Laos

My mother in law thinks its odd that I want to work on a farm. I've had this desire to do so for about 7 or so years now. To plant, harvest, interact with the farming community, to witness life outside of what has become my norm. A few years ago, I became really interested in the idea of organic farming and signed up to be a WOOFer or a member of the World Organization of Organic Farmers. Its a collective of sorts that links those who desire to participate in farming with those who own or operate organic farms world wide. WOOF has many chapters, I joined the chapter in Japan, having long decided that I would like to experience how farming is carried out in Asia, and in Japan specifically..

The realization of this has not quite come into being yet, but it is a plan still on the back burner, so to speak. As I orient myself into a profession (teaching) which provides me with the summer season off, I'll have more of a chance to take part in these types of activities. As I grow older, I've become content with things happening gradually and in their time.

In any event, farming. In conversation the other evening, my mother in law began to tell me of her family in Laos and how her mother was growing older and will need help to operate the farm as she is very attached to it, to the animals and to the land. With the majority of her children dispersed throughout Laos or overseas, there is some uncertainty as to the future of the farm. Impasse and opportunity.