In this entry we will be looking at the last two weeks of March. Different people
assisted us, and strategic victories took place. First, an overview will be given of the
work endeavored by a foreign people. They assisted with much needed physical
labour in the sphere of compost making. Focus will then shift to locals that have
assisted us. We will also look at strategic victories that have realised while
highlighting people who regularly work or provide guidance at This Land.
This Land has had the privilege of receiving the help from a foreign people that
comes from the northern hemisphere. They come from a nation that is arguably one
of the greatest nations in the 20th century. Yes, it is Americans. A team from the
United States doing a missionary trip with an organization called World Race have
helped us. Prior to their coming to Jeffreys Bay they did ministry in Eswatini. For
readers unfamiliar with ESwatini, it is the new name for Swaziland.
The World Race team has been primarily involved with compost making and turning compost heaps.
The first two days saw them preparing materials for compost and subsequently
building a compost heap which is our third heap for the year! It remains challenging
to teach in adequate manner new learners when preparing and building compost
heaps. However, the team can be proud of the first compost heap that they built.
Making compost is not limited to only the building but also to turning the heaps.
Turning is a concept that confuses many a people. So, here is a quick terminology
lesson. When referring to turning a compost heap it means to break down the heap
and rebuild it. Why would one break it down and rebuild it? This action assists the
organic material to break down at a faster rate as the different inherent stages are
repeated. The Americans assisted on three different days with turning compost
heaps. One could observe that it was hard work with sweat and tiredness
characterising each day.
As the time spent turning the heaps increased so the needed skills improved. Lastly, there was another task. This task was the cutting down of trees with thin trunks to create wooden stalks. The wooden stalks are to assist with mapping out markers and to create enclosed areas for the garden waste
materials. Two friends of the writer assisted the Americans with this job.
During the two-week period it was not only Americans assisting us but also locals.
The last week of March witnessed a of week prayer led by one of the Global
Challenge community members. On the 27th we had the privilege of hosting people
for a prayer slot with specific focus to pray for This Land.
More than 20 people attended who walked on the undeveloped ground praying and asking for God to
move. Except for the presence of the people, it was encouraging to hear what
different individuals had to share. As the encouraging words were shared, we prayed
for the fulfilment of those words. Another encouraging act in the same week was a
citrus farmer that donated his old nets.
These nets will be used to create an enclosed area to gather garden waste materials among other things. We are thankful for the assistance, encouragement, and donations that we received from people in the two-week period.
Lastly, there have been people who have regularly worked or assisted us with this
pioneering project. Mention will be made of three individuals, and it is interesting to
note that all three are from a neighbouring country. First, a lady who has farmed in
Africa has been generously providing first-hand knowledge. Julie’s knowledge has served as guidance to focus on imperative elements for example ensuring sufficient water is available. With a pioneering project, options, and information floods one’s brain, therefore, receiving first-hand knowledge helps to make better and more concrete decisions. It is not only the knowledge we welcome,but being in the presence of Julie is a privilege. The second person is Ronnie.
Ronnie has been part of This Land since middle last year and he has been
developing his skills when it comes to the water system. His responsibility is to
ensure that we have an adequate running water system. He brings energy and
strength to the project especially when compost heaps need to be turned. Our third
person to note is Lovemore. Lovemore works twice a week and carries wisdom and
joy. Many a times he has given practical solutions while his friendly humour creates
a cheerful atmosphere. A team requires one who can provide a light atmosphere.
With these three people endeavouring with energy recent strategic victories have
unfolded.
The victories take the form of Russian comfrey, wooden stalks, and water.
Russian comfrey is a plant with medicinal properties and assists with nutrients. It
encompasses the ability to bring deep nutrients to the soil surface which benefits
surrounding plants. This plant is good for mulching and adding in compost. We have
been able to plant more than 10 plants with the aim of future multiplication. Second
victory was the wooden stalks. The wooden stalks mentioned earlier has been used
on the undeveloped ground. The first stalks have been planted indicating important
markers. It is a small step, but it is important as it is the first step to indicate physical
markers for example roads and a pond. It gives practicality to the vision of the
project. Our third victory came in a liquid form, water. We recently laid pipes to the
new JoJo tanks we received from the One Year Team doing Global Challenge. If you
are unfamiliar with the One Year Team and the catalyst work they provided, it will be
best to read the blog entry titled “Work week 2023”. Pipes ready, the first water was
pumped. These tanks will provide water to wet the compost and windbreaker trees.
The last two weeks of March provided helping hands from people that came from far
and near. The World Race Team assisted us with building a compost heap, turning
heaps, and making wooden stalks. We witnessed members of the Global Community
praying for This Land which served as an encouraging morning while a local farmer
generously provided nets.
Lastly, the dedicated work of Julie, Ronnie, and Lovemore
assisted with strategic victories.
Written by: Barend Groenewald
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