Recently while I was watching the old movie “La Strada” a line from the movie caught my attention “Even the smallest pebble has an important place in the world.” I instantly thought of the fruits and vegetables at the Rawfully Organic Co-op. Each week my family and I look forward to Thursdays. I am excited all day! Although I drive almost two hours round trip it’s not a burden. I can’t wait to begin my journey.

In the beginning I arrived when the shares were ready for pick up. I collected my share and I was off. I soon realized that by arriving at that time I was missing something special. I started to make an effort to arrive early enough so that I could be a part of the sorting community. I believe this fellowship is one the reasons this Co-op has grown so quickly. It was also during this time that I realized each of the fruits and vegetables held their own important place in the world. This wonderful produce was grown for this exact moment. Each blueberry, strawberry, leaf of lettuce was grown for someone special. When I began to think of the “Little Guys” in that way I saw the bigger picture.

I feel very blessed to have found the Rawfully Organic Co-op. I now understand why Kristina works so hard and is so passionate about keeping this a Co-op community not a farmer’s market.

Thursday evenings are now a special day of the week. I return home with my bounty. My daughter and I take all our gifts and place them on the kitchen table. Each week we are still so excited. Often we have had to research to figure out what exactly some of our items were, personal growth occurs weekly. Next, we make a special bath for all our “Little Guys”, bathe and care for each item. I have even caught myself talking to the greens before placing them in the refrigerator.

Rawfully Organic has rejuvenated my love for cooking, reminded me of how the simple things give joy, and the importance of supporting our local farmers. Never do I worry if an item will be delicious, and I love the special treat of finding a ladybug hanging out. My daughter loves to relocate them into our backyard. Are all the items perfect, shiny, and large? Nope the “Little Guys” are sometimes blemished, small, or bruised just like so many of my friends and family and that is what makes them something special.

When I began participating in the Rawfully Organic Co-op I never dreamed that my family would be impacted in so many ways. Yes the food is wonderful, and the price is unbelievable, but I find the community within the Co-op is something magical and very rare to find in the time we live. Thanks to Kristina and Rawfully Organic, my daughter worked with her teachers to develop an organic garden at her middle school. She talks about Swiss Chard and Mizuno when helping plan dinner, and jumps for joy when I bring home a mango. Yep a mango, not a candy bar. Passing this passion for fresh organic foods to the next generation is just one more added bonus.

I bet many of you have similar stories that could be told upon a little reflection. So thank you Kristina for making a difference in so many lives in ways I bet you didn’t realize.