Thursday was a bit of a rough day. I was met with Luis yelling at me first thing in the garden. He had a valid reason to be upset, but nobody likes to be yelled at, especially first thing in the day.
The last volunteer that was here went over the garden with me before she left and conveyed to me which plants should stay and which should go. I also spoke with one of the co-founders earlier in the week who also stressed the importance of having one type of vegetable per bed, and having a garden that is providing sustenance to the kitchen. I pulled two plants that I had been told were not used for anything that were in a bed of cabbage. Apparently Luis uses them for medicine for himself and this is why he was upset. I explained to him that I did know and that I was sorry and could we plant them somewhere else as this was a bed full of cabbage. He then proceeded to yell at me for a good ten minutes in Spanish.
I do understand his frustration and feel as if I am in a bit of an uncomfortable situation. Here I am, this young white woman coming here for a month, planting American seeds (they were provided by the co-founders) that he (and I) have no idea what they will produce. He has been working for the reserve in various functions for 20 years and will be here long after I am gone. I would not take kindly to someone coming into my yard and doing everything different, but at the same time I would be a bit nicer to them. I do know that part of this is cultural, the men here do not take orders or direction from women, especially white, younger women.
Normally I would have asked him, but he is against me planting anything so I have had to be quite self directed. I do understand his position, more plants=more work. I know I am doing what the founders of the reserve want, but it hasn't been the most pleasant.
This is life though isn't it? I think this has been a really good learning experience for me though, learning when to let things go, learning what really has to do with me, and what doesn't. Life isn't neat and tidy, nor pleasant all of the time, but the experiences I have had here I will carry with me and have helped to form more of a complete picture of myself. Such is life, presenting lessons left and right, yet never a manual in front of you with the answers easily given.
2 comments:
Outside the confines of Western European Culture (despite what the Tea Baggers understand, that includes us) medieval patriarchal society reigns supreme. Given a year or so, perhaps you could help 'evolve' Luis. In 4 weeks you both can only be frustrated. You are right: there is no manual, only your internal compass.
It sounds frustrating and a bit intimidating.
I'm impressed by all you do!
Post a Comment