I Don't Know

It is Tuesday. We left the farm Sunday, two days ahead of schedule. Leighton asked me to write something about it. This is the first time, in a long time, that I have been in a situation where my freedom was controlled. Last Tuesday a boat took us to the place, and we were told that the same boat was the only way back the following Tuesday. It started out great. The place was beautiful, but primitive. We had the impression from the WWOOFer organization book that we worked half a day, and had half a day off. The learership there did not subscribe to that belief. That part was not the main issue. We worked, ate and rested with the family. Saturday was our Sabbath. In hindsight, Leighton and I could see warning signs. The night before LC went to an internet cafe to get online to arrange our schedule. The guy at the cafe warned LC about the head woman. I had some unusual anxiety about it, but just thought I was nervous about doing something new. I don't know what to say. We met some amazing people, and I don't want to harm their efforts there. One person made our time there hell. She shamed our children in front of the other workers, our friends at this point. She made a point of reminding me continually, that I was doing light work, while everyone else was doing the real work. She continually talked down to us. It was very clear that she was in controll of everything and everyone there. Samuel's stomach was upset Saturday, from stress I think, she made sure that we were quarantined to our room, and used separate water facilities from everyone else as not to infect the rest of the camp. On Sunday we were asked to leave because of "the sickness", and waited in our room for a few hours while a taxi was called. We were not allowed to say goodbye to our friends. At our departure we were told that Samuel and William popped an inflatable seat worth $100 and she then proceeded to scold them and dictate to them their punishment once they got home to make up for the damage. It was unbelievable. She was not a reasonable person. LC and I promised to take care of the seat and quietly said goodbye. Samuel and William did good work. We are not farm people, but they really did work. Leighton went above and beyond, as usual, and I really tried to make the best of an uncomfortable situation. We left in tears. I don't want to talk about this anymore. A lot happened there that I don't want to talk about. Our prayers are for their help, and healing and ours as well. The brilliant spot is this: Saturday night I could not sleep. I spent the night crying out to God about our trouble there. The next morning, I told LC I prayed through the night, and that this prayer would not let go of me until about 6 am. It was that morning, Sunday morning, that we were asked to leave. I really feel that God heard, and answered. As soon as we were asked to leave Samuel started to feel better. We are now in Wellington. It is good to be here. We are in a YHA, youth hostel association, with lots of friendly people and it feels great. We have had dinner, and are regrouping. We went to the Te Papa museum today. It is beautiful. They are showing Monet this month; one of my favorite impressionists; a gift from God. I am tired. I will catch up with you all again soon. Love Love Love. GC