Tierra currently holds surface acreage in New Mexico and Texas.
Tierra was created in 2010 as part of an effort to slash our surplus of companies from thirteen to three: Trabajo, Realeza and Tierra Del Spear. In Spanish, tierra means “ground”; hence, properties such as ranchland and right-of-ways which are above ground (as opposed to the minerals beneath) belong here. In 2010 and 2011 all of our surface properties were unraveled from other SBG companies and they now reside in Tierra. At the same time, properties in which we held a royalty interest were moved to Realeza and properties which we were actively investing in were moved to Trabajo.
On a recent visit to SBG, Morgan and Mari Jackson shared a soup recipe from Haiti which calls for one fresh torn page from a bible. They explained that some Haitians who lack the ability to read but still want to obey the ancient scripture "man shall not live by bread alone but by the word of God" take matters into their own hands and soup pots. Fortunately for the collective digestive systems of these innovative chefs the Jacksons have been able to offer an improved (although reduced fiber) solution for millions of reading-impaired peoples: scriptures they can ingest by simply listening to them in their native language. Even after hearing this, SBG insisted on providing the snacks for all future meetings.
Chris Gill returned from Scotland recently to report that in spite of dubious beginnings (see previous post), his picture survey will soon be taken to the next level when it becomes an app for the iPad later this year. Unfortunately, his newly-acquired church building in Bathgate was also taken to a new level - by a recent windstorm. Chris continues to have high expectations for both prospects although he secretly hopes the building repair will indefinitely postpone the Annual Haggis Potluck dinner.
Focused on fortifying the family unit, Steve Partlow paid us a visit and told us stories of how piped-in parenting advice in Indonesian grocery stores causes shoppers to linger in the aisles and ultimately bring more than bags of food back to their families. Motivated by the discussion, SBG insisted on eating lunch immediately after the meeting and made sure Steve's earnest efforts to nurture families were rounded out with a few manly rounds of destroying clay pigeons with shotguns.
Helping communities reduce teen violence, STI's and gang activity is the focus of Jim and Carol Wunder's work these days. During their visit they informed us how the nation of Guatemala is slowly being transformed through special character-building curriculum taught in schools there. In spite of the inspiring message, they were able to do little to reduce the violence that typically erupts during the Office Depot freebee giveaway events at SBG.
Before returning to their home in Kolkata, India, this family of six visited West Texas in July during the Great Drought of 2011. The conversation was win-win as SBG was pleased to learn that their manufacturing business, which frees women from the 'business' they have been trafficked into, was thriving. In turn, the Pounds were pleased to develop a better appreciation for the weather they experience daily in India.