I think Cal Poly would be proud to see me now!
This week, I learned to hoe. It’s planting season here in Kitongo!
School has been out since the beginning of December, giving us time to work on lots of projects around campus. A few days ago, I tilled two loooooooooong rows in one of our plots on campus. The girls followed behind, planting beans and sorghum in my wake. Not only is this a great way for the girls (and Julia) to learn new skills, but it will also cut down on JBFC’s food costs tremendously, helping us achieve our goal of financial sustainability. Plus, we get to be outside and sing. Awesome.
The most labor-intensive part of our planting work was moving fertilizer from our livestock pens to the fields. Of course, the girls have that figured out…
We transported fertilizer in old paint buckets…
…on a bicycle…
…and in a rickety wheelbarrow.
No one is too young to help, not even Yonga, age four…
We’re starting a garden competition soon, with Jackie as our judge. The dynamic duo, Kayci and Julia, will be competing against eleven other teams of two to see whose plot of land will be farmed the best. I’m thinking our toughest competitors will be Danny/Jackie and Chris/Mzee Kitula. It will take intense dedication, a few blisters, and a bedazzled pair of overalls to triumph over their intimidating combination of actual skill and farming knowledge.
But who knows, maybe I’m the farming equivalent of a pool shark. I guess they’ll find out, eh?
I'll be slightly jealous of your fresh veggies! Yay for sustainability!! The girls look so proud and happy to be a part of the planting! I love you all!!
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