Group #1- Farm day 1

I was in group #1 with Melissa, Meagan, Lina, Jenny, Gerlinde, Annalese, Demitri, Joanna, Candace, Marta, and Amy. The rest were group #2. 

We left in the red van (about 100 years old and more rust then red). We drove and drove; beautiful scenery; good company. We were driving up a mountain, with rock walls on one side and cliffs on the other. 

We had the first adventure in the red van, 'cause at one point (about 20 minutes from the farm), a man on a motorbike stopped us and said the road was washed out up ahead. We pulled over to investigate and sure enough, the water off the mountain had knocked the mud and rocks loose and it caused a small mudslide and covered the road. We were stuck at the side of the road for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, as they cleared the road. It was interesting getting to know my group. Very different personalities and life experiences. 

Once the bob cat came to help clear the road, We were then back on the road. Approx. 20 min later, we were at the farm and met Rosa, Carlos and Oscar, plus Rosa, family. 

We were supposed to help them prepare lunch but because we were late, they had it cooking already; it was cooked in the ground. They dug a hole and put hot rocks in it. Then they put in Lima beans, corn on the cob, potatoes, taro root, sweet potatoes and meat (we think beef). The then put banana leaves over top and covered it tight with cloth; then covered it with sand. We were to work, while it cooked. 

We learned, watched and helped plant cilantro seeds and onion seeds. It was really interesting to watch these farmers, who weren't really young people, work and teach us their techniques. They have about 3/4 hectors of land that is on the side of a mountain, with a slope. It was interesting to see. I felt kind of lost and a little overwhelmed because I don't know anything about farming. Maybe I should of done more research before I left. 

After this, we were asked to sit around the table and we were served first. It was delicious!

While we ate, Rosa, Carlos and Oscar talked about their life on the farm....

Rosa stated, "I do the work of both man and woman". She seemed very proud. She was appreciative on the help DIACONIA and CLWR has provided. She wished more people in the area would accept help. As Oscar stated, "people won't come to the meeting because there isn't any immediate financial gain"; meaning, the government provides them with $100 to attend meetings, to learn about farming but DIACONIA doesn't have that, therefore farmers have the attitude, "why should I". It is hard to explain to them that there would be better long term gain from joining DIACONIA. 

After lunch, we got a tour of the upper farm. I am very proud of myself, as I walked up and came down a mountain, without falling!! We saw beans, orange trees, and apple trees, and got to take home an apple and an orange. 

On the farm, Rosa also has rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and a pig. We also played with a puppy; it was so cute!!