A nice conclusion

I spent the afternoon planting a mango tree. To plant a tree is to be alive. Or something less dramatic. But seriously, planting, working in the garden, digging holes, these are the things that make me feel alive. Especially when doing them with some nice people from around the world.
On the people note: I have now been here for almost one month. the people that arrived at the same time as me are now leaving (there is a minimum stay of 4 weeks here) and suddenly I have found myself completely surrounded by new faces. Its a little over whelming because I was just getting used to the people that were here before. So much energy goes into meeting people, and its not energy that I can easily tap into. I find it easier to muster up the energy to plant a tree. I guess that is kind of why I am here. To plant trees and to expend some energy into the earth. I have spent the last three years working with human beings, and I guess my time here will be spent mostly balancing that out with some ground work.
Originally I planned to stay here until the 9th of March, but I think I will leave on the 1st and head up to Darjeeling. I dont know what is drawing me there (the proximity to the border of Nepal and all the characteristics that a border town will carry? The Tea?).
I have been on the “Hygiene” team this week. This means that a group of 4 of us are responsible for keeping the toilets clean, the washing stations clean, and the showers clean. As well as maintaining the compost toilets. So far it has been a humbling experience, but one of great importance. Its something else to stir a large quantity of shit, or to dig out a tank of already composted waste. Nothing really seems gross after gathering pee and watering plants all morning with it.
Last week I was on the composting team. I learned a lot about how the compost works, and the different elements that make up a good compost. I am definitely going to carry this knowledge with me to Canada and try to work in a community garden there with similar techniques.
….at times I have felt like I am training for something bigger while being here. A zombie attack maybe? The end of the world? I feel like the more I learn here the more prepared I am for anything. In fact the longer I am alive I realize more that I can actually do anything. Its pretty cool.