Day Two Tuesday!

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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 partners with our efficiency and efforts.

Question of the Day: "What was your most challenging moment?"

My most challenging moment came toward the very end of the day -- I was very tired of plastering and we were trying to finish the whole tub of plaster so as to not waste any. All I wanted to do was stop, but both Terry

Lydia

B. and Mollie were forging ahead with such a positive attitude I realized I should continue despite the fatigue.

Sawing and working with the plaster which didn't seem to want to stay, never mind lay flat. But it was very satisfying once Terry finally okayed the wall with the level.

Putting six passengers into Adam's VW minivan. Sitting in the back row with knees in my chin and legs falling asleep made getting out of the car the greatest challenge of the day.

Falling asleep. I was very restless last night. That was also frustrating.

Getting the mortar / plaster off my face and out of my eye. Also, achieving the right consistency in the plaster mix. It's much tougher than it looks.

Overall, it was a lot less challenging than Monday. We had gotten the hang of things. But anytime we started a new job, there were more challenges. Plastering was good until you ripped down the entire plaster you just put up. My fingers were pretty raw by the end of the day, but nothing a few Band-Aids couldn't solve.

Finding a position that was somewhat conducive to painting and not too

Caleb

uncomfortable.

Riding in Adam's VW 7-passenger minivan going to demolition site. Adam was talking, passed a stopped bus, and had to swerve to avoid an oncoming car. Adrenaline Time!

Getting in to see the doctor. Adam was great in cutting through red tape, resulting in getting great treatment by a superior doctor.

The most challenging thing? Trying to get the right consistency of plaster! We spent multiple tries attempting to get a "Wendy's Frosty" texture.

Most challenging? Getting up off the floor or the bricks set up to sit on. Solution? Get a chair to sit on and paint from there!

Challenge, but a great reward -- all that tile removed at second "new" site.

When all the plaster fell off the wall!

I have a much better appreciation for masons. Zygmunt makes it looks so easy!

Staying safe at the demolition site by using hard hats, masks, goggles and gloves. The reward of efficient use of available tools to exceed the expectations of our new Polish boss, Bogdan.

Communicating with the local workers. One-word answers to our questions are non-existent. The politeness and formality are admirable and, fortunately, I generally

Mollie

can pick out a word or two in their responses to get an idea of the answer. Smiles go a long way in communicating!

Today is Annika and Karin's 17th birthday, and Grandpa Marvin ordered two special birthday cakes and served them to our team in the hotel restaurant. He even brought along paper plates and forks from Switzerland for the surprise party, and the 'happy birthday' song added to the joyous celebration. It was a good day!

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