First Day of Work

We had a successful first day on the worksites! Team "Omar" is completely tearing down and rebuilding a new house, team "Kira" is working on laying some cement floors in a house, team "Bubbles" mixed loads of cement to create a sidewalk leading back into a neighborhood, team "String" is working on some floors as well, and team "Bunk" are rebuilding walls in homes and helping out on the big sidewalk project.

Each individual task may seem small, but they are huge blessings to the people we're working with. For example, every floor we lay means that that family will not have to live in mud during the three month rainy season. Three parts stone, 2 parts sand, and 1.5 parts cement can go a long way!

During our time of reflection tonight, we got to share some of our responses to the first couple days. Lacey, and many others, is loving the time that we get to spend with the children in the neighborhood; Jack had some laughs with some guys as he got to flex his muscles and haul sand from one work site to the next; Conor was impressed by how welcoming everyone is; Noelle and Kolby expressed some confusion over how immense poverty and immense wealth can reside so close together.

Our day is closing with some Uno, sandwhich making, conversation, laughter, guitar, and anticipation of what's to come!

FYI: Out of respect for the people we're working with, we won't be able to have cameras on the sites for the first couple days. As we get to know the people, cameras can come out. However, Brady is taking pictures. If you want to check those out, and read some of his thoughts, head to www.vjguatemala.blogspot.com