ECHO

What a beautiful place from the inside out. Volunteers putting their time and efforts toward bettering the lives of other humans, is what life is about. At echo there was a general understanding that we all are here apart of one human family, and that there are no strangers. I often think initially that just because I don’t know someone that I am not connected to them, the truth is we are all one; we can be strangers or accept that we are humans, regardless.

At echo they provide appropriate technology- using what some has and making what someone needs. What a great idea; it gives hope being able to change an object into an instrument. I think about the concept of appropriate technology and its implications are enormous without barriers. They are providing an alternative to what they think they have, with what they actually can use.

The Neem tree provides an example to this idea, to me it was a large tree, I didn’t think of much else. I didn’t know of any particular use that could come from this tree. Come to learn that it is known as a pharmacy tree and can provide so many benefits to people that have these trees in there communities. Locals near these trees may have thought that it was only able to provide some shade on a warm day, but because of echo’s knowledge they can send the information to people that can benefit from the trees abilities. The tree can be used for an anti fungal face cream, for toothpaste, bug spray, shampoo, for dogs to get flees off, and to prevent cavities by chewing on the twigs.

All these uses right under my nose, and the people that could really benefit from the potential uses from this tree are unaware. Living in a tropical Monsoon our climate is nearly identical to the areas that echo helps, this is ideal because plants and animals that live well at echo will thrive at other locations with our climate. Echo shows that we can change people’s lives for the better. 352

Journal 1

I walk out my door and can smell the pepper of the Ocean. My mouth grew dry with anticipation for the waves where crashing in the distance.  The wind had picked up, and I was heading down to the sand. I crossed over the old bridge careful not to step on a sand spur. I walk to the begging of the shore joined by a group of tiny birds, escaping the touch of the waves. The spread of the Ocean, the great reminder of what is, and how beauty evolved from the depths. Being surrounded by nature, I felt full once again.  I moved up, so that my toes touched the creeping flow of waves on the shore, coming and going. I close my eyes and wait for a while, the waves whisper, and I can hear them. I open my eyes and am filled with joy, smiling from the inside out. I’m now in touch with the day and in tune with my being, ready and willing for this moment. I wish the waves good buy and thank them for their fresh scent, the fuel for my day. I walk back over the bridge, head held high, seeing how long the smell of the beach could travel. A few blocks and I am home, I go around back to wash away the sand. The beach slowly pushed down the drain and out of my sight. I wipe the remainder of the water and sand off with a towel, and begin to open the door inside. I stop a moment and take it all in once again, the birds, the waves the peace. I hold the truth of the beach inside me, and carry it within, as I step inside the house. I am never alone, knowing that the beach is with me, telling me to listen to the waves.