New Life Blooms in the Desert

 

community garden at Las AlitasLocated in a dry, dusty and remote corner of Juarez, Mexico sits our catechism youth center we call Las Alitas. We have written to you before about the wonderful soccer field we built and the sports programs that we run for the kids in this very poor area. We also reach out to the parents of the children by providing adult religious education and food assistance. Each family receives a sack of groceries to take home to supplement their meager incomes. Soon we will have fresh organic produce to share as well.

Our latest undertaking has been to start a community garden on a piece of property next to the dining hall. Joshua O’Halloran, a full-time volunteer who has a degree in sustainable agriculture, led a group of men from the neighborhood in this project. The first task was to enclose the plot to keep out stray dogs that roam around. Then they built raised beds out of cinder block, filling them with compost, and planting the seeds.

“We planted squash, cucumbers, chilis, tomatoes, watermelon, radishes and green beans,” Joshua explained. “It’s been a very positive experience for our crew. The men come with various questions they want to discuss – about family, marriage, God, etc. – and we have some great conversations as we work.”

“It’s humbling to me,” Josh continued, “to see these guys trying to provide for their families in such extreme poverty. When we get a bologna sandwich for lunch they give heartfelt thanks to God since they know what hunger is.”

The youth often drop by to find out if anything is ready for harvesting yet. “We just harvested our first watermelon,” Joshua said, “so they’re pretty excited about that.”

Along with the garden crops we also planted some fruit trees – a lime, nectarine, apricot, pear and an apple tree which will provide shade and hopefully some delicious fruit one day.

When asked what he thought of that first juicy bite of watermelon, 12-year-old Bernardo replied, “Mmmm!”

Francisco and his 12-year-old son Bernardo enjoying the first watermelon from the community garden at Las Alitas
Francisco and his 12-year-old son Bernardo enjoying the first watermelon from the community garden at Las Alitas