This morning, I left my room for the purpose of meditation. Little did I know that the meditation was to take on an entirely unexpected and beautiful sharing.
I saw in the distance, many students heading toward the fields with 5 gallon buckets. I had heard about the MCF students assuming responsibility for watering newly planted tree seedlings. This is a MCF activity that occurs with all the older students twice a week to help establish the root systems of young trees planted in the dry soil. It also implants a desire to develop, support and care for the environment.
Being interested in ecology, I wanted to be a part of this experience. I ran back to the room to get my camera. I quickly fell into line with the fast and joyously excited youth heading toward the field.
I was quite surprised when I was approached by a very dynamic 14 or 15 year old by the name of Sheryl. She quickly adopted me, and offered to give me the tour. Together we headed toward the tree plantation with this younger person reminding this older person to be careful as he walked (many of the students seem quite concerned about this older man’s ability to care for himself).
When we arrived at the tree plantation, she led me through the brush to several locations on the river where the students were filling their five gallon buckets with water. I was quite amazed by the beauty of the river, and she waited patiently while I took my pictures of the setting. Huge rounded boulders formed spectacular displays of white water, and lush green tropical foliage graced the banks of the river. In the distance beyond was a terraced plateau leading to the mountain with the huge boulder on top that has continually drawn my attention since my arrival.
Below me, about 10’ down a steep bank, the young men and women are jumping from rock to rock to find locations where they can fill their buckets. One young man, about 11 or 12 years old, came back up the bank balancing a bucket full of water on his head. On his feet, were the plastic sandals that have become so popular with our youth. They are the common footwear here and are always worn without the heel straps. I was amazed by his capacity to balance the bucket and navigate the steep bank with such vulnerable foot ware. We continually see the students running and jumping with abandonment in this attire. I have even seen the boys playing soccer in them.
I eventually navigated down the bank to take pictures of the spectacular beauty. As I began the climb back up, two students extended their hands saying, “May I assist?” Their caring for others was not limited to me. They were readily assisting each other, and having the time of their lives. I was left wondering how our youth would respond in a similar situation.
The more I watched, the more I caught their enthusiasm and joy. I was so moved that I choked up when I tried to express my feelings about what was occurring.
My guide led me back to the field where I witnessed at least two hundred students excitedly taking on this chore of watering trees. I watch two young boys who have worked out a system for carrying their bucket. One stands on the right side of the bucket and grabs the handle with his right hand. His partner extends his left farm straight out to the shoulder of the first boy. The second person then reaches across his body with his right hand to also grab the handle. The arrangement of arms forms a triangle enabling the two boys to carry the bucket between them without bumping their legs. I wonder how many generations have utilized this system of effectively working together.
Some of the older girls are carrying buckets on their heads, and I find myself questioning how they were able to place them there.
Anne arrives to share the experience, and I again find myself mixed with emotion as I try to describe my experience of what I am witnessing. She has also found a friend, an attractive, tall and stately young lady named Ruth. She shares her plans to become a physician, and I have no doubt that she will obtain her goal. She talks about how if she scores high enough on her exams, she will qualify for scholarships to pay for her medical schooling. It is so exciting to see such investment in and belief in one’ future. I continue to be a blubbering old man as I experience the assertiveness of this young woman and the joy of the students and the “life” excitement around me. 
On our return from the plantation, we pass fields of French green beans, the main crop grown the MCF fields. The view is striking and features the multi colors of the women and their dress against the vivid green of the bean plants, the black of the rich and abundant earth, and the mountain in the distance. Each woman is bent over at the waist. Some use traditional hoes to cultivate between the plants. Others also bent at the waist, reach beneath the leaves to harvest the beans and place them in big green plastic bins.
These are area residents who work for MCF. The absence of males in the fields reminds us that this is considered women’s work. The only males we see around the farms are doing construction, irrigation, or other mechanical work.
Yes, I am returning from my morning’s meditation with more than I thought possible. I am excited and moved by the beauties and the humanity I am discovering here.
On the walk back, my guide Sheryl, tells me she is the organizer for the drama club. I mention my interest, and she tells me of their next rehearsal. However, I fail to arrive as I said I would due to remembering the wrong time. She appears at our room questioning why we are not at the practice. Anne and I quickly grab the camcorder and head for the practice, but it is more than a practice. About 10 students are involved and have planned a command performance for just the two of us.
Afterwards, Anne provides them with a positive critique of their original drama featuring the complications a young couple find when they discover that one of them carries the ramifications of AIDS. I followed my usual approach and asked each of them to tell us what they felt they had done well in the production. We are deeply moved by the creativity and willingness to document such a major problem.
I will download the video and burn a DVD to give them so they can critique their own production.
Yes. My thanks to Sheryl for adopting me and my meditation time this morning.
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