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People of the Dirt
Today, I sit before my computer covered in sweat, dirt everywhere but my hands, filthy clothes, and with some leaves still perched in my hair. Today was a victory. Even though we dug the dirt, we planted the plants, and toiled for hours, like every day, today was really good.
Let's back up. The people. The people who help you, say good morning to you (even though you don't know them), or do something kind for you are the people I'm referring to. These people are what can make gardening a victory. Today, I had the pleasure of finding out that the greater majority of the community here on St. John is pitching into the effort that is being made. The effort for gardens, fresh produce, the hint of sustainability in a place so outrageous that nobody should really actually live here. And yet, the people are coming together, in a large flood of positive action, to do something good for the entire island.
Myself and two others from Iowa State have had the pleasure of dealing with these people- the ones who are actually taking time out of their days to make sure that good things still happen in daily life, for the last 5 weeks. At first, our work was simple- and then the people kept allowing us to upgrade, by making donations of time, money, plants, and food to make our project bigger, better, and more fun for the community.
It's a simple point. Success sometimes lies on the shoulders of one person, or we can start the cause, form a mob, and take success by whatever means necessary. It's really a beautiful thing I've seen here, and I hope to be able to capture part of it, and bring it home with me (since customs says I can't bring plants...). Now that you've heard all that, allow me to explain the project. There was a boy here, only just a teenager, who lived on this beautiful island. He went to school, and was well liked. Recently (about 6 weeks ago), the boy passed away, scarring his family, schoolmates, friends... he was the member of the high school basketball team. He played the steel drum for the Love City Pan Dragons. My ears were spared the details of his passing, but given instructions; the community wished to honor and remember this child- the first student to have died while a student at the high school since the school opened. The task was simple- design an area that would allow everyone to know who the boy was- a Pan Dragon, basketball player, friend, student. Over the last 5 weeks, we designed, assigned, and supervised while this project was being built- a half-court basketball court, with a bench in memorial, and a planting with plants that reminded his mother of the boy she lost. It's coming to thoughition now- all that remains is to install the plants, paint a mural, and dedicate the area into his memory.
All made possible by the people, for the children. So, the moral of the story is to be one of the People. Join a cause, say "Hello" or "good morning" in passing to people. Heck, smile more. The ways to do good out there are still plentiful, and appreciated by most everyone.
That being said...
PEACE, from LOVE CITY-
Mr. Winnie B.