A PATH FOR ENGAGEMENT

SUNSETS & SATISFACTION

My daily routine included going to the pier at the end of the seawall for peaceful ocean sunsets. On my first day, I noticed that there weren’t any trash cans and lots of trash in the adjoining park. Complaining has no value. Action has value. So… in the mornings I would put in my request with the hotel for the number of trash bags I would like that evening - usually four.

I would go with my empty bags to enjoy the sunset, and come back to the hotel with full bags… I ended up investing in a rake and gloves so I could maximize my efforts!

NEW FRIENDS

My clean-up efforts attracted attention and I met Darlene from Venezuela who was attending a pop-up church under a tent in the park by the seawall. She was homesick for her country and the impromptu service was a way for her to gather among community. Darlene and her son started picking up trash and then a group of young boys from her church (they look like a soccer team) grabbed an empty trash bag from me and filled it up in no time.

One evening Akiela, from Farmer-to-Farmer, joined me in my evening ritual and we also participated in a 6am beach clean-up organized by Seawalls & Beyond. Ryan, with RD Aquaponics, also joined us.

I met Ryan through a friend of his (Christian) who stopped his car while Jason (a hotel guest) and I are cleaning along the dirt road to the seawall. He asked what we were doing and who we were with. I explained that I was here with Farmer-to-Farmer and Justin and I were volunteering ourselves for beach clean-up. Christian said he had a friend starting an aquaponics business and could use some support. I gave him my card and suggested his friend Ryan email me.

Ryan emailed right away! I said the next day would be my last day in Guyana, and asked if he would like to join us at 6am for the beach clean-up. He showed up, we had a great conversation, and I’m so excited to offer support to such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, passionate young agri-preneur! Ryan is now my farthest away, long-distance online Farm Business Coaching client!

Lasting connections….