Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Looking across the street, catching glimpses through the dancing cars, I saw a helpless father, hopelessness in his eyes, clutching his two sons in his arms. The setting was Haiti; furthermore, the impoverished city renowned for its population of deaf and blind families, Leveque.
In the year 2017, my father persuaded me to undertake a life transforming journey, to aid impoverished parents in Haiti. The intent of the expedition was to plant gardens while teaching the Haitian people how to grow and maintain their yard, feed their families with the products of their masterpieces, how to have dominion over their environment, and slowly but surely, end the epidemic of malnutrition in Leveque. Initially having doubts and concerns, little did I know the impact ,a middle class caucasian boy, could have on a family and the environment. In addition, the impact a handful of talented individuals could leave relationally and environmentally.
I had the opportunity to participate in a two part group helping a man who was devastated by Hurricane Mathew in 2016. Being a widowed father of two, he lost every material possession, as a result of the natural disaster. The first group would build a structurally sound house of living for his family. My group would clear debris and build a garden for the owner to feed his family from. Furthermore, teaching the father the responsibilities of the garden and how to utilize the plot to its fullest potential. All in hopes of feeding others in the community and creating a dominion effect. Through a six step process, we were able to provide a superb garden, from which the family could harvest many nutritious plants.
The project was extremely laborious and possessed challenges only a third world country could offer. The first step concluded of removing large debris of concrete chunks from the previous structures and disposing of them properly. Next, plotting out the perimeter and parameters by which we would fence in the garden, clarifying our further courses of actions. Succeeding the previous step, extracting other hazardous or toxic materials to the natural environment. Unfortunately, some of these items included syringes intended for narcotic usage and decaying material. The fourth step consisted or filtering the dirt for remains of concrete chunks, through a large strainer like object, while simultaneously putting beneficial supplements of nitrogen, phosphorous ,and potassium into the soil. Next, we created rows which we planted Moringa, offering benefits of containing antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, blood-clotting abilities in its leaves, roots, and seeds that aid in wound healing, every part of the plant is completely edible, and its seeds can be used to purify unsanitary water. The final step of our operation ,of creating a garden, was outlining the garden's perimeter to protect the property from animal intruders. As a product of our efforts, we provided a safe clean environment for the father to feed his family from. Moreover, aside from the physical affects of the garden, I learned many valuable life lessons.
Through the impact of building this family a garden, I fine tuned my work ethic and became more involved in my own community, for the betterment of the planet.
Furthermore, I had my eyes opened to the misfortunate struggle of others around the world, realizing the prevalence of environment mistreatment as the simple result of ignorance. I perceived the possibility of the longevity of mankind and the importance of preserving this world for future generations. Through this journey I realized the impact a single person could produce. As I hope this essay reaches many, I can only begin to stress the importance and impact an individual can impress upon the globe, both positive and negative. This experience aspired me to revisit Haiti additional times, participating in similar activities. In addition to protecting the environment on foreign soil, locally is equally as important. I currently attend and assist in local beach cleanups and building gardens for elderly folks in my city. All in attempt, to eradicate pollution locally.