Trying to Remain PatientWhile the World Evolves.

- Senegal/Global -

It's been an interesting two and a half months since returning from the Peace Corps. Not that anything particularly exciting has happend, infact just the opposite, and it's that unexpected inverse of events that has gotten me in a state of...well. Shock.

Returning from an incredibly foreign country, and living in a small village where cans of tomato paste, sardines, pasta, rice and onions were typically the plate du jour, I've since found this growing fascination with food. Plus, I worked in gardens over there in Africa, so I was introduced, and happily welcomed those unbelievable and reassuring moments of pulling carrots from the ground, cutting heads of cabbage from their stubby stalks, and watching my green beans grow plump; always a reminder to myself and the people around, that growing food was one of the most miraculous events we could possibly perform in an otherwise barren area.

SO. Now back in the United States living in the Northeast, it's incredibly frustrating (and yes, also very inspiring!) to read about amazing and wonderful urban farming pursuits, around the country and all over the world - like this women above featured in a UN article concerning the development of urban farming as an initiative to help poor and underdeveloped parts of the globe create food safety and sovereignty - but to also meet dead end job opportunities in a time of Cold winter, little greenhouse access, and ultimately a standstill in the farming realm at this time of year.

I know - What did I expect???

Well, that's why I plan to move to the west coast in the spring - where the greens are a'plenty and the movements and activism are shaking in their rubber work boots.

In the meantime, what is one to do? Met with obstacle after obstacle, and boring day after boring day, it's a wonder more people don't crazy around here!

So reading about the UN's initiatives has certainly revived an otherwise gloomy day, and provided *some* hope that not only is the world interested in making food more available and potentially healthier (no pesticides, please!), but that perhaps one can *pay rent* while taking part.