heifer

we went to the ranch this weekend to be a part of the "sustainable table" a three day workshop where we learned about and discussed the slow food movement. we started friday evening with a meal (salmon, wild rice, summer squash, a vegetable tower with eggplant, tomato, mushroom, zucchini, and goat cheese all with a glass of chardonnay) made by the participants in the group under the leadership of an amazing chef (Michel) from connecticut. we sent a blessing into the wind and then ate under the stars on rex's (our teacher) deck surrounded by trees covered in fall. we then shared with eachother over a cup of coffee and a french apple pastry dessert. saturday, we woke early for breakfast (sausage made from heifer's very own and yummy french toast) and then enjoyed more time of sharing. our learning began with marie (a veterinarian) on the bond between animals and humans, followed by an hour of "food and justice" by stella (a sociologist). we broke for lunch and exploratory time on the ranch. we walked through the global villages and enjoyed our bonding time with the animals. a camel defended his territory to us by displaying some weird bubble from his mouth but the goats and sheep seemed to enjoy our attention greatly. we went back to the learning room to discuss articles we had read pertaining to the subject of the weekend. my article was about microcredit loans and a banker who only loaned money to poor people trying to start a business or get back on their feet. excellent concept and very good read. after discussion time, half of the group went to the peace garden to learn about growing spices while the other half (my group) went to create another wonderful meal under the leadership of Michel. thirteen of us packed into the kitchen and chopped, peeled, and sliced all while enjoying excellent dialogue. the result...fryer chicken, potatos, carrots, pear chutney, and spring salad with homemade asiago pepper bread followed by poached pear topped with chocolate mint sauce. delight. again all under the stars(occasional shooting) and a very clear thumbnail moon. at one point in the evening some older women in the group gathered around the piano and began singing hymns. i joined them to experience this beautiful moment and we sang together. a voice from behind spoke up and requested here i am, lord. we sang all four verses loudly professing our faith and our willingness and i cried. my favorite moment. when we returned to the lodge, andy and i sat outside to watch and listen to the rain storm. i love him and in moments like those i can not thank Father enough for my gift. it is good. sunday morning we had Celebration and broke bread. we passed blessing to our community and ended our time with a walk to inspiration point (an amazing scenic view of the 1200 acres belonging to heifer). Finally, Andy (a professional gardener) sent us back to our corners with tips on how to grow our own food and eat seasonally. andy and i packed our car and drove the scenic route home past the sparkling river, pinnacle mountain, and even a dead armadillo on the side of the road. i am blessed.