Moringa Experiment: Week 8

It has been two months since we planted the first moringa seed in our experimental plot. The growth of this intensive plot have been challenged by a few things. We have noticed that the use of manure has slowed one part of the plot. Also, the grasshoppers have been a pest as well to the seedlings. They have been cutting the tops of the stalks. Regardless of these learning processes, the plot continues to grow. What has been cut, has re-sprouted and what has been reluctant to grow is still striving for life.

As you can see in the picture, the height of the plot has changed dramatically compared to the previous pictures. We are running behind schedule with harvest, mainly because of the delay of growth in the plot. Most say you can harvest after six weeks, yet we are working on 8 weeks now. We are attributing the delay to the amount of manure used and the content of the soil. The good news is, the soil on the land the project will begin is much better than the soil the experimental plot is located on. I intentionally put the plot in a difficult area and near the sea to observe its perseverance in the harshest of conditions. The trees have proven themselves.

The project is still in awareness and fund raising mode. I just want to say a few shout outs to those that have been joining together on the U.S. to advocate for the project. Some have given for the fence and we are at about the 50% mark to having all the funds to secure the land with a fence. An advocacy group committed to pray and educate others about the project has been formed. If you would like to be a part of that, please contact Cindy Harrison at (229)249-9841 or Jana Abbott at (229)247-2740. Some are organizing fundraisers such as, “Buy a Brick” and 5K runs to help with funding. This week even there is a group running from the Atlantic Coast of Florida to the Gulf Coast to raise monies and awareness for the Tree of Life Project. Their team is known as “The Moringas”. I have a summer volunteer coming for 6 weeks to help me with the nutritional aspect of the project. All of these things are credited to the faithfulness and grace of God!

My personal tree that I planted last year has started blossoming with lots of flowers. Even today, there are small seed pods that have begun to develop. It seems this tree is in fact a miracle because it is already producing seed pods at such an early stage. I have included a picture so that you can look back to my January post and compare the height and growth.

This past week, Christine, Kassim and myself cooked our first meal using moringa. Christine is from the Phillipines and uses moringa often in cooking her own traditional dishes. We cooked a soup using chicken, green papaya and moringa leaves. It was a success and very tasty! Thanks Christine for the education and inspiration!

Thank you all again for your continued prayers and support. Above all, it is our prayer that this project bee a catalyst of love that connects people in physical and spiritual need to the Great Physician and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you all!