I came to SE Asia with the focus to help develop a health education program, but over the last few months we have been exploring the possibility that God may have called me here for a different purpose. Currently, I am continuing to help with public health education but more on the nutritional side of things through working at our farm in the mountains.
We use the farm as an educational center for community development, helping our friends see how they can sustainably farm steep terrain and raise goats to provide food for their families and generate more income. We also have examples of small garden plots that urban friends can have in their own backyard which can feed their families year round when managed well. We seek to show our friends how they can provide nutritious food for their families which promotes peace in an area that is deeply divided and looking for peace. Farming also offers opportunities to integrate many biblical stories and God's work in our lives as we talk about working the soil and growing food. We get to talk about life, health, and peace from God for our souls as well as for our bodies.
My role at the farm will be working to help develop the vegetable gardens and a sample herbal garden which families or communities could replicate and use for medicinal treatments because people here are much more likely to use an herbal remedy than medicine. We also have a large herd of goats with more being born each month. Many of them are not used to being with people, so part of my work is spending time to get them more people friendly. Then they will be easier to work with and sell when necessary. I love animals, and I am enjoying learning how to speak “Goat.”
Spending time at the farm drives some people crazy because it is too quiet, but I love it! I am amazed how God has given me experience, talents, and a personality that allows me to fit this area in a way that hasn't worked very well for others. I am delighted that God has opened a door for me to work there.