We had reason to be a little disappointed. Only 9 families of the 23 in Baganuur had taken time to garden this year. The reason was that they go and clean bricks for just over a dollar a day, which they need for food. It is spent on the day they earn it. The garden site is 4 km away and walking backwards and forwards for two and a half months to tend their plants, is not exactly everyone's kettle of fish. We really need to supply them with a small tractor and trailer to go backwards and forwards with. I expressed my disappointment at the meeting of all the families involved. As I turned to get into my vehicle to drive away, a little old lady walked up to me and asked to speak to me. She said, "I just wanted to tell you that your work and investment is not all wasted. I am involved in the ADRA vegetable gardening course for the second year. Last year I grew enough vegetables to keep 3 of my children in school and one in college. It is thanks to ADRA that I am able to do this. This year's harvest is even better than last year's. My children are now working hard with me as they know this is our only source of income, since my husband died three years ago. This year I will have 2 kids in College. Thank you so much for teaching me how to garden." For me the sun had come out from behind a dark cloud. I wished I could give this dear lady the hug she deserved.

"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you: He'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God: he is most careful with you." 1Peter 5:6 (The Message)

Llewellyn Juby, August, 2004