Day 6

Method to organize volunteers

Today I cooked breakfast with the other 2 members of the leaf group at 7 am for the other volunteers. After, everyone split up for morning work that seemed to be a free-for all schedule. Some people went with the manager to slash-and-burn some invasive plants. Others went to the garden to weed garden rows. The owner had gone to the dentist early and no one had specific duties. During the afternoon we split into 3 teams that either pulled weeds in the fire pit, weeded on a steep hill to prepare for papaya tree planting, or constructed the new bathroom.

During lunch, I helped the farm's cook (who only comes when larger groups of volunteers can provide for her salary) prepare the 12:30 meal. She spoke to me about her history with medicinal herbs. Her mother is an herb guru and uses many native plants for healing. Much experience has made them both knowledgeable about natural healing methods.

While weeding in the garden this afternoon a tree spike stabbed my palm and paralyzed my left hand's middle finger. The owner calmly explained that I must soak my hand tomorrow until a black spike cap comes out. Another girl, Beth, has had recurring headaches for 5 days straight and the farm owner thinks Beth has malaria from exposure during a trip to the jungle. A tea was made for her head pain made of fennel and a blend of other spices grown on the farm.

I cooked with a group of boys for dinner, which relieved me of tonight's clean-up duties.

Invasive, rapidly growing orange cone flower

Pile of large, uprooted raspberry brambles

Burned brambles to prevent further growth