As I said in my last posting, I am simply hopping up and down with pride over the group of young people who have finished the Reforestation Mentoring program. I have been carrying their stories in my heart through the holiday season. They have been like bright stars in my soul.
You must think I’m over the top, but here’s Dimy’s story, and you will appreciate what I’m going on about.
Dimy is one of the proteges in the program. He’s a hard worker and a bit of a hustler. Now that the program is over he is, frankly, restless. He has nothing to do (remember, the economy here is busted.) So, what did he come up with?
“Michael, I want to pay you back for the wonderful program. Can I volunteer to help in those big gardens?”
He’s referring to a large chunk of land associated with the Family Health Ministries’ guest house. Last year we turned it into vegetable gardens because food has been in such shortage.
I was glad he understood the value of those gardens. We agreed that he can help, but he refused multiple times when I offered to pay him for his work. “No money. I want to pay you back for the wonderful education.”
Think about that. Other garden workers are paid, and the vegetables command some profit in the market. What does it tell you that a young man whose community lives on the edge of severe poverty volunteers to use his new skills out of appreciation for the training he’s been given!
I’ll see to it that he takes food home.
Michael Anello, Executive Director
Dimy Receives His Certificate