Coffee Plantation tour
This morning we went on a Cafe Britt tour. It was very good tour and we had a wonderful lunch. The plantation is in Heredia which is near our base. The tour was very informative. Here is some facts;
coffee bushes grow up to 20 feet but are pruned yearly to produce more coffee
The ave yield of coffee from a mature bush is 25#!which yields 3# of roasted beans
Coffee bushes can live for 100 years but only produce for 25 years
Coffee was first discovered by the goats in Ethopia which were growing by the paths and roads.
Then the coffee was transported to Saudia Arabia where they first used for a beverage, from their it,when to Italy and the first coffee shop opened. From there it transported to France, onto Brazil and finally made it to Costa Rica in 1765.
The bloom of the coffee bush is a member of the gardenia flower.
The bean grows from May to Dec during the rainy season.
Coffee is picked from Nov-Jan.
Once ripe (red in color) they are hand picked. The tree will be picked 5 times to get all the ripe beans.
The bean has three coatings that need to be removed before roasting.
The roasting process is up to 18 minutes for the dark roast which is the carmelization of the sugars.
The dark roast has less caffeine than lightly roasted.
The energy drinks contain the caffeine byproduct of decaffeination.
Coffee needs high attitudes, volcanic soil, lots of rain and sun.
The coffee here in Costa Rica gets up to 100 inches per year.
All coffee is dryer for a week in the sun outside.
Each region coffee has a particular taste profile.
Most beans are stored dried ( up to a year) before roasting.
So there are some coffee trivia.
It was a beautiful day and fun to check out the area.
We were joined by Curtis our friend and teacher next week.
Curtis and Mike have busy busy working on the aquaponics project and making of the grow beds. They were joined by others for the construction ....
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 26,2015
"Sustainable Agriculture- It's all about poop!"
As the week has progressed we have learned a lot about organic farming and how it can be done on a small and large scale. It has been interesting and it all comes down to poop as a fertilizer. We learned how to make "rose water" fertilizer which is goat poop and water. We have a batch "cooking" in the sun and large plastic barrel. We also have worked with composting- making it, turning it and placing it in our garden.
The past two days we have worked different planting techniques---zai holes, multi-story gardens, double digging and raised beds. Today we did drip irrigation with a y bar, plastic bucket and soaker hose. Also used an organic bug spray with garlic, jalapeños, 90%alcohol and water.
Today we started looking at the different type of animals which contributes poop. It was a step backwards with the cattle and chicken discussion.
The YWAM base is a working farm of 7 acres. They have three horses which are the major grass cutters with the eight goats. The goats are milked once a day for cheese . The chickens are raised for eggs and one breed for eating. They have two ducks that they r experimenting with. Currently have duck eggs in a incubator. It seems like there is an experiment is happening daily. It's fun!
Today our friend, Curtis arrived and will be teaching the aquaponics class next week. It was great to see him and catch up with him.
All is well with us. It keeps us mature adults busy with morning duties and classes. Mike and I have breakfast prep so it's 5 am daily! The weather has been good and sunny. God is good!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, February 24,2014
Classes, workshops and sustainable agriculture
We have had busy two days and change of schedule. Our work schedule has changed to include animal chores. Mike and I got the goats so once the are milked we walk them to the pasture and sweep out their pens. Myrna milked her first goat today. I also did the laundry and we r to help with breakfast prep.
Our classes start at 1030 and we do workshops. The four workshops we had were composting, soil testing, double digging and multi-story gardening. Also made rose tea ( made with goat poop and water). It's hands on activities. For our classes, we studied and discussed industrial agriculture and just started on organic agriculture. We saw the documentary, Food Inc. It is an eye opener to how our
food industry is control by such large corporations. It's something we knew and it has always bothered us. Probably a reason why I loved my small town locker plants and my own garden.
It has been a busy day and I will sleep well tonight. The weather has been crazy- sunny, sun showers and windy. It is cool in the morning and evening and warm from 1030 to 4 pm.
We have had busy two days and change of schedule. Our work schedule has changed to include animal chores. Mike and I got the goats so once the are milked we walk them to the pasture and sweep out their pens. Myrna milked her first goat today. I also did the laundry and we r to help with breakfast prep.
