Embracing Life Through Culinary Adventure

Vietnam Farm -  Diên Lâm commune, Diên Khánh district - Community Through Homegrown Culinary Adventures

As the world around me seems to be swept up in the whirlwind of the AI revolution, many around me, including myself, face the fear of job loss, I found myself standing at a crossroads in life. But instead of sinking into despair, I decided to reclaim my passion for life through a colorful culinary journey and meaningful connections.

I began spending more time in the kitchen. I decided to rediscover family recipes that had been passed down, dishes I had neglected in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Using fresh ingredients from my small garden, I prepared meals that brought joy and warmth to my family and friends.

One of my favorite dishes is a salad made from homegrown sprouts, topped with basil leaves and sweet cherry tomatoes, all of which I personally tended to. I also revived the family tradition of baking homemade bread – each loaf a reminder of the patience and love my mother taught me.

But it didn’t stop there; I decided to expand my horizons. I started inviting neighbors over to enjoy these meals. These small gatherings quickly became the highlight of our week, where people came not just to eat but to share their lives, their work, and sometimes their worries and concerns. We built a community where everyone felt cared for and supported.

This process not only helped me rediscover the joy in each meal but also made me realize the value of connecting with others. I learned that while technology may change how the world operates, the warmth of a home-cooked meal and the sincerity of a conversation over dinner will never go out of style.

And now, when I come home each night, I no longer feel anxious and lonely. Instead, I sleep well, knowing that I have contributed to building a community where everyone feels loved and appreciated. My story, I hope, will inspire you to find joy in the simplest things and discover that it is the moments spent together over a good meal that truly make life worthwhile.

P.S.: Here is a photo of the Rosie team visiting the farm of the owner in Diên Lâm commune, Diên Khánh district. Here, our team had the chance to participate in planting some herbs and vegetables.

Some farm volunteers left due to the harsh weather and living conditions, so they moved to the city. In the end, only my friend stayed to help the owner sow the seeds. Eventually, the owner also left, saying he went to find funding to continue the work. Now it’s just our team guarding the garden for him. Life is interesting with many untold stories. Every meal is a story to tell.