Is It Possible to Build Community While Wandering?
Building Community As I Go
I just left a 2-week Workaway stint in Galicia, Spain. I was helping out a mom and her two girls while her husband was away. When I arrived I asked her what she needed help with and she seemed uncomfortable giving me tasks; “whatever you want to do!” she smiled sweetly.
I LOVED this answer because truth be told, I have never liked having a strict schedule, and I don’t particularly like being told what to do, hence why I work for myself. What I realized through this experience is that my aversion to authority and a strict schedule has nothing to do with being a slacker or disliking getting my hands dirty- quite the opposite, I just like doing things I am drawn to doing and I like being appreciated and respected. You know, basic things.
Luckily this family delivered both.
That meant that every day I took their gentle giant of a dog Luna out for hikes. We would walk through the lush forest down to the river beach and we’d splash around for a while before walking back. That also meant I hacked away at all the weeds and mowed the heck out of some grass (which I must say was very fun and instantly gratifying — my favorite kind of “work”). I cooked them tacos one evening for dinner and they told me that they liked them more than their dad’s (who happens to be a chef for some very important people). “It’s not a competition,” I grinned, but I ate up the praise.
Every time I completed a task, whether simple or backbreaking, the mom always thanked me.
It was hard to leave them earlier, I started to feel like part of their family and enjoyed helping where I could. The whole family told me I was welcome back anytime and wished me luck on my journey.
“Oh this is hard,” I heard the mom cry out as I drove away. My eyes filled with tears.
Sometimes I wonder if I am delaying being a part of a community, something I desire very much, by permanently traveling. I’ve convinced myself that community is something that only happens when you are in one place for a long time. But what I realized earlier today is that that isn’t true at all. Everyone I have ever house-sat for or volunteered for has always said the same, “You always have a place to stay with us.” I AM building a community, it just so happens to be a little bigger and more spread out than a traditional one. And I am so grateful for that.
See you soon, friends!
Volunteering is a great way to save money on accommodations while you are traveling. Trusted Housesitters and Workaway are two sites I use and love.