I’m Seth Mayo, from Berryville, Virginia, and I work currently as the Lowlands Intern. I graduated from Wheaton College in May 2021, and after a whirlwind of goodbyes, cardboard boxes, and mile markers, I received a warm (some might even say sweltering) welcome down here at ECHO Florida. After graduating with a B.S. in Biology, and a brief stint working for a hydroponic farm, I was excited to pursue the intern program here as I sought to marry the pursuits of biology and ministry. 

I am glad to say that during my past few months here I have begun to see the many ways that research, resilience, and relationships between people and their environment exhibit the convictions and beliefs of a community. I appreciate more and more the important niche that ECHO fills within the ecology of global development, and Jesus has been patient in showing me the need for deeply Christian influence within all areas of international development. 

I am grateful to be a part of this organization and am learning to continuously ask Jesus to continue his creation in and around us, as we actively seek to be a participant in the creative work of farming and development. One of the biggest takeaways from my time thus far has been the importance of curiosity as it pertains to community development, regenerative agriculture, and knowledge dissemination. 

After my internship concludes, I am hoping to work with the ministry REAP Granada in Granada, Nicaragua. My dream is to work with their ministry on the 70 acre fruit farm that is on their property, while also taking part in the house church planting network that exists within the community. However, as I bring my time at ECHO Florida to a close, I hope to be as present as possible, soaking up the last few months with the beautiful community that is tucked away in southwest Florida.