Crop Mob?

Crop mob sunflowerLiving in a rural area – I have found that I have become more isolated.  This is not necessarily by choice, but because of distance to others and the amount of work it takes to keep up a house and property, which does not leave much time for other things.  Back in the day community was found in barn raising, town socials and church gatherings and when your family was in need – the community stepped up to help out in all sorts of ways.

In our community I have family, friends and co-workers – and all are willing to lend a helping hand, give advice/suggestions, barter for goods and services and to be there when needed – but there are still times when a community coming to help is so appreciated and so helpful.  I was lucky to have this type of help with my move – many hands made the work so much easier and more enjoyable.

Recently a co-worker got way behind on her property upkeep – so 5 of us showed up at her house one morning and worked for 3 hours!  It was amazing how much was accomplished and the time just flew by.  Out of this came the Crop Mob.

Crob Mob weedingOur crop mob is made up of 5 families since there were 5 months Crop mob paintingof good weather left to the year. Each family gets one 3 hour segment of time and then gives the same to the other families.  The host family put together a list of tasks that needs to get done and then provides a meal for all who worked. If this is successful, we will add more families next year and do more months!

Crop mob wood

Our first gathering was this past Sunday.  There were 11 of us, 9 adults and 3 children.  We weeded, painted a room, painted doors, gathered wood from several locations and stacked them for future use and put up siding.

Crop mob siding

After we had finished the jobs – we all gathered to share a meal.  We had soup, corn bread and polenta casserole – followed by ice cream.  We sat and talked and enjoyed each others company almost as long as we worked.  The kids played and helped build a fire so we could roast marshmallows. It was a magical day – much shared and much given in love and respect of each other and what we are all trying to accomplish with our lives.

Crop mob kids

Next month it is at our house – Stella has already started asking what we are going to make for the meal and what projects are we going to tackle.  One of the children at the crop mob, is Stella’s age and will be going to the same school as her this coming school year – so nice for her to meet someone prior to starting a new school!  I wanted to share this concept – well, because I think it is a great idea! Coming together to get jobs done, giving and receiving, helping others and nourishing one another with work, friendship, community, accomplishment and good food!

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5 Responses to Crop Mob?

  1. Jody says:

    A magical day, and a magical post. Thank you for writing this. It’s no different than a self-help group. Sharing personal feelings on a common issue gives us encouragement, and a new perspective. In my condo community, we have found a way to pool our money and outsource all of the services. That is the nature of condo living. Unfortunately, it cannot replace the spiritual principle of participation. I suspect that we are more isolated here, living in attached housing.

  2. Candace says:

    Fabulous concept you’re sharing and I LOVE that you and others are coming together and getting major work accomplished. True “giving back” and great for the children to see and learn from. Hope you and your “crop mob” will continue and keep rotating!! : )

  3. virginia says:

    Great idea !!! Va.

  4. Jo says:

    Wow, I am impressed. So fabulous and a sense of community. Oh how simple things can be!

  5. deborah says:

    I missed this when it was first posted but am so glad I went back and viewed it! Reminds me of Little House on the Prairie, I do believe you and Stella have watched that a time or two 🙂 !

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