(pictured left to right: Mercy Volunteers Austin, Izzy, Anifa, Claire, Abi)

The most enriching part of this experience thus far has been the expansion of my personal connection to the earth and community. I feel more connected to the earth than ever before through my work tending to the land, caring for the animals, and spending time immersed in nature. Living in community has also helped me grow a deeper connection and greater appreciation to those around me. Much like many people in our modern society, I lived much of my life feeling fairly disconnected from both the earth and community. This experience with MVC is possibly the first time in my life I can say that feeling of disconnection has almost entirely disappeared. –Austin Brzezicki

Mercy Ecospirituality has exceeded my expectations on most every front. It stands for more than service, and it acts as a method of transformation at a time when most young adults are navigating their vocations in life. The labor is satisfying and purposeful, and Kayla has done a wonderful job connecting with the volunteers and providing means of guidance and through the lens of service, spirituality, and reverence for the natural world. Here, I have developed what I hope are lasting friendships that have already proven to be fruitful. I have found ways to connect and interact with the natural world in ways I never have before, and I have acquired healthy habits in my prayer life. –Abimael Dominguez

This experience has taught me so much about gardening and farming, and also how to live in community with everything around me. It has been very enriching building relationships here with my fellow volunteers and local community members. The nature of our work in the gardens creates space for both trivial and contemplative conversations, or simply offers a meditative silence surrounded by others. Our weekly spirituality nights allow us to grow closer together through intentionally deep and meaningful conversations. This has allowed enriching friendships to form in such a short period of time. Additionally, I have learned so many new skills and refined others like how to plant seeds or cook dinner for a large group while working here. –Izzy Donofrio

The most enriching part of this experience so far has been getting to disconnect. I have had a lot of time to do physical, intentional work. This has allowed my mind to reflect and grow more fully. I have also been able to read more and learn more. I feel my mind disconnecting from screens and normal parts of life and reconnecting with others and myself. –Claire McCorry

The most enriching part of my experience here at Mercy Ecospirituality Center so far has made me realize that as a college student, I’m used to rushing through assignments and moving on, but the program makes you slow down and pay attention to how land works and what it needs. And I also learned that everything around us, things like animals, trees, soil insects are all connected in one way or another. Working with other people who care about the same things has also made it feel less overwhelming, because it reminds me, I’m not doing it alone.

The hands-on tasks have been especially meaningful, since doing the work makes everything click in a way that reading alone does not. Overall, I would say the most rewarding part is feeling like I’m growing and building a stronger sense of purpose. –Anifa Selemani

Austin Brzezicki, Abimael Dominguez, Izzy Donofrio, Claire McCorry, Anifa Selemani: Benson, Vermont