DAY 3 - LOOK WHAT WE'VE BUILT

Today, we woke up to a gloomier setting. The clouds hung low and the air was chilling to the bone. Upon descending the stairs, we were greeted with a “you have 10 minutes” from the ever-stoic Mr. Ortiz. We rushed to prepare, and 30 minutes (and a few bagels) later, we were in the van. However, what awaited us was not a serene ride through scenic downtown Denver, it was a stern talking-to. We had failed to clean up the kitchen and took too much time eating breakfast and getting ready. We were forced to do a walk of shame back inside to clean up our mess. Upon returning to the van, we were also told to sit in silence and reflect upon the kinds of decisions we had made and whether or not they were in line with the men we wanted to be.

After our silent car ride, we left the morning in the van and went to work. Our location for the day was Ekar Farms. At first it appeared to be a glorified sandbox, but it ended up being so much more. With shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows in our hands, we turned the barren land into a haven for potatoes complete with irrigation canals and free of weeds. Who knew that digging a couple trenches, pounding some mushrooms, and relocating a bathtub could change a place so much in a matter of hours.

The work today was also much more intensive than the two prior. Swinging sledgehammers and squatting down to plant dozens of potatoes really takes a toll on the body. However, the harder work was also much more rewarding, and after a rejuvenating lunch, things started to look up.

After Ekar, we ventured over to DUG (Denver Urban Gardens) to learn about pollinators. We began with a game where we had to guess what pollinator we had taped on our back. Apparently, lizards and slugs are pollinators. We also got to create some modern art in the form of hotels for bees and learned that worms have five hearts. We then enjoyed some lovely strawberries whose hulls would later be fed to the worms.

Upon returning to CVV, we had some down time before holding a Mass with the long-term volunteers living here. The Mass itself was very intimate and everybody got the chance to share how they feel is the best way to be in solidarity with those who are suffering. The homily built on this by showing how the cycle of suffering can only end if we respond to aggression with love.

Mass was followed by a great meal of potato soup, chicken, and asparagus prepared by our fellow residents here at CVV. It was amazing how easy it was to hold deep conversations with people we didn’t even know before this week. Through the dinner and the ensuing dessert (brownies and ice cream courtesy of Jasper, Oliver S. and Colston) it was clear that we have built a strong community over the past few days.