
Change. The word can bring mixed feelings. When we long for change, it can bring us to exciting new adventures. Change can also challenge us to look for new places to belong, and that can be scary.
For 20 years, Debbie farmed the earth at L’Arche Farm and Gardens. She provided L’Arche homes with veggies, and gardeners across Pierce County with beautiful plants and flowers. She taught countless school children how to seed, weed and transplant. But in all her accomplishments, Debbie still longed for change. The happy times of sunny lunches on the Farm patio with friends mixed with the reality of hard days weeding in the cold and rain. Debbie imagined something different for herself.
One day, when a representative from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation visited the Farm to talk about employment options, Debbie told her, “I want a new job.” Her journey to a new place of belonging was launched.
Debbie continues to work with her friends and supporters in community to say good-bye to farming life and hello to a new sense of belonging through other employment. In addition to her job search, Debbie is also exploring her gifts to community at the Welcome Center. Debbie finds relaxing important and can do so while keeping her mind occupied with her puzzles.
Debbie is also finding what makes her happy. When not at Value Village, she brings her gifts to the Welcome Center. Debbie finds relaxing important and can do so while keeping her mind occupied with her puzzles.
Debbie recalls her time on the Farm and sometimes misses her friends. Debbie’s time on the Farm won’t be forgotten! Her legacy now also includes showing all of us that change, while sometimes hard, can also lead to new friends, and new places to belong.