Pumpkin Squash and Reciprocation; 3/3/12

We are greeted warmly—always and sincerely.  This year, the people of Chaguite seem a little less surpised that we have, in fact, returned.  It is gratifying to find our friends expressing and reflecting ideas of partnership more than appreciation. There certainly is nothing wrong with being appreciated—but to be trusted as a partner, to be invited into frank and open discussions about needs, hopes, and possibilities:  this is the heart of our efforts. Alex Ferraro (’12; 3rd year with the project; 4th trip to Cuje) is a keen and sensitive observer, and she noticed the difference.  Others of us sense something similar. At an arranged meeting with local community leaders (“CPCs”), we hear  residents tell us that they value the fact that we are working WITH them; that we want to help implement projects that reflect their knowledge, their local wisdom. They are not parroting our model; they are describing the experiences they’ve had with us—and with others. We talk about a small cistern that the mayor’s office has installed at the schools throughout Totagalpa—and at the school in Chaguite.  People came; they installed gutters; put in a pipe to direct the flow of rainwater into the cistern.  There is no pipe leading from the cistern (promised in November), and there is no way to extract the water. The cistern is too small to use for a hoped-for garden project.  No one consulted with community members.  They appreciate this effort. They are want to partner with us.