post. Especially the description of our clan.
I am so blessed to have a best friend like you.
Back at you, my friend.
Community is everything. Without it we are nothing.
So true. Thanks.