A Friendship Born on the Farm
The year we met Maxime and Josephine was a special one, marking not only my twelfth birthday but also the beginning of an unforgettable friendship. They were our first WorkAway visitors—two spirited nineteen-year-olds from Germany who joined us on our self-sufficient farm. While we had many incredible people come through the WorkAway program that year, Maxime and Josephine stood out in a way that still makes me smile when I think back on it.
It wasn’t just their energy or willingness to jump into the rhythm of farm life that made them special—it was the connection we shared. Having someone close to my age, with similar interests and a sense of humor that matched mine, was something I hadn’t experienced much before. Their laughter was contagious, and they had this way of making even the hardest chores feel like a game.
Building Together: The Chicken Coop Project
During their stay, Maxime and Josephine took on one of the biggest projects on our farm: rebuilding the chicken coop. Together, we worked on everything from reinforcing the hen roosts to replacing the windows. Their determination and teamwork were inspiring, and the end result was a sturdy, upgraded coop that we were all proud of. Watching them dive into such a challenging task with enthusiasm made it clear that they weren’t just here to help—they truly cared about making a difference.
Adventures Beyond the Farm
We also took a trip to Seattle during their stay, eager to show them a bit of life beyond the farm. Exploring the city together was a blast, filled with sightseeing, shared meals, and plenty of laughter. We visited landmarks, enjoyed the waterfront, and introduced them to some local favorites. It was a chance to bond outside the usual farm routines and create memories that went beyond the boundaries of our small homestead.
Evenings of Overwatch and Connection
One of the things that made Maxime especially memorable was his love for Overwatch, a game my brother and dad were obsessed with at the time. Most evenings ended with all of us gathered around the TV, battling it out in intense matches and sharing strategies. Those moments, filled with competition and camaraderie, were some of the best parts of their visit. For a while, it felt like Maxime wasn’t just a guest—he was one of us.
A Birthday to Remember
My twelfth birthday fell during their stay, and it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. They made the day feel magical, helping me celebrate with homemade decorations, a cake we all baked together, and plenty of laughter. It wasn’t just a birthday party—it was a moment of pure joy that perfectly reflected the bond we had formed.
Farewell, But Not Goodbye
When their time with us ended, saying goodbye wasn’t easy. As much as I knew WorkAway meant they’d move on to their next adventure, I secretly wished they’d stay forever—or at least come back someday. Even now, I find myself wondering what they’re up to, hoping they know how much they meant to us.
Maxime and Josephine weren’t just visitors to our farm; they were part of our family, if only for a short time. Their presence reminded me of the beauty of human connection, the richness of sharing cultures, and the joy of welcoming new friends into our lives. I’ll always be grateful for the memories we made together, from rebuilding chicken coops to battling it out in Overwatch, and for the laughter they brought to our little corner of the world.
Wherever they are now, I hope they know there’s always a place for them here, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll find their way back to us someday.
Author: William