Scout Report: Dozens of Fruitful Farm Visits in India
The scout reports are in, and the first week in India proved to be an eventful one as our Executive Director and Board Chair joined longtime AgG supporter Gary Venable for travel throughout rural Northern India.
Here are a few highlights from the trip, including things we’re learning, opportunities we’re finding, and those things that give us Hope for this work you continue to make possible:
The early days of the trip were filled with meetings, speaking opportunities, and new friends—not to mention a gorgeous sunset over lush farmland.
If you’ve traveled with our scouts at any point, you’ll know the importance of the lesser-known beatitude, ‘Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.’
So we’re staying flexible and enjoying each step.
“Would you pray for the orphans?” Sure!
“Please speak in front of this huge crowd.” Ok!
Our team tends to be more introverted and avoids crowds, cities, and stages, but when there’s a chance to share good news about this work you make possible, we take it! Thanks to everyone who’s donated, prayed, and supported this work. We feel you at our backs and are so grateful.
One recurring theme wherever we go? Farmers are innovative (see above image). MacGyver could take notes from some of these Indian farmers, who managed to keep outdated tech running and even improved upon it!
When the supply chain is broken and farmers don’t have access, sometimes a creative fix or workaround is all you can do. We love seeing this kind of creativity!
Here’s something new: this is the first time we’ve seen a farmer happy to have bugs in his crop!
Our farmer host here in India is showing us where worms have bored into an agarwood tree. When this happens, it causes an infection and the tree excretes a sweet-smelling sap to combat the infection.
The tree is then harvested and oil is extracted to make perfumes and soaps. The oil is more valuable than gold.
After a dozen flights, travel sickness, and more new friends and contacts than we can count, the trip is finally winding down, but we’ve got more updates to share. Follow us on social below to keep in touch, and thanks for reading!
