Rain, precious gift from the heavens that gives us life and new hope every year.
Every year we wait eagerly for the rainy season. There are different reasons for everyone to wish for the rain to start.
The small and big farmers need the rains so the corn planted can grow and they will have food for their families. We are first of all "hombres de maiz" (people of the corn) in Guatemala. It is the primary food source for our population.
The avid gardeners like myself, have already a long list of projects that need to be implemented in this month so the young plant will grow strong roots and survive the next dry season.
Reforestation projects need to be done now or it will get too late in the season. 1,000 new little trees will go into the soil in Santiago Atitlan. We can't wait to see it.
Plant a tree this year, or plant 10. Whatever you can, do it for your soul and the soul and wellbeing of the precious mother earth.
The best time to plant a tree in your life is always NOW.
Do it with your family, with the children, with your friends, with your neighbors, the church, the school, the university, the office, the bowling team, the riding group, the computer geeks, the party gang, with the police and the soldiers. Trees have the power to reunite us all. Nobody fights with a beautiful new little tree.
Trees are life, trees represent hope for the future. They provide us with shade, water, they hold on to the precious earth, produce oxygen, they look beautiful, they grow along with us and our children.
And then, make sure the little tree survives. Watch over it, take care of it. They are like babies, they need tender loving care, a safe space, nutrients, water and protection to survive. Without that they will die. It is a big responsibility to plant a tree, you need to make sure it will be able to grow up until it can survive on it's own. Just like a child. And even then, you have to watch over it so nobody will cut it down.
Plant a tree this year, you will feel good about it, you can tell your children about it, your friends, you will impress your girlfriend - boyfriend and colleagues. And you can also tell God about it (whatever you choose to call him), although he will know anyway, he is watching us.
Photo: Atitlan, Estuardo Zepeda
