Jessica is like the big sister I never had to look up to. Her carpentry skill set, sturdy assurance, and capacity to boldly take on projects usually assigned to men have always drawn my respect. She waves Rufus off when he doubts my ability and tries to take over my assignment. She gives us directions, looks at me, and says, “You should probably learn how to use the saw”. I shrink from the proposition, but catch the ringing of the weakness in my own words, and hasten toward an opportunity for growth. If I want to empower women as part of my mission on this farm, I have to start here. To hell with the fact that I don’t have health insurance! I can use power tools, and I do! I still have all my fingers and a little more respect for myself.

~Joy