People and Progress

Our stay at my dad’s house in Santa Fe so far has been restful and productive.  When dad is home, we all play music and make delicious food: chile, veggies, homemade tortillas…it’s a beautiful time. 

When my dad goes to work at the Kewa Pueblo south of town, Richard and I get busy on ReTreeUS.

Yesterday, we researched potential in-kind donors for things we need, such as biodegradable pots for planting complementary trees to give to our first members, seeds for cover crops, and deer fencing to protect our first orchard and nurseries.

July 1^st marks the deadline for a grant that would largely fund our first high-tunnel greenhouse, and it’s difficult to imagine getting everything done while we travel across the country and visit my family on the way.  We do what we can to meet our priorities for ReTreeUS, but it is also important to connect with important people in our lives before moving across the country. (For instance, Richard will meet my best friend and nephew for the first time this afternoon.)

Despite the fact that the organization is not our only priority, it is certainly at the forefront of both our minds. I am fortunate to have a partner who cares about our professional success as much as I do, and one who still holds family in extremely high-regard. We are both so lucky to spend time with our loved-ones, and both so passionate about our ultimate goals for the organization.  

I will admit that, sometimes, soliciting members and writing grants lacks the appeal of those ultimate goals. But I know that we must acquire funds and resources before planting trees and empowering others become attainable objectives.

We appreciate the support of all of our friends and family whom we visit along our journey, and we appreciate our future members, donors, and grantors for helping to make this dream a reality.

My (not biological) nephew, Ryley, myself, and my second mom, Merry.

Ryley, Merry and Teynan, my best friend.