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Growing up in the heart of the countryside was like living in a vibrant painting, where the hues of the land changed with the seasons and the rhythm of life was dictated by the needs of the animals. My childhood was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of rural life, each day an adventure that shaped who I am today.
Our family farm is nestled in a sprawling valley, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with wildflowers in the spring. I remember standing on the porch of our farmhouse watching the sun rise over the hills. It painted the sky with shades of orange and pink, a daily reminder of nature's beauty.
The vast expanse of land was my playground for my siblings and I. We would run barefoot through the fields, feeling the cool grass under my feet, while the distant mooing of cattle echoed in the background. My siblings and I spent our days helping my parents look after our crops and animals whilst also exploring the woods, playing among the trees, eating fruits hanging near us, and building forts from fallen branches. Life was simple with no running water or electricity, yet rich with the joy of nature.
Farm life was our way of life. My parents worked tirelessly, rising with the sun to tend to the farm. I remember waking up to the sound of my father’s boots thudding against the wooden floor and the delicious aroma of breakfast wafting through the house. After a hearty meal with mote (giant white corn) and homemade cheese, we would head out to the pastures, where the real work began.
I was eager to help my parents, even as a child. My older brother and I would help my father to milk the cows and ‘apartar’, check on the cattle twice a day, before going to school and before dusk. I felt a sense of belonging, tending to the crops listening to my father’s guidance. I learned to read the land, spotting signs of weather changes and understanding how the animals behaved. Each day brought new lessons about responsibility, hard work, and the interconnectedness of life on the farm.
Of course, life in the farm was not without its challenges. There were long days filled with tough work, unpredictable weather, and the constant demands of caring for the animals. I remember one winter when I was 5 years old and my brother 7 years old, the shallow rivers which we needed to cross by foot to go to school or to the town’s centre swelled up and we were split from my parents who could not cross over to get us. We spent countless hours waiting for the water to calm and decrease before we were reunited once again.
Yet, through those challenges, I learned resilience. My parents taught me the importance of perseverance, showing me that even in tough times, there is always a way forward. Our family came together during those difficult seasons, supporting one another through our love, hard work, and dedication to our farm. Those moments of hardship only strengthened our bonds, teaching us the value of family.
Now, as I look back on those formative years, I realize how profoundly they shaped my values and outlook on life. The lessons of hard work, resilience, and connection to nature have stayed with me, guiding me in my journey beyond the farm.
Now, having established myself in London, I visit my parents now in retirement in Gonzanama every 3-5 years with my young family (5 and 9 years old – just like when my brother and I used to spend the night gazing at the stars). The land still holds the same charm, just as they always have, and my daughters feel the enchantment of the land. I often take a moment to reflect on the beauty of my upbringing, the laughter we shared, and the adventures that defined my childhood.