Death is reserved for the elderly in nursing homes, for wars and battles, maybe even plagues. Death is reserved for horror films or crime television. We forget that death can greet you on a sunny day at a beautiful lake. We forget that death can witness to 2 yr olds. We cover up death in pleasant suburbia or cheery playgrounds. We ARE immortal, right?




we are so fragile.




It's really kind of bizarre to write about anything else. The death, the boy is so fresh on the mind. But, life has gone on. There was a funeral with a procession, white cloths, and much wailing. I rather prefer the wailing-- just getting it all out-- over the American quietness and attempts to quash emotion (at least it seems that way).

So, what's new? My camera was found squished under a couch cushion. Totally my fault. I'm very glad it didn't sprout legs.

Cosmos and I made a spectacular compost cube. I had read briefly about the plan, but didn’t believe it would really turn out cube-shaped. It’s maybe 1mx1m and 1.5m tall, and follows a particular layering pattern of green plant material, brown plant material, chicken manure, and dirt. And, like I said, it’s a serious cube. Gathering, chopping, and layering. Our communication was tricksy, but c’est la vie. I thought it was pretty fun and rather hysterical at times. I like getting dirty, but I never thought I’d end up with chicken manure everywhere. It was all over hay, which we had to chop up into ~1’ pieces. Can you imagine cutting hay with chicken manure kind of spraying with every chop? You can’t do anything but laugh. For green layers we used a large invasive flowering plant, cut down banana trees, and used some overgrown greens from the garden (mostly arugula or ‘rocket’ as they call it.)

Well, that’s the most recent excitement… The Frys make fun of me, “This girl goes climbing in Mexico, avalanche training, and then comes to Zim to watch lettuce grow?? We’re going to bore her to death.” I guess the compost doesn’t compare to 6 pitches of climbing in Mexico, but it’s all a part of life. I am learning here, and thinking a lot about what Jesus has actually called us to do. But, more on that later.

I won't go on about other projects, as they are really less exciting. I spent so many hours separating seed from other parts of the plant. TEENEY TINY SEEDS that are hard to see, much less gather into a single location with only other similar seeds.

I guess it's time for some small tidbits. Like.... do you know what snail poop looks like? I do. Do you know how to craftily kill hoardes of fruit flies? I do. Do you know how to cut a mango successfully? I sort of do. Even if the learning seems inconsequential, it really all helps me learn this life and get along that much better. (PS- I think the hoards of fruit flies don't compare to the hoardes of snails. We're talking BIG suckers. I've stopped really flinching when I accidentally stomp one.)

Okay, gotta run. Love to all of you,
Em