Team2Build

For the second day in a row, we focused our entire team on our primary work site. This allowed us to increase our productivity in all areas. We had the entire building to ourselves with Zygmunt giving us complete access to all rooms on all 3 main levels. While the rooms may look alike in photos, team members can easily identify which room they worked on and on which floor and on which side of the building. Some are similar, but they are unique in degree of completion. Standing outside, you can clearly hear Americans hard at work, laughing, and encouraging each other. It is easy to hear how we are witnessing to the neighborhood without realizing it. The surrounding area is all government-subsidized housing. The flats must be small, because locals frequently just stand at ... read more

Our team demonstrated flexibility by sending six members to work for a new charity whose partnership with HFH Gliwice began today. This included partial interior demolition of a 1960's building given to the charity by the state to be refurbished for use by single mothers over 25 years of age. The six members of our team worked hard, had fun, and helped establish this new working relationship for HFH Gliwice. The plan is for this sub-team to return on Friday to further the project in preparation for future teams. Our primary team focused on the efforts started yesterday, painting radiators, mixing mortar and plaster, repairing walls with block and brick, and teaching others new skills. It was a lot of hard work, tedious and frustrating at times, but we accomplished a lot and have surprised our ... read more

Head 'em up and move 'em out! By 7am, everyone already had breakfast and checked out of our hostel/hotel to load up the bus for our journey from Krakow to Gliwice. It was a nice surprise for several on our team to see Michal and Miroslaw again. The streets of Krakow were quiet as we motored our way out of the city and into the countryside, and we saw people walking alongside the road on their way to church. About an hour later, we arrived at our first stop of the day in Oswiecim. More later in a separate blog. Question of the Day: One Thing I Learned Yesterday Was... The pulpits in all the cathedrals are raised and have little "roofs" over them. The reason for this is acoustics! The elevation and the top cover ... read more

The great news is that Chris and Colin finally made it to Krakow, but Terri wasn't convinced until she personally saw both of them. Prior to the team heading out for an orientation tour by electric tram, we'd learned that C & C's flight had landed at the Krakow Balice Airport...and the plan was to have Chuck & Terri meet them at 24 Guesthouse around 12:30. Through a comedy of errors, there were several disconnects. This will give you an idea of the language barrier -- the message relayed as "Chris & Colin have arrived" was translated as "Chris & Colin are here but they must go back to the United States tonight." :) All is well, though, as neither had to return so soon, and they are here. Luggage arrival - date yet to be ... read more

Departure day has arrived! Thank you for keeping our Thrivent Builds Worldwide team in your prayers for safe travels to Poland and for strong bodies during our build days! Our journal bloggers, Lydia (Alaska) and Terri (Wisconsin), will post entries and photos as often as possible. We're delighted more than 200 people are vicariously 'traveling along' with us on our adventure. Click on: Rynek Glowny in Krakow and watch for us on the scrolling webcam the evening of July 20 or anytime July 21 and July 28!... read more