Two Sticks

“I got two sticks and they make fire, gonna rubb em’ together and make some change……” Khalil’s words and song emanate from the lips, hearts and minds of us all and resonate in the hallways of MONCAR, the women’s owned and operated collectiva in Monte Carmelo where we stayed for 4 nights. From this one spot, where women have organized themselves to make canned goods and pasta sauce that has in turned allowed them to support the opening of a school above their collectiva, we are able to walk up the street to visit with a Cuban doctor who provides free dental and health care to campesinos through Mision Barrio Adentro, or to take a winding ride in the back of a truck through dusty roads winding through coffee farms with views of the surrounding hills to visit Alianza, a worker owned organic farm to meditatively pick weeds from cilantro. A true sense of community, examples of empowerment and change and a connection to meaning all live here, so much to learn from this small farming community in the Venezuelan hills. Inspiration is here, models for change are here, but the work needs to be done at home and there is much to be done. Reflecting on the trip what do I bring back, how do I use what I have learned to begin, to continue the same acts of empowerment designed around our community’s needs? I find myself looking around and picking up sticks…..
- Bremner