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I’m not sure where to even begin with my time at Fields of Freedom. This was my first Workaway volunteering experience and it deserves almost all credit for the inspiration behind Earth Angel Sanctuaries. It was my first time traveling completely alone in a foreign country, taking 2 flights, a long train, and what felt like an even longer taxi into the remote mountains of Galicia. I arrived to the sanctuary with my heart racing thinking “what the hell did I just get myself into?” My taxi driver helped me with my bags wearing a concerned look on his face (matching that of my own) as both of us had absolutely no clue where we were. I was greeted with a very dirty handshake by my new German roommate who escorted me to our home for the month. I am not going to lie, my first impression was complete panic. I am in the middle of nowhere with no transportation, barely any cell service, and a complete stranger sleeping in the room next to me. I sat down in my new room, took some deep breaths, and realized that this is what I have been wanting to do for years. These were just stress nerves after long days of travel.

The following morning, I woke up before the sun to the sound of the roosters crowing and donkeys munching on hay directly beneath my floorboards. I smiled so big with a rush of positive emotions knowing that I was in the right place. And I was right. I walked outside, to what sounded like millions of birds singing and watched the golden sun rays beam over the clouds flowing like water between the mountain tops. This was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I had ever seen.

In my four short weeks at Fields of Freedom, I had the most overwhelming feelings of peace and joy that I had never felt. As a little girl, I knew my place on this earth was anywhere in nature with animals. This was the first time I listened to my inner child and did something that brought me immense feelings of purposefulness. I spent every moment of sunshine outdoors with the donkeys, dogs, cats, horses, and chickens. These animals were different than those I previously worked with. After being rescued from abuse, neglect, and near slaughter, I could literally feel their appreciation and gratitude for the love that we gave them. It physically brought me to tears many times. Even now as I reminisce while typing this.

What Christopher has done with his farm is truly inspirational. He started from nothing and has now rescued HUNDREDS of animals, giving them the caring and loving home they deserve. I had always dreamt of opening my own sanctuary, but it was not until hearing about Chris’ journey with Fields of Freedom that I realized the only person in my way was myself.

Another highlight of my experience is the other volunteers that stayed at FoF. I will forever remember the conversations and laughs we shared making meals in the kitchen and working so closely together. I grew so close with them that it felt like saying goodbye to family when we parted ways.

ANYWAYS, I know this is a long venting session about my life but it is very important to me and my motivation to make a difference for these sanctuaries. I will forever be grateful for my experience at Fields of Freedom as it has shifted me into a completely new direction in life.

These sanctuaries are doing honest work. They deserve recognition and that is why I plan to get them the exposure they need to continue saving innocent lives.