Volunteer Experience Report at Finca Noah (Susanne)

Two weeks at Finca Noah 2.0: between sheep droppings, wheelbarrows and a whole lot of heart ❤️

Two weeks as a volunteer at Finca Noah 2.0. What at first sounded like a wonderful break surrounded by lots of animals quickly turned out to be a physical training camp of a very special kind. But let me say this right away: they were two incredibly beautiful, intense and unforgettable weeks!

When I arrived at Finca Noah 2.0 with my dog Cuba, Nadine and Farah gave us a warm welcome. Cuba, too, seemed to know immediately that we were in the right place. The other dogs took him into the pack as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and from the very first moment he ran along as though he had always been part of the Finca family. So far, so wonderful!

Before things really got going, however, I was warned as a precaution that the work here is very hard. Many volunteers throw in the towel after a short time or are sent straight back home because they are not really any use for the work. Well, thanks a lot for the encouraging words! 😅

So the pressure was on. And how. But anyone who knows me knows that announcements like that only fuel my ambition. Now I absolutely wanted to prove that I was not one of those who pack their bags again after two days.

And then it came: my first day of work.

Sweeping, mucking out, pushing the wheelbarrow, sweeping again, mucking out once more and, for a change, a little more sweeping. That day I learned that at Finca Noah 2.0 EVERY single sheep dropping and EVERY single piece of straw has to find its way into the wheelbarrow. And I mean every one! The cleanliness at the Finca is impressive. I am convinced that some living rooms could take a leaf out of its book.

Since Farah was on crutches at the time and in a lot of pain, the heavy wheelbarrow and I quickly became best friends. We certainly spent a great deal of time together. Unfortunately, it was only around midday that someone pointed out to me that gloves might be quite helpful for this kind of work. Valuable information that came about three hours and quite a few blisters on my hands too late.

We worked until mid-afternoon. My strength was slowly fading, but of course my pride would not let me show it. I did, however, have the quiet feeling that Farah, Nadine and Juan did not really believe they would see me again the next morning. Maybe bets were even being placed behind the scenes? Who knows …

But hey, they didn't know me yet! 😉

On the second day, though, I couldn't resist a remark to Farah: "Tell me, what on earth possessed me to say I would stay for TWO WEEKS?!"

In the evenings I fell into bed wonderfully exhausted, with tired muscles and a head full of impressions. And lo and behold: after about three days my body had actually understood what was expected of it. The muscles complained a little less, and the blisters on my hands had turned into respectable calluses. I had definitely arrived in Finca mode!

And the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed this special time. Of course the work was physically demanding, but we also had an incredible amount of fun together. There was laughter, joking and now and then a bit of swearing. I felt welcome from the start and soon really at home at Finca Noah 2.0.

Cuba, too, enjoyed his new life to the fullest. Whether among dogs, cats, chickens, horses, sheep or all the other animal residents, he moved around the Finca with such ease, as if he had never done anything else in his life. I think he, too, could easily have stayed on for a few more weeks.

Incidentally, I developed a very special relationship with Risibisi, the somewhat headstrong turkey. Let's put it this way: at times his enthusiasm for me was rather limited. When feeding him, I regularly had to pull off feints that many a professional footballer would have been proud of in order to dodge his attacks.

But I fundamentally believe in the good in every living creature. And I am sure that behind Risibisi's tough, sometimes slightly unfriendly shell, a truly wonderful being is hiding. You probably just have to look for it long enough. That's why, despite our little differences of opinion, I grew especially fond of the old gentleman and promptly made him my sponsored animal. ❤️

But what impressed me most of all in these two weeks is the incredible work that Farah, Nadine and Juan do day after day. The passion, dedication, patience and love with which they care for all these animals is simply admirable. Finca Noah 2.0 is so much more than "just" an animal rescue station. It is a place where animals that have not always had an easy life find a loving home, safety and security.

Juan also impressed me in particular. At just 16 years old, he is an incredible asset to the Finca. He pitches in everywhere as a matter of course, knows every one of the more than 200 animals by name and knows an incredible amount about them. Farah, too, greatly values his knowledge and his opinion, and rightly so! You notice right away: Juan knows how things work here and, despite his young age, has already taken on an astonishing amount of responsibility. Simply a great young person!

You can feel and see how well the animals are doing here. Each and every one has its place, is cared for and is simply allowed to be. And that is exactly what makes Finca Noah 2.0 such a special place.

Dear Farah, dear Nadine, dear Juan

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for these wonderful two weeks! Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, for giving my sweeping skills a chance and for letting me experience a small piece of your everyday life at the Finca. I am taking home not only a decent portion of calluses and a few tired muscles, but above all an incredible number of beautiful memories, funny moments and a great deal of admiration for what you achieve every day.

Thank you also for everything you do for the animals. It is anything but a given how much time, energy and love you invest every day to give them such a good life.

I will certainly never forget these two weeks.

And one thing I can promise you: I'll be back! ❤️

And Risibisi, if you're reading this: next time I'll be prepared for your attacks! 😉

Warm regards, Susanne and Cuba 🐾