A Very Flexible Week

Last Wednesday was pretty humorous, because Harrie and I needed to find cow dung to use as compost for a demonstration we were going to hold on Thursday at Getsemani. I've never spent so much time thinking about/discussing/asking around about cow manure. We found a lady named Elisabet right near Getsemani who actually sells cow dung for a cheap price ($1 per really big bag). She also told how much of each ingredient she puts in to her 3 by 4 meter garden. What a big help and a sustainable method! It helps because the manure has already gone through the organic composting process--the regular way with leaves, browns and greens can take weeks, even months to prepare. I wanted something simple and faster.

Last Thursday definitely did not go as planned. Seven of us went, and we bought sand, showed up to the meeting place, and no one came to the demonstration. Adan, the country director who has taken great interest in our project, found out from a lady named Betty that Marta, the head community leader, has isolated community members with her attitude. She also told Adan that Marta was somewhat opposed to home gardening and more in favor of community gardening, although the community gardening project is not functioning well. Tanya, another community leader, gave hints that this was also true. Before our planned demonstration, Marta unfortunately found out about it and interrogated us. She also informed us about an already existing home gardening cooperative. Britta, another volunteer, and I went to that meeting and hardly anyone showed up. I am not exaggerating when I say Marta vented and scolded them for about 2 minutes because the people who belonged to it did not show up to it. Her attitude really put us and the poor community members out. We also noticed that the yards of the community members at the bottom of Getsemani did not have enough sun to grow. A pretty challenging day! We decided to take a break from analyzing it.

Saturday was awesome. Many of my fellow volunteers and I went to two volcanoes. The initial hike was down a dirt path with logs everywhere, and it was a bit taxing. Then we climbed up the tall volcano, which was pretty steep and tiring, yet I was so excited to get to the top. The rain forest behind us was breathtaking, and the mist all around made it idyllic. The top of the volcano had steam pockets and was pretty. Hiking down was difficult and back up the rain forest took a while! Rachel and I enjoyed talking with Salvadorenos as we hiked back up.

I really felt strong that in Getsemani we needed to build on what they already have, and Adan agreed. Harrie is a bit discouraged, and she would rather work in San Lucas. I told her that's fine if she does want to, but we should at least see what they can do in Getsemani to solve their own problems.

So yesterday Adan, Kristen, and I went to Getsemani to talk to families already gardening, set up by Tanya. Unfortunately, no one showed up... We are beginning to think our meeting place has something to do with it, because it connects to Marta's house. Marta questioned me about if were there for a gardening meeting--pretty dramatic. Anyway, Adan found a woman named Sandra, a single parent who wants to have a home garden and grow vegetables. She is going to prepare her soil by Thursday. We really have a good feeling about her, and her location gets enough sun. We plan on starting on a really micro scale, starting with one woman and spreading it to all who want to be a part of it.

I have learned so much about development. First, I have learned that there may be dynamics in the community you don't understand and which you need to understand before carrying out a project. Second, I saw how patience and not getting stressed out lends itself to solutions. Third, I have seen the importance of honest assessment and fully acknowledging problems while not getting discouraged over them. Finally, planning and then adjusting is key to success. I am excited to see what Sandra does, and we will get it ready for seeds next week.

P.S. the pictures aren't being posted because I haven't had the opportunity to go where I can do that. I might create a photo album when I get back next week. Thanks for your patience!