Today was a good day,

Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day. I spent all day yesterday with Sarah clearing out bricks and rubbish from the site where we are goign to build an organic garden, compost, and chicken coup for this school in Huanchaquito. My friend Sarah is an architect and was asked to design an organic farm and compost at this new school in Huanchaquito. The school was built less than a year ago by a Priest and is funded by charity because the surrounding area is so impoverished. But not only is the shcool funded by charity and free for the kids, they also get fed breakfast and lunch, which serves as some ofthe kids only meals. It is quite a beuatiful and amazing school. After working all day clearing the garden yesterday, and chalking the lines for the layout of it, basically lots of manual labor, we just played with the kids today. It really touched my heart. there is nothign like being covered in hugs and kisses from ten little girls after playing with them all day. It made my want to get all sentimental and break down in tears.
Its funny because I knew there had to be a reason that volunteering in Bolivia did not work out, and this is it. I really feel like this garden project is a great cummulation of my studies, experiences and travels. I am getting to help design and create a garden that will not only provide vegetables and nutrients for these children but also teach them about gardening and the ecosystem, as well as creating a compost for them from what I learned about vermi-composting in India. Also, its so important for children to have gardens to play in, to have a green oasis in a sea of shacks and desert. The Padre got grass donated for the school, and just watching how dilligently they water it and how proud of their GRASS they are. Its amazing. Its a real community effort at the school, most of the cooks are also mothers, and everythign just gets donated for these children that normally have nothing. There is a ball pit, toys, games, see-saws. And all in a matter of months.
I am really lucky to be able to witness the grwth ofthe school, but also to be able tohelp further it with skills I learned at school.
Yesterday, I had a moment of clarity forthe first time, in a long time, that told me that I was exactly where I wanted to be. Funny though, becuase I have to leave Huanchaco for two weeks to travel with Whitney to Machu Pichu, but then after that I fully intend to come back and help with the rest of the garden. At the moment we are still waiting for potting soil and other materials so this is the perfect time for me to go, but I hope I can convince Whitney and maybe even Kimber to come help with the garden and the school. Becuase i think they would get just as much out of it as i have been.