Finding Home at Magpie Farm

A couple of weeks ago, we left the familiar comforts of our Somerville condo to step into the unknown—a trial run of platforms to leverage our nomadic lifestyle. My brother introduced me to Home Exchange, a community where the home-away-from-home concept comes to life, by sharing and staying in the actual homes of members around the globe. It wasn't long before we felt we were in the company of kindred spirits. Venturing beyond Home Exchange, we discovered Workaway, and that's how we found Magpie Farm. Nestled in Western Massachusetts and just a two-hour drive from Somerville, this enchanting homestead became our home for almost a month under the warm and gracious hosting of Janice and Michael.

Before arriving there, we had pored over profiles on Workaway, keen on finding a match that felt just right. It was Janice's prompt reply and our subsequent video call that sealed the deal. We were already charmed by the glowing reviews from previous workawayers, but speaking to her directly was the final touch we needed. We eagerly counted the days until our departure, the anticipation building up with each passing moment.

Leaving our condo in good hands—a retired couple exploring North America in their van that contacted us on Home Exchange—we set off to the welcoming arms of Shelburne Falls. This little village, surrounded by the stunning Northeast Berkshire Mountains and the picturesque Deerfield River, radiates creativity, queerness, and open-mindedness. We felt at home almost immediately, embraced by a community that shared our values and spirit.

Of course, adventures always come with little hiccups. Our enthusiasm got the better of us, leading us to underestimate our arrival time. We ended up missing a planned trip with our hosts to the County Fair. It was a stark reminder to always keep others informed, especially those who are extending their hospitality. The next morning, we got up early for breakfast, keen to kick start our Workaway. Over a delicious Shakshouka, Janice reminded us, in a sweet yet firm manner, of the importance of punctuality. In her words, we heard a lesson that went beyond just this trip—it was a life lesson in respecting others' time and commitments.

Janice and Michael are far more than gracious hosts; they are pillars of a vibrant community. They welcomed us into the fabric of local life, introducing us to time-honored traditions like the Greenfield's annual Harvest Supper—a farm-to-table feast that gathers the neighboring community every August. Moreover, we saw firsthand their commitment to supporting local artists, exemplified by the series of free patio concerts that Janice organized throughout the summer. Adding to the richness of our experience, we had the unique privilege of welcoming Little Amal as she made her monumental journey across America. Through these experiences, we were able to truly understand the tightly-knit and heartwarmingly welcoming spirit that embodies the people of Western Massachusetts.

Our days at the farm were spent doing various chores—from land beautification to home improvements, all in preparation for our hosts's son's upcoming wedding. And the rewards? Far beyond room and board, Janice's culinary skills kept us in a perpetual food heaven, and the life advice and stories we shared made us feel like a part of their family.

Another heartwarming aspect of our rewarding Workaway journey was the affection we received from Janice and Michael's four-legged family members: their dogs, Gideon and Babbie, as well as their cats, Thomas and Smudge. I used to be apprehensive about felines, but Thomas and Smudge completely changed my perspective. Thomas had a quirky way of demanding affection; he would hiss to ask for pets—and he clearly relished the attention. Smudge, on the other hand, was the newest addition to the family, and we had the joy of watching him explore his world for the first time.

Due to his allergies, Neil had to admire their charm from a distance, but he was no less captivated. Even from afar, he found himself drawn to their unique personalities. These animal companions added an unexpected but deeply enriching dimension to our stay, proving that even the smallest interactions can leave a lasting impression on your heart.

One particularly touching evening was a Girls' Night Out that Janice organized to celebrate a local young woman, Parker, who was born with Down Syndrome and is now flourishing in college. It was an inspiration for all involved, and another example of Janice's loving and nurturing personality. On the flip side, we found common ground with Michael through long-distance running. He took us along on his marathon training sessions, inspiring us with his dedication and resilience. These shared experiences spoke to a deeper connection and mutual respect between us, something that could be felt but hardly put into words.

As our Workaway adventure neared its end, we realized that Janice and Michael had given us so much more than just a place to stay. They opened their home and hearts, sharing stories, advice, and even the less-than-glamorous childhood memories that you only share with people you truly trust. Though our time at Magpie Farm was limited, we left with more than just beautiful memories; our hearts were full with life lessons, deepened perspectives and profound gratitude. And as we waved goodbye, we knew we'd leave a bit of ourselves at Magpie Farm, just as it would forever hold a place in our hearts.

So, if you're teetering on the edge of taking that Workaway plunge, I urge you to dive right in. The life lessons, the sense of community, and the heartfelt connections are well worth any initial reservations you may have. And for those concerned about leaving their homes unattended, worry not—thanks to Home Exchange, our condo was in excellent shape upon our return, cared for by like-minded travelers who share our values. This model of trust and exchange is so transformative and rewarding that we're already planning our next journey. The destination? Iceland; we loved it so much the first time, that we've decided to spend an entire month there, soaking up its ethereal landscapes once more. So go ahead, take on the world. You never know what beautiful experiences and connections are waiting for you just around the corner.