It's quiet in the valley right now, the rainy season hasn't really come in yet and we're facing the possibility of drought. Ten states have already declared an emergency due to the lack of water, and the wells are getting very low here too. Another problem is that the cattle are breaking in to get at the drinking water and so there's a serious risk of contamination. Many of the villagers seem to be suffering from some form of dysentery.
Even so, the maize planted at the beginning of last month is coming up nicely, and most people seem fairly satisfied. Walking down to the cornfield with José, our co-ordinator here, I am shown how big a difference the introduction of a tractor (shared between all the communities of this region) has made. Those plots which were properly ploughed are clearly doing better then the rest, which are plagued with scrutch grass and other weeds. José points out his half brother Antonio's piece of ground. The tiny maize plants are all but smothered by the weeds, and it certainly doesn't augur well for this year's harvest. Antonio has been going through severe depression since his mother died in March, and the land has been neglected as a result.
Last Thursday saw a marimba in the village for the first time in quite a while. Everybody got down and shook their booties to the music on the basketball court - their equivalent of the village square - and a good time was had by all. These people sure know how to party.