An open mind and a heart to serve: Poop

Don't worry, it's not as bad as you might be thinking. Ok, so I visited Frank this week to check out his biodigestor project which does involve lots of poop, from farm animals that is. He's been working hard on this project for quite awhile in a community way out in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and water is scarce. But, he managed to get out there and complete 14 biodigestors, providing families with "free" gas for about 10 years or more. So, the way it works is that these families have to first dig a big rectangular hole where the biodigestor will be placed. On one end there is an entrance and the other side has a bucket underground with a tube. Once the bag is in place and the tubes connected, the families need to collect the poop from their animals (preferably cows & pigs). They mix the poop with water in a large bucket, then pour the poop into the "entrance" which flows into the giant biodigestor bag. The poop mixture has to sit for a bit and then the bag will begin filling with gas. There is a tube attached to the top of the bag, which goes all the way into the kitchen and connects to burners that have their own valves. Also, in the "exit" part of the bag, as the days go on, it pushes the extra mixture out into the bucket and the families can use that as fertilizer. The bacteria has already been removed, so it's safe to use!

The idea is super cool because the families have to get rid of the animal poop anyway, so might as well use it to get free gas & fertilizer! I was excited to see Frank's presentation and see some of the biodigestors in action. Two of our PC bosses were there to check things out which was great too. The people who already have the biodigestors set up were very thankful and explaining all the benefits they have seen so far to those who are interested in putting in a biodigestor at their home. Frank is done with the project now, but hopefully more people will be able to continue helping these communities to be more resourceful. Before biodigestors, the families pay (on average) $25-$30 a month on firewood (that's chopping down a lot of trees, hauling them back to the house, and inhaling lots of smoke usually indoors). Then, they also pay about that much for a tank of gas every 3 months. But getting tanks of gas isn't that easy, since the nearest town (where Frank lives) is quite a drive on a bumpy dirt road that floods in the rainy season. So...investing in a biodigestor really helps these families. They just had to contribute $40 per family and dig their hole & help with the set up. Frank applied for extra funds and received them, and was able to purchase the materials from an NGO that helps install these. It was great to see the final product after hearing about everything for so long & to see the happy families showing off their flames.

Here's a lady showing off her flames. It was crazy when she turned it up all the way, the flame reached about a foot and a half high!

Here are some pictures of the presentation--30+ people came from the community!

Setting up the PowerPoint presentation

Frank & one of the guys who helped with the project

Explaining things

Lots of people in attendance

One of the community members thanking Frank, Peace Corps, the other organizations, etc.

This lady was really sweet & wanted a picture with me even though I had nothing to do with the project

One of the full biodigestors

Gas is brewing

Pig in a puddle

The new stove!

Saw this momma on the side of the road & she sure looked exhausted with her 9 little piggies squealing for food

Since I was staying at Frank's place another night, I decided to go with him to his elementary school to help paint (well I actually had already planned to do that). Progress is being made & it looks like things will be wrapping up soon.