Donate
Donate

SEEDS OF RENEWAL: CROSS CULTURAL FARMING EXCHANGE

Diane Pears Start Date: Apr 3, 2025 - End Date: Apr 2, 2026
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Costa Rica

My Travel Story

by: Diane Pears Start Date: Apr 3, 2025 - End Date: Apr 2, 2026
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
Roots to Growth: From Mississippi Soil to Costa Rica
My Farming Journey
My connection to the earth began in the rich soil of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where my primary years were spent learning the rhythms of farm life. Those early experiences planted seeds that have grown throughout my life, nurturing gardens across Texas, Arizona, Ohio, and Michigan. Each location taught me different approaches to working with the land, adapting to various climates and soil conditions.

A Calling to Serve Through Agriculture
My life's work has been guided by the intersection of my faith, agricultural knowledge, nursing education, and commitment to community wellness. As Scripture tells us in Genesis 2:15, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." This divine calling to stewardship has shaped my approach to farming as not merely cultivation, but as a form of ministry and healing.

In recent years, the wonderful community at Keep Growing Detroit has provided invaluable support, allowing me to strengthen my agricultural practices while serving my community. Through their guidance, I've developed sustainable growing methods that nourish both body and spirit.

The Costa Rica Opportunity
Costa Rica represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand my knowledge of sustainable agriculture in one of the world's most biodiverse environments. The country's commitment to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with my faith-based approach to land management. As Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it," a principle that Costa Ricans honor through their dedication to preservation and sustainable practices.

I seek to learn specific techniques like:

Permaculture systems that maximize harmony with natural ecosystems
Traditional intercropping methods practiced for generations
Organic pest management approaches that protect beneficial insects
Water conservation strategies critical in tropical agriculture
Bringing Knowledge Home
This journey isn't just about personal growth—it's about creating a bridge between farming communities. Every technique learned in Costa Rica will be documented, shared, and adapted for implementation back in Michigan. Through regular updates, workshops, and digital resources, I'll create a knowledge exchange that benefits both communities while honoring the agricultural traditions of each.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24). This verse inspires my commitment to not only learn but to share that knowledge generously with others.

A Family Journey
While my agricultural passion drives this move, this journey also represents an opportunity for my son, who continues to adapt to life without his father. Costa Rica's natural environment and strong community values provide an ideal setting for healing and growth as we navigate this chapter together.

What Your Support Will Fund ($125,000)
Relocation & Establishment ($36,000)
Flights and initial temporary housing: $5,000
Immigration paperwork and legal support: $4,000
Vehicle suitable for farm transportation: $12,000
First year living expenses while establishing farm: $15,000
Agricultural Foundation ($55,000)
Land acquisition down payment: $40,000
Basic farming equipment and tools: $6,000
Seeds, seedlings, and initial plantings: $3,000
Irrigation system setup: $4,000
Composting and soil preparation: $2,000
Knowledge Exchange Infrastructure ($14,000)
Reliable technology for documentation: $3,000
High-speed internet connection: $1,500/year
Video equipment for tutorials: $2,500
Digital platforms for knowledge sharing: $1,000
Translation services for agricultural materials: $2,000
Travel for community workshops: $4,000
Education & Skill Development ($20,000)
Agricultural courses in tropical farming: $8,000
Permaculture design certification: $4,000
Spanish language immersion: $3,000
Workshops with indigenous growing experts: $5,000
My Commitment to Accountability
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10). I take this responsibility seriously and commit to:

Monthly updates showing farm development progress
Quarterly financial summaries showing how funds are utilized
Detailed documentation of growing techniques learned
Regular video updates showing the practical application of new methods
Join this Mission of Growth
Your support enables more than just a relocation—it fuels a mission to enrich agricultural knowledge across communities while honoring God's calling to be a good steward of the earth. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps establish this vision of sustainable farming and community wellness that spans from Costa Rica to Michigan.

Thank you for considering this investment in sustainable agriculture, faith-based stewardship, and community healing

  • Costa Rica

More Travel Information

Report this Campaign