A Harvest of Humility: Lessons from the Fields of Rural China

Spending three days working on a farm in rural China opened my eyes to the realities of farming and the immense effort that goes into putting food on our tables. Before this experience, I never gave much thought to where our potatoes came from or the work involved in producing them. But now, I have a deep respect for the backbreaking labor that farmers endure to provide for their families and communities. I began my first day on the farm in the afternoon. As someone with no prior experience in farming, I needed time to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. My grandfather kindly drove me to the farm, as I didn’t know the area well and the uphill walk would have been exhausting on its own. The farm was situated on a steep slope, making the work even more demanding. Digging for potatoes under the hot sun, I quickly found myself drenched in sweat, parched with thirst, and aching all over. My legs were sore, and I felt hunger set in faster than I expected. This physically draining experience gave me a completely new perspective. It made me realize how easy it is to take certain comforts for granted—like a meal on the table or the opportunity to study instead of laboring in the fields. Farmers face daily hardships that most of us rarely acknowledge, and yet, their resilience ensures the rest of us are fed. Working those three days didn’t just teach me about farming—it taught me about humility, perseverance, and gratitude. I’ve come away with a deeper appreciation for the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and a renewed understanding of the value of hard work.