No
wake-up alarms needed----if it’s not roosters crowing it’s fireworks at dawn! Daily Prayer and Reflection led by Rev.
Ted.
A
delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, black beans, fresh pineapple, guacamole,
chips, tortillas, juice and coffee followed. After a brief money
exchange, handled by Candace, we were packing ourselves into our open-bed truck
and heading for the hills of San Gregorio. Our l/2 hour jaunt was better
than any amusement park ride I've experienced.
A
balloon-decorated street and fireworks greeted us upon our arrival along with
the grateful adults and children. We began our introduction to the
community with a meeting of the locals in their newly-built community building
(salon). Candace translated as Ted spoke, and then a representative of the local government of San
Gregorio spoke to us followed by two of the local ladies who were instrumental
in starting this project. Gabe began his day of photos with Polaroid
shots of the kids, which absolutely fascinated them. It began a day of
non-stop photo requests by the kids, and Gabe quickly became the Pied Piper of
San Gregorio. After a group photo was taken, we headed uphill to our work
site. After introductions, we split into groups, each with a different mason to lead us. The monumental task began
of carrying ‘a ton’ of cinder blocks up the hill to the foundation site.
Amazing the loads our guys carried on their backs! The gals carried their
fare share, just not as many at a time. A number of us got our crack at
wielding machetes (actually chiseling the blocks), and this was an unbelievable
task. The local labor laid the blocks in cement as fast as we could
supply them. Around 1:00, we broke for lunch (Chow Mein, tortillas, juice
and watermelon) prepared for us by our hotel hosts. An hour later, we
returned to our work and finished our day of toil about 4:00 (whew!).
Stopped for cola and snacks at a local establishment before heading home for a much-needed
shower.
Candace
took us on a short walking tour of our village before dinner. Once again,
Jack led our devotion before dinner. Tonight it was pasta and a tasty
tomato and beef dish which resembled spaghetti sauce. Tortillas accompany
every meal. After our meal, we shared thoughts of our day together.
Think everyone will sleep well tonight!
Buenas
noches!
Carol Malarky
Photos: Gabe Hopkins
Photos: Gabe Hopkins
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