Day 70. Terraces, planting, weeding

New terraces

After last night's thunderstorm dumped one inch of rain, the guys do not have to haul water buckets for the trees today.

We continue to pray for rain for other parts of Haiti, as many spring crops desperately need the water.

The guys remain busy moving rocks and dirt for a few more terraces.

Planting corn, beans, popcorn and more

They also planted beans and corn in a new area that they cleared last week, we are calling that patch Hilltop.

Fritz, Cory, and I have also been busy planting: vegetable seeds, flower bulbs, seedlings, and trees. 

Seeds include: sunflowers, beets, green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, sweet mustard, onions, turnips, carrots, broccoli, egg plant, kale, okra, zucchini, pumpkin, cilantro and grapefruit.

The apple trees have acted afraid to come out of dormancy probably due to the dry weather.

Chayote trellised on our house

A few are blooming and they should start leafing out better now that the weather is acting more like summer - warm and humid.

In addition to the good plants growing, the rain has stimulated the weeds.

 Fritz sits in a chair doing school for 1-2 hours in the morning while I weed. 

In the afternoons after school is done we head outside again. Fritz to play, move rocks, and empty my 5 gallon-bucket when it is full of weeds. 

School is going well for Fritz. Increased concentration results in shorter school days.

Hilltop garden. This dark soil type is the most fertile,
 but there is only a few inches over rock.

Some weeds are tiny things with a mat of shallow roots that you have to scoop up; beggar's ticks just take a easy tug; vines climb over everything-one type start out with a slender hair like vine- we try to get the roots/bulb; some have thorns so put on leather gloves and try to get the roots.

Watch out for fire ants!

Anna finished up her sophomore year at Calvin strongly and will enjoy a full 4 days off before starting summer class.

No shortage of rocks to make terraces

Covid-19 cases officially diagnosed now number over 1,300 with over 30 deaths.

LaGonave Wesleyan Hospital had their first suspected case who was sent home with masks and told to quarantine but was seen the next day playing dominoes outside his house.

Hunger continues to grow with folks not able to afford food and limited food available.

We continue to pray for the Lord's mercy, not just for Haiti but world wide.

Still many plants in the nursery to plant or share

May this be a time of prayer and reflection.

May many turn to God.

28 Asparagus from seeds planted in January