Our classes start at 1030 and we do workshops. The four workshops we had were composting, soil testing, double digging and multi-story gardening. Also made rose tea ( made with goat poop and water). It's hands on activities. For our classes, we studied and discussed industrial agriculture and just started on organic agriculture. We saw the documentary, Food Inc. It is an eye opener to how our
food industry is control by such large corporations. It's something we knew and it has always bothered us. Probably a reason why I loved my small town locker plants and my own garden.
It has been a busy day and I will sleep well tonight. The weather has been crazy- sunny, sun showers and windy. It is cool in the morning and evening and warm from 1030 to 4 pm.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Weekend Activities
Sunday, February 21, 2015
It has been a busy weekend for us. Friday evening we made an ice cream run to "Pops" for some delicious ice cream. Pops is a chain stores that has good ice cream.
Saturday morning Mike and I with the EARS school students we went to San Jose, the capital, for a day of Bible distribution. It was a warm sunny day with a breeze which was great as we walked the streets in the subdivision of San Francisco. The Costa Rican government had a mandate that all homes will be given a bible by 2020. So YWAM bases get together and work with local churches with this project. We has 15 teams of 4-6 people out. We were to explain the program, leave a bible and ask if they needed prayer. Over all people were extremely grateful and appreciated the prayers. If not home we left a note with the bible and prayed for this household. This subdivision was an affluent and home to Americans and missionaries. We meet couple of doctors, teachers and corporate officers who were Americans. It is always good to be stretched a bit.
Today we went to the Farmers market and checked out all the vegetables. Mike and I bought Granny Smith apples for a pies later this week. They were half the price that we paid last time here at the store. Most of the stores r closed on Sunday it seems that the restaurants and quick markets are open. After a delicious dinner at a local restaurant we came back to the base to relax and wash clothes.
We start our seminars/classes tomorrow.
It's hard to believe that we have been a week. Was able to face time the kids and catch up with them.
God is good all the time !
It has been a busy weekend for us. Friday evening we made an ice cream run to "Pops" for some delicious ice cream. Pops is a chain stores that has good ice cream.
Saturday morning Mike and I with the EARS school students we went to San Jose, the capital, for a day of Bible distribution. It was a warm sunny day with a breeze which was great as we walked the streets in the subdivision of San Francisco. The Costa Rican government had a mandate that all homes will be given a bible by 2020. So YWAM bases get together and work with local churches with this project. We has 15 teams of 4-6 people out. We were to explain the program, leave a bible and ask if they needed prayer. Over all people were extremely grateful and appreciated the prayers. If not home we left a note with the bible and prayed for this household. This subdivision was an affluent and home to Americans and missionaries. We meet couple of doctors, teachers and corporate officers who were Americans. It is always good to be stretched a bit.
Today we went to the Farmers market and checked out all the vegetables. Mike and I bought Granny Smith apples for a pies later this week. They were half the price that we paid last time here at the store. Most of the stores r closed on Sunday it seems that the restaurants and quick markets are open. After a delicious dinner at a local restaurant we came back to the base to relax and wash clothes.
We start our seminars/classes tomorrow.
It's hard to believe that we have been a week. Was able to face time the kids and catch up with them.
God is good all the time !
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Busy Thursdsy and Friday
It has been busy week as we adjust to community life and getting ready for our EARS seminars next week. We have been assigned weekly jobs with some as jobs added daily. I continue to be the laundry lady and help out in the kitchen. Mike has been doing the maintanence work. This evening we started the animal chores I lead the goats back to the barn and gathered chicken eggs. It was like the early years on the farm. Mike had the horse detail. Ext week we will start big time animal chores.
The ropes course is completed and they have the first two groups going though it today. We had 93 for lunch. We served a Costa Rica chicken rice dish, Russian beet potato salad, tossed salad and chips. It was a task feeding these many but it went well. The key to success is having to lunch in 2 shifts. Our kitchen is small similar to a small home kitchen. Our dining room is outside dining and tables in the living room. This base is growing and needs more space.
The surprise of the day is the sunshine and rain. Turned out to a beautiful day. Also was able to talk to Cheryl about her visit in couple of weeks.
