The Farmer's Friend

COVID-19 has hit all of our lives--but in uniquely different ways.  For those of you wondering how we are doing, we just want to share that God is so faithful!  All of us are safe and healthy!  And the farm is still going strong!  During these uncertain times, so many people have stood up and filled in the gaps for others.  We want to thank each of you from the depths of our hearts.  Right now, we especially want to thank those of you who have continued to support your local farmers!  You have made a difference!  I am honored to share that my sweet cousin is one of these people!  She recently shared her story with us, and we were very inspired by it.  So, we want to share it with you!  Praise God that, no matter what, He always gives us opportunities to help others!  "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).  I love you, Ali!  ~Morgan

When the coronavirus hit Seattle, Washington in February 2020, the icy grip of restrictions and social distancing closed on the once-bustling city.  Just thirty minutes from the site of the first cases, Ali sat in her urban apartment, brainstorming how she could help.  What could she possibly do?

She continued her normal routine as much as she could.  The boutique where she worked quickly closed--until the pandemic passed.

One of the highlights of Ali's week was visiting her local farmer's market.  She loved all of the fresh produce and flowers!  There was something thrilling about all of those farm stands!  When she visited the farmer's market one week to shop for her groceries, nothing was there.  She stood, horrified.  A passerby told her that the governor had closed farmer's markets across the state.  Ali was shocked.  What was going to become of the farmers?  

Relieved, she soon learned that most of the produce was still being purchased by restaurants continuing to operate.  But, the fresh flowers...

One day, Ali told her friend Lisa how sad she was that she couldn't buy fresh flowers.  She couldn't even go to the tulip fields anymore!  Lisa shared how one of her friends drove to the farms to pick up the flowers, then sold them in her own driveway.  All of the profits were returned to the farmers.  Ali jumped on the opportunity.  She drove to buy tulips from Lisa's friend.  Right away, she got involved.  She said, "I didn't want all of those flowers to go to waste.  I wanted to find homes for them."

Lisa graciously allowed Ali to use her driveway to create a "farm stand".  Ali purchased a tent and excitedly picked up all of the flowers.  She began selling goods from local shops, too.  Word was spreading throughout Seattle.  People flocked to these patchwork "farmer's markets".  There was no lack of customers for Ali.

People living outside of Washington wanted to help the farmers, too.  Soon, Ali started receiving orders for flowers from individuals who couldn't come pick them up.  They bought bunches of flowers, and Ali told them that she would donate the bouquets.  She drove to fire stations, police stations, doctors' offices--encouraging those on the front lines.

Thankful to stay busy, Ali did all she could for the farmers.  "I just wanted to help," she said.  From her weekly sales, she moved $15,000 back into the community.

Thanks to Ali and other compassionate people, farms around Seattle have not only survived, but also thrived!