Dear friends and Family,
Today's story unfolds in the mountainous jungles near the Burmese border of Northern Thailand, where we find ourselves situated at the moment.
In the heart of the lush jungles of the Karen Hill Tribes, nestled north of Chiang Rai, a man in his forties radiates the wisdom of a seasoned farmer amidst the dense wilderness. What sets him apart is not just his age-old farming practices, but the incredible fact that he holds a PhD in Agriculture – a distinction rarely heard of in his homeland.
For years, his village remained steadfast in their traditional ways, skeptical of his modern sustainable methods. It was an uphill battle, one that required patience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the transformation he envisioned. Eight years of tireless efforts finally bore fruit as his village began to embrace his innovative techniques. The land, once resistant to change, now flourishes under his guidance, yielding bountiful crops and inspiring a newfound unity among the villagers.
Venturing into the heart of this inspiring tale, Fai and I set out on a journey to visit this extraordinary farmer. Leaving behind the comforts of the grid, we plunge into the wilderness, navigating through challenging terrains to learn from his wisdom. Our mission is clear – to carry this newfound knowledge back to the distant villages we support, 8 hours away. With determination as our compass, we tread through untouched wilderness, ready to experience even more remote conditions than before.
As we arrive at his village, we're greeted with warm smiles and a sense of camaraderie that transcends language barriers. Days turn into a whirlwind of enlightenment as we listen to his stories, observe his methods, and immerse ourselves in his world. Our lodgings resemble tree forts, a testament to the simplicity and harmony that can be achieved living in tune with nature.
In the final moments of our visit, Fai and I sit down with Doctor Turaworn, crafting an implementation plan and assembling a list of necessary items. Despite his mountainous journey, Doctor Turaworn eagerly agrees to travel eight hours from his village to our Autoom mountain. Here, he plans to conduct a three-day intensive workshop, involving over 100 children who will actively bring to life what we now fondly call "The Garden of Eden."
With each passing day, we gather invaluable insights, embracing challenges and rewards of this unconventional learning experience. As we prepare to return to our City and later the villages we support, we're armed not only with knowledge but also with a renewed sense of purpose. The journey back may be long, but the fire of change burns bright within us. The man in the jungles of the Karen Hill Tribes has not only taught us about agriculture but also about the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of shared knowledge.
Jimmy Kostro
The Kostro Foundation
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