We are prophets of a future not our own.

One day I awoke with a seed of a vision implanted into my head of an array of colorful flowers in small patches under the large tree where the children often liked to play. It was covered with dirt and weeds but they turned it into their own little playground with scraps of toys and ropes. They didn't let the dusty chain-link fence or ravenous rings of barbed wire above them interrupt their imagination. I took this vision to a small group of our program supporters called the Emerging Leader Board, and with their incredible talents and dedication, they were able to help us make this seed grow. 

Our garden is slowly growing, and the children enjoy it everyday. 

A que gozar lo que cosechamos.... Gozechado. 

These are some photos of the beginnings of the cosecha (cultivation), and I thought it would be appropriate that it be accompanied by The Prayer of Oscar Romero, who's dedication to the betterment and growth of the people of El Salvador inspire all of us here. 

The Prayer of Oscar Romero
It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
It is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
Of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about,
we plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation
In realizing that. This enables us to do something,
And to do it very well. It may be incomplete,
But it is a beginning, a step along the way,
An opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
Between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Amen.

Garden Boxes in Edible Garden area

One of the planters with marigolds and Calalilies surrounding the play area

Grass growing where once there were weeds

Our first tomatoes emerging

Cilantro

Strawberries blooming

Tomato bed.. with basil & chive friends

Apples!

Minty