It was a great week. A wonderful day that the Lord had made!
It has been busy week as we adjust to community life and getting ready for our EARS seminars next week. We have been assigned weekly jobs with some as jobs added daily. I continue to be the laundry lady and help out in the kitchen. Mike has been doing the maintanence work. This evening we started the animal chores I lead the goats back to the barn and gathered chicken eggs. It was like the early years on the farm. Mike had the horse detail. Ext week we will start big time animal chores.
The ropes course is completed and they have the first two groups going though it today. We had 93 for lunch. We served a Costa Rica chicken rice dish, Russian beet potato salad, tossed salad and chips. It was a task feeding these many but it went well. The key to success is having to lunch in 2 shifts. Our kitchen is small similar to a small home kitchen. Our dining room is outside dining and tables in the living room. This base is growing and needs more space.
The surprise of the day is the sunshine and rain. Turned out to a beautiful day. Also was able to talk to Cheryl about her visit in couple of weeks.
It was a great week. A wonderful day that the Lord had made!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Adjusting to Costa Rica "Time"
February 17, 2015
We have settled in to our arrangements here at Heredia. It is quite a full house with different groups. The Salem Oregon group is here to build and train a Ropes course. They will be done today. We will get our experience of the rope course on Thursday.
Yesterday we started the day with worship and were assigned our chores for the day. Mike and Wally had a short list of repairs to do but they finished early and found other things to do! Their major job was the snack shack- they are animal proofing it and today is cleaning day. It rained all Sunday night and most of the day
Myrna and I did laundry, worked in the kitchen and sorted the coins from the snack shack. It kept us busy and out of trouble!
Tuesday is a beautiful day! It is sunny and no clouds in the sky. Hopefully it will stay that way.
We need to dry out. The boys painted the snack shack and fixed things while Myrna and I worked doing small things. Of course I had laundry to do. This morning Myrna and I went to the park to minister to the homeless men with Laura. It was a time to feed them and pray for them. We were at the main city park in Heredia.
We are having problems with slowing down and allow the work to come to us. People here are very relational and relationships are most important. So work pace is slower. This is hard for us to change to.. Too driven.
We have settled in to our arrangements here at Heredia. It is quite a full house with different groups. The Salem Oregon group is here to build and train a Ropes course. They will be done today. We will get our experience of the rope course on Thursday.
Yesterday we started the day with worship and were assigned our chores for the day. Mike and Wally had a short list of repairs to do but they finished early and found other things to do! Their major job was the snack shack- they are animal proofing it and today is cleaning day. It rained all Sunday night and most of the day
Myrna and I did laundry, worked in the kitchen and sorted the coins from the snack shack. It kept us busy and out of trouble!
Tuesday is a beautiful day! It is sunny and no clouds in the sky. Hopefully it will stay that way.
We need to dry out. The boys painted the snack shack and fixed things while Myrna and I worked doing small things. Of course I had laundry to do. This morning Myrna and I went to the park to minister to the homeless men with Laura. It was a time to feed them and pray for them. We were at the main city park in Heredia.
We are having problems with slowing down and allow the work to come to us. People here are very relational and relationships are most important. So work pace is slower. This is hard for us to change to.. Too driven.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
New adventure
Its time for a new adventure in the lives of Mike and Gloriann. Today, Valentine's Day, we are heading back to Heredia, Costa Rica . We are excited to be mission building for one week and then attending an EARS school. It is a school on sustainable agriculture topics. We are praying that we can use this with our work with PCC and YWAM. We will be blogging regularly about we are working on and learning.
We are excited to be having another couple with us on this journey. Myrna and Wally are from Purma, Idaho and fellow Misson builders who we met at Chico. They a wonderful couple that has become friends and we work well with us. They add some fun and spice to our lives!
So we leave from SFO this evening and fly to LAX then a red eye to Costa Rica. We are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us! Let the adventure begin!
We are excited to be having another couple with us on this journey. Myrna and Wally are from Purma, Idaho and fellow Misson builders who we met at Chico. They a wonderful couple that has become friends and we work well with us. They add some fun and spice to our lives!
So we leave from SFO this evening and fly to LAX then a red eye to Costa Rica. We are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us! Let the adventure begin!
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