I am writing about this week in hindsight, realising that trusting the process translates to being present in the process. I did not keep a daily log as I have done in the past weeks. Rather, I practiced being present with what was happening.

Starting from the end of the week. On Friday, August 2^nd, David offered us to draw a Tarot Card during our Laidlaw Network writing time. I drew the card The Lovers, which resembles the forming of special connections and recognising aspiring love. The card truly captures my overall feeling this week. In the work I have been doing and the people I have been with, I feel a present and profound love for life.

In light of my past weeks of hardship and health struggles, I have longed for such sense of love and compassion – within and beyond the project. Thinking through the presence of love within the project brings attention to some special moments this week.

Monday, July 29^th, feels like long ago. Almost lifetimes ago. The day was spent planning and buying materials for the week together with Oliver and Rachel; it was without doubt going to be a long week. Yet, I did not feel drained by this. Instead, I was embracing it with excitement for all that we were hoping to achieve. Alongside this, I cannot underestimate that our upcoming weekend trip to Guatapé was another tangible target for staying joyful throughout the week.

At Picacho with volunteers 

Tuesday, July 30^th, was our second time running activities with the kids in Picacho. Together with us were our newest addition to the project, the valuable volunteers. The aim of the day was to create collages by building upon last week’s sustainability mind-mapping exercise. The volunteers were incredible and so were the kids. The kids expressed such love and joy in creating their collage related to elements of nature. One of the kids told me about how his collage was about all living beings and how we must all strive for harmony to sustain the Earth. He was only eight years old. In return, I smiled and recognised his love for life.

One of the Picacho volunteers came up to me as we were concluding the activity, telling me how touched she was when she heard my name. Her abuela, grandmother, was called Otilia as well and she had not thought of her for a long time. In that brief exchange, we acknowledged our ancestors together. Tuesday was a good day. I needed that day.

 Collaging in progress

Flashing forward to Thursday, August 1^st, a wonderful mess of a day. The plan was to recycle plastic bottles by turning them into painted plant pots. The kids brought their own bottles, but we still had a lot to prepare. As we arrived in Picacho, the energy was initially good. However, it quickly turned a bit tense about how we were to execute the plan with the kids. Who were to oversee what? Did we have enough materials? How would we divide the kids? To move beyond these concerns, we included the Picacho volunteers, learning how much we can utilise their know-how in our planning of the projects.

Plan evolving into chaos                 

When the kids arrived, the energy immediately raised. The activity went SO well – everyone was happy and created some beautiful pots. Nevertheless, the execution can best be described as chaotic… because… 35 kids with paint and plastic is chaotic.

As Oliver phrases it, no plan survives children. This day truly taught me that the plan with kids will inevitably evolve, not dissolve, into chaos. But the chaos also fosters fruitful ground to grow (and quickly implement) new ideas and initiatives.

Snap shot of the results 

In the weekend, we went to Guatapé. It was a very Colombian experience, nicely illustrated through our “kayak-trip.” We were given canoes that I can only imagine have not seen water for 8 years combined with stop signs to paddle with. This was honestly the best part of the trip, though. Raven, Sebastian, and I had so much fun and so many laughs out in that water.

This weekend re-reminded me to be present with what is happening and with the people I am with. And I feel genuinely grateful for being present in the process.