seed distribution

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Today was much anticipated. Nicole in particular wanted to be a part of this day, but took care of the details so that she could entrust it to us in her absence. The kits arrived through a series of deliveries, thanks to different groups. Then we all worked diligently to separate them to ensure that all the families represented at Epiphanie Church received relatively the same kits. We didn't have quite enough, so they had to be divided somewhat.

Guito, one of our staff, and Pastor Gabriel, a community health worker and leader in the church, orchestrated the distribution. I provided both of them with the written instructions Nicole had left and verbally clarified a couple details. One of the tricky parts was the fact that the seeds were labeled in English except for the bags we had repackaged.

Nevertheless we persevered. Guito instructed the Haitians present on how to plant and care for the seeds. He discussed the health benefits of some of the varieties and important details concerning the need to cook certain greens to avoid becoming ill. Each kit included a chaya root to be planted, but this leaf MUST be boiled before eating or it creates issues for the body. Mike had listened as Guito educated the group, but stepped in at that point to emphasis the importance of this detail.

I took pictures of the event (of course I can't post them currently, but will try to in the future) and helped Mike and Guito hand out the kits. Pastor recorded who received them. The children kept themselves busy creating an "elevator" in a hole in the cement to the side of the meeting. The 3 team members who joined us for this event listened avidly and asked some questions afterward. Although we hoped for a bigger turn out, all of the seeds were claimed by the families in the end. Some children even came to represent their families and receive the seed kits.

At the end, Mike explained that the staff at CODEP would be available to answer questions or come to people's homes to look at their gardens and give advice throughout the growing and harvesting process. Then pastor re-announced the water filter kit distribution on Friday.

Mike gave me the day "off," so the children did not have school. I completed other tasks around the compound and spent time with our guests and the beach kids. We also learned in the afternoon that Nicole's lump was merely a cyst and not cancerous. That news was incredibly welcome, as was the knowledge that she would likely be home by the end of the week.