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Published: October 22nd 2008
Tara and Ingrid
Ingrid insisted on helping out our site, which we loved. She was going to take this load on her own, but I talked her into sharing!Today was another great day on the build sites. We made so much progress.
Mike, Pete, Mary, Dawn, Marcia, Carrie, Krystal and I (Tara) finished digging out the trenches for the foundation--interior walls--and finished tying rebar. At the end of the day we dug out and helped prepare a pit for mixing the cement by hand. During the day, we had a few extra helping hands as neighbor children offered to help. They helped carry out the dirt whether by hand or wheelbarrow. Of course, break time is just as important. There were more marble matches and bubbles. More smiles and laughter.
Julie, Cate, Keith, Tim, Diane, Natalie and I (Katie) discovered a LARGE stump in our trench and fought it for a good part of the day with an ax, machete and a lot of will power (we won). We have been digging silently side-by-side with Gustavo, a 16-year-old boy. Today we worked up enough Spanglish to discover that this is his house. He was beaming when we dug out the area for his bedroom.
It's good work with instant rewards.
We again accompanied Carlitos to school at Noon and received just as warm a welcome.
The kids recognized us and many more worked up the courage to try to talk to us today. They are so curious about us. We gave two huge frisbees to the school so the children can enjoy them during their recesses. They were an instant hit!
Our plan to visit Mayan ruins was foiled by rain, but we were thankful the rain stayed clear of our work sites and allowed us to work a full day with more cloud cover than yesterday. Since we are so close to the equator, the sun can be very intense, so any break is welcome!
Tonight reflected on the value of family. We already knew the Latin American culture to be family centered - but spending every day in the middle of their family life a powerful experience. The children are constantly looking after each other and they seem incredibly calm and happy. Families spend their days in constant contact, but they do not raise their voices. The daily rhythm for little Carlitos is a stark contract to our children who live with day planners. We are searching for ways to remember these lessons when we return home.
We miss you
Natalie making friends
Josefin and Caterin follow Natalie wherever she goes! The two girls are cousins of the family we are working with to build a home. all and enjoy your posts.
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Erin
non-member comment
Oh, mom... you fight that stump! You should have Megan translate a few phrases for you to talk to Gustavo, I bet he'd be really excited! Hope you're having fun and aren't too sore :) love, erin <3