1. Soak peas overnight in 6 cups of water.
2. The next morning, drain the peas and transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. Add 4 cups of fresh water, bay leaves, and ham.
4. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
5. After 6 hours, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and tomato in a skillet until soft.
6. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker and season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper.
7. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
8. Discard bay leaves and serve.