The trees were absolutely covered with ants.
    “That made it all the merrier,” says Kevin House, an ecological worker at Km. 38.
    He and Hector Leon slowly approached the two large fichus trees that stood cautiously on the other side of the road. The ants began to scatter in fear as they started to rip long branches from the trees. When planting new fichus trees, one must not cut off the branches with a machete or the branch will dry up. You must rip off the branch for it to be useable. The week before, Kevin had picked up a machete to clear the tall grass away from the fence that runs along the front of AMOR’s property. Later, he and Hector dug a long series of holes to plant the young branches. The two returned to the trees three times in order to fill every hole that skimmed along the property line.
    Much of Kevin’s work follows this same pattern. This week, his partner Andrew Whitlow left with the dental team to document a campaign they are holding in a village over 15 hours away by boat. Kevin stayed busy, planting 42 noni trees, a tree that produces medicinal fruits. Last week, more vegetables were planted in the large garden that has recently been established.
    When asked if his week had gone by fast Kevin said, “They always go the same speed. You can say they go fast or they go slow. But the only thing that changes is the acknowledgement of each moment.”

Kevin House
Ecological Worker