Only have a second as I am at the Peace Corps Hdqts. 'listening' to a lecture on handling stress so I can't be long...
So I had mentioned to Raul (my host dad) that if he wanted a garden I would help him...I did not get much response at the time. Then on Thursday of last week, when it was a national holiday, he said "Tracy, are you ready to start the garden?" I was happy to hear this as I know that if it's only my idea, it won't be kept up after I'm gone. So, we proceeded side by side to dig up a section of the yard quietly making suggestions to one another and getting the soil ready.
The next day as I was working again (Raul had gone to work) several neighbors came to 'pitch in'. They were asking me what we were going to plant and I told them the only seeds I had at the time (leftover from the Peace Corps Community Garden) was cilantro, okra, tomato, radish, and cucumber. I offered half of what I had left to the mother of the group. With that she said, 'thank you so much', then started crying and walked away. Her son and daughter stayed to help me transplant 'pups' from their plantain and banana tree. As we were doing this, I asked the daughter, who was 17, why their mother had left crying. She quietly told me this story. Their father (on this past Father's Day) had been drinking heavily and drank rat poison and died. Their mother had been so worried about how she was going to take care of herself and the eight children. Now, because I had given her those seeds, she knew that she was going to grow vegetables and sell them to provide for her family.
If this story doesn't make you want to buy a pack of seeds and mail them to me, I'd be surprised. PLEASE, all of you, KNOW that one little seed can change the lives of a whole family.
God bless us all. Love, tracy
Alright! Seeds on their way as soon as I get back home!!! Any in particular that you really want? I love you and your generosity never ends...
ReplyDeleteSo, I had a great nite tonite (the night before the wpt main event) online. I only played 3 mtts, but one was a 6 max $322 buy in, with 453 people. I got heads up with this pretty solid player and we were even in chips, so we chopped. $25,801! What a confidence booster going into the wpt main tomorrow. I tried to call you, but couldnt get through. I love you so much, you are the world to me. I hope tomorrow goes well and I dont play bad like I did in the 1st mtt here.
So, soon as I get home I will be sending a ton of seeds for you and your family. Hope all is well, I think of you everyday. Love, your only son,
Bobby
Your story was so touching. I'm sure you will be receiving seed packages galore. I know I'm no longer taking my vegetables for granted and enjoying them more.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to my catch-phrase email -- here is one final clue should you need it:
I think it is a location that played a role in American history (another favorite category of mine, as you know).
College Update:
FSU upset 7th ranked BYU 54 - 28
Gators struggled to win against Tenn. 23 - 13
Have a good week.
Love, Sue
Tracy seeds are on the way. We miss you and love you. Betty
ReplyDeleteYou all are fabulous! I rode into Belmopan in the back of a pickup in the pouring rain hoping to wish Bobby good luck in his main event today and to wish Katrin a happy birthday. Weren't able to connect with either so I'm here at the office checking emails and took a shower and SAT ON A TOILET!! You can't imagine what a treat that is...
ReplyDeleteYour seeds wil be appreciated beyond belief! You have the opportunity to help a family in a BIG way with such a tiny thing! Thank you so much. Love you Sue, Betty, and Bobs. Always, mom and Tracy
Hi Trace!!! Thank you so much for posting these wonderful blogs to read!! You are such an inspiration!!! I am wondering, is it too late to send the seeds, as you will only be there a short time longer? Is there anything else we can send to help these wonderful and amazing families of the Earth??
ReplyDeleteWe think and talk of you often!! In fact, today, Gramma is watching lil' man, and Eric and I are going to play at the track...I must admit, it doesn't have the same appeal to me, knowing I won't see you there...Oh well, life is life, and you are amazing!!
Lots and lots of love!!
Jamie
Good stuff! Going to get seeds tonight and hopefully get them in the mail express tomorrow. Need anything else like rat traps or bug spray?
ReplyDeleteHealth care debate is in full swing, so be happy that you don't have a TV or radio that you would want to pretty much beat in with a sledgehammer at this point.
Sent you a lengthy e-mail and thanks so much for the bday call. Can't believe I missed it!
Love,
Katrin
hmm katrin-- Rat traps that is a great idea!!! I dont want her getting rabies!
ReplyDeleteMOM-- GREAT NEWS!!!! My 'soccer drive' was succesful. I went straight to the source, I asked BOTH the head coaches of UF's soccer teams and they are BOTH willing to donate things for the people over there!! YAY!!!! I will forward you the email of what they said. I am going to pick up the stuff today. I am quite excited. I love you-- god bless... I will see you soon I hope! xoxoxoxx
aubs
Hi Tracy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say hi and tell you we love you and miss you so so much! Bobby is still in Atlantic City, he comes home Wednesday night! How amazing that he another tourney online...I am soo proud of him and happy!!! I'm leaving for Boston tomorrow night for work, and i'll be back Wednesday..Bobby and i fly in a few hours apart on Wednesday! We are going to send you seeds, if there is anything else you need email us a list and we will put it in a box along with the seeds! The blog entry you just posted is so beautiful, the people of Belize must be so overwhelmed with joy b/c of your kind heart! You are actually saving the world..one town at a time!!!! Hopefully we can talk when Bobby gets back into town..i know you can call on the weeknds..WE LOVE YOU!!! BE SAFE..we continue to pray for you every night!
PS: Bobby and I planted a rose garden in the front of the house!!..You would be so proud of us..they look beautiful!! He picks me roses every morning..if they are blooming :) xoooxooo
i love you!~
LOVE,
Nik, Bobby, Diesel and Daphne
Tracy, I sent lots of seeds yesterday, 9-21-09 and it should take 6-10 business days to get there. It is wonderful what you are doing there with the seeds so that the people there can grow there own food. Your blogs and stories are so interesting and I check often. Please let me know if and when you get the seeds. I hope it all can grow. You should be so proud of yourself. I'm so glad you got to take a shower and sit on a toilet. The things we take for granted! The people there must love you already. Take care of yourself. Love and Blessings, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy, I think of you often and so fondly!
ReplyDeleteMy hat goes off to you for your generosity and
optimism and kindness. Tomorrow is our 1st match against ETC at home - without your cakes.
What else can we send? Don't be shy. All the
best to you, Iris
just shipped like 40-50 packets of seeds! not sure if everything will be able to grow there, but i know you'll try ur best! also threw a few other goodies in there. love you so much.
ReplyDeletebobby
Tracy, Belated Birthday Blessings to you. You are amazing and it gave me a lift to hear how you feel about your work and committment there. I hope one of the 12 packages you received was from me. I am also willing to contribute to Marcelino's education. I hope your induction ceremony is all you are hoping for and more. I didn't realize how close I was to you when I was in Belize until I got home. I was at the Caves Branch River cavetubing on Sept. 10. Armenia is halfway between Belmopan and Caves Branch River. I think that I was only about 15 miles from you. I got rocks from the river there and brought them home and gave one to Sue and one to Carlene. Take care of yourself and I hope that you feel better. God bless you and prepare your way. Love and Happy Birthday, Cynthia
ReplyDelete