Breaking New Grounds with Aquaponics – Part II

To read part I of how we are breaking new grounds in Aquaponics click here.
Since then we also connected with an organization called Seeds of Hope which by Father’s incredible timing just moved it’s headquarters to little ol Esterillos, below is only the tip of the iceberg, you will hear much more about them in the future. Seeds of Hope is similar to iEmpathize in that they rescue and prevent child sex exploitation and sex trafficking, which is unfortunately big tourist and local business here… just like America and the rest of the world. You should read the Seeds of Hope story on the site as this does no justice. In a quick summary we are encouraged by, our other new friends and founders, Chris and Penny’s faith and action… they didn’t wait they just jumped in. On a vacation trip a couple years ago they discovered trafficking was a problem here, they were not ok with that and decided they were going to do something about it, and in less than a year they had sold everything, moved here, started Seeds of Hope. And already to our testimony they are doing incredible, truly incredible work. We first heard about Seeds of Hope through Dan and Chloe and have been able to get involved via another couple Isaac and Megan (some of our new incredible friends) who are down here being the hands and feet of Seeds of Hope. We randomly met Isaac and Megan at an ice cream shop but it has been so evident that Father had intended for us to meet from the beginning. The incredible thing about this connection is that through Isaac and Megan we discovered Seeds of Hope has been wanting to do aquaponics they just didn’t know how to AND as mentioned they just moved into our backyard. Because of that we are going to also build an aquaponics farm at the safehouse for Seeds of Hope! Since then we have been able to connect much more and spend time with the girls in the safehouse. There’s nothing like hanging out with children who have been rescued from their parents tying them to beds, pimping them out, and having things done to them that are so horrific the word evil feels like a compliment compared to the depth and darkness that has happened. When I think about how offensive this is, I am reminded that if I am that hurt and disgusted by this, how much more is their true Father in heaven… and thus the need for His people to get off the sidelines like our new friends and get in the game; peoples lives are at stake. As we learn story after story and hang out with the girls I’m challenged, encouraged and radically shaping my perspective. Hang out with a child who has been trafficked and all the sudden your worst problems seem like blessings. The most incredible part is that the kids are amazing and we learn so much from them, they’re survivors, and more than that they’re heros.

Uno Mas Garden
Uno Mas Garden
Uno Mas Garden
Uno Mas Garden

We’re still working in the garden with Uno Mas each week and during the weekends we focus on making progress in aquaponics. One weekend we traveled all throughout the countries largest cities picking up unique equipment, there’s nothing like traveling for an entire day to just get a water pump or growing baskets. Last weekend we spend the entire Saturday finding and securing a water bin that will serve as the first fish tank. We have effectively traveled over about 40% of the country thus far to scrape together the initial pieces to the aquaponics puzzle. It’s in these trips we are reminded of the overabundance back at home we too often took for granted. But week by week and day by day we chip away at this project. It’s much slower than anticipated, but we are learning, stretching and growing. After 7 weeks here we now have discovered the need, shared the vision, have partial buy-in, have desire from the community, and the initial hardware and parts to get started.

Weeks of research and one day to get one item for Aquaponics
Weeks of research and one day to get one item for Aquaponics
And if you're asking yourself if we were that happy, Yes we were rather excited about it.
And if you’re asking yourself if we were that happy, Yes we were rather excited about it.
Finally found our fish tank in a recycling yard
Finally found our fish tank in a recycling yard
Did we mention it was hot?
Did we mention it was hot?
Our awesome friend who found out we were helping a school and gave us a discount.
Our new friend who found out we were helping a school and church and gave us a discount.
The Hefe keeping things in order
The Hefe (“Boss” for all the english folks) keeping things in order

To find out how our first days of construction have gone click here to see part 3 of 3.


Comments

One response to “Breaking New Grounds with Aquaponics – Part II”

  1. Great pictures and so great to be able to hear and watch the progress. Love you