Throughout all of my experiences abroad, one theme has connected them all: Relying on the kindness of strangers.
As members of the World Wide Organization of Organic Farms, also known as WWOOFers, we inherently depend on the generosity, expectations and hospitality of our hosts.
They provide meals, safe spaces and a sense of community. In return, we bring our energy and our willingness to learn and work. What begins as a simple exchange often grows into something much deeper.
We meet people we never would have crossed paths with otherwise, whether just down the road or halfway across the globe, and in those shared moments we transform from strangers into friends and companions.
Related: Sam Stanley’s personal experience of being a WWOOFer
Through farm work and the shared goals of sustainability and ecology, we are united by a vision bigger than ourselves. WWOOF is unlike anything else, not only does it connect people, it connects ideas, values and ways of living.
For me, WWOOFing has become an ongoing experiment in how to interact with the world and her people. Again and again, I have found myself relying on the kindness of strangers, and in doing so I’ve felt welcomed, comfortable and more connected to the citizens of the world.
As I have grown in my professional journey, I have connected another valuable lesson back to my WWOOF experiences: leave nothing on the table.
When something is offered to you, food, housing, kindness or generosity, take it.
Especially when you are solo, scared or unsure; those gifts matter. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and when it’s extended, accept it.
Too often I have seen people hesitate, ashamed that they need support. But here’s the truth: When someone offers a hand, it’s because they want you to be happy, healthy and safe. If they did not mean it, they would not offer.
The caveat is just as important, only take what you need. If there are others at the table, make sure they have their share too. Gratitude goes both ways.
Another lesson I’ve carried from my WWOOF experiences is simple: say yes first.
When a host invited me to try something new, whether it was learning a farm skill, eating a food I’d never seen before or joining in a local tradition; I learned to say “yes” before hesitation could creep in.
Some of those “yeses” turned into lifelong memories, hiking into the mountains with fellow WWOOFers, going to a Sake festival held once a year, helping harvest a crop I’d never even heard of, or being welcomed into a family celebration with a host I’d only met a month ago.
It’s easy to let fear, doubt or unfamiliarity make you pull back. But often the best opportunities hide in those first, uncomfortable invitations. Saying yes first doesn’t mean ignoring your limits, it just means staying open to the unknown. More often than not, it leads to growth, joy, and stories you’ll tell for years.
Sam Stanley, guest contributed
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