Louisa Rossell’s Reflection at Agape’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Louisa, center, planting the Cranberry Bush dedicated to the next generation
Louisa, center, planting the Cranberry Bush dedicated to the next generation

Changing Seasons, Changing Agape

My name is Louisa Rossel and I had the pleasure of interning at Agape from June 2021 through August 2021. I also lived at Agape while serving with AmeriCorps for an additional four months. Living at Agape was the first time in my life where my work, my food, and so many of the conversations I had were in tune with the seasons. There is a natural rhythm and flow here which so perfectly aligns with each seasonal change. I witnessed the speed of summer which included a constantly swinging door of friendly, new faces. Late summer led to a mad dash of harvesting and blanching vegetables for the coming colder seasons. I also witnessed winter; a slower, relaxed time of precisely stacking wood and maintaining a golden glow inside the wood-fired stove. For me, Agape was a safe nest where I could learn the power of seasonal change and pass it along to others everywhere I go. I hope for interns far beyond my time, Agape is a space to experience following the natural, seasonal flow of nature in the garden, kitchen, and during prayer. I hope it remains a beacon of light for those passionate about living in-tune, rather than against, the Earth.