Friday, March 20, 2009

First day of service!


Today we had a very full and hard day of work. We woke up early and met in the towns plaza at 8am. From there we walked to where we would be doing our project. Our first day of work began! The land we were working with was once a huge dump. There were mounds of dirt, weeds, and trash everywhere! We all split up into groups to get the workd done. Our goal for the day was to completely flatten the land we needed in order to start building. The building we will construct is going to be used for the children at the school and those involved with Tierra de los Niños. Some people shoveled dirt, some sifted through it - so only the good stuff would be saved, some weeded and others scraped all of the bark off the trees that would be used for the roof. It was EXTREMELY hard work. Luckily the children from the school would come out for recess and we could take breaks to play with them. They were so cute and loved to help us work. At 1:30 we all took a break and went back to our homestays for lunch. It wasn´t a long break though, and by 2:30 we were all working at the school once again. It was not until about 5:30 when we finally were finished. The surface was level!! YAY! We concluded our time on the work site with a despacho service. We buried the gifts to the Pachamama that we had prepared the night before. This was a celebration and therefore called for soda and cookies! Around 6:30 we returned to our families for dinner and showers.

I don´t know about everyone else but I am exhausted from a long day. Although I am currently very sore, dirty and have never been quite so excited to go to bed - the day was a lot of fun and rewarding!

- Karen
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7 comments:

  1. jlcjMarch 21, 2009 at 5:26 AM

    Thanks for the great descriptive post, Karen. It seems that the work project, the trip, the climate, and the comraderie agrees with everyone. You all look great! It doesn't look like it's been raining...so much for internet weather sites! Chad, I was happy to see the Katadyn bottle hanging from your belt! Mothers always worry, as you know. We loved hearing about the children coming out to play and help. It must be so meaningful to see those who will benefit from your labors. The picture spoke "a thousand words"! Can't wait to see more! All is well in not so sunny Florida.
    Mom

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  2. karen wolzMarch 21, 2009 at 6:11 AM

    Missy - How wonderful to see you and the gang in the picture! You all look so happy and satisfied to be doing such good work. Can't believe the first week has gone by so quickly. Hope you're enjoying a taste of the culture and time with your host families. Daddy wants to know the current guinea-pig count (haha). Love and miss you! - Mom,Dad, and sibs :)

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  3. UnknownMarch 21, 2009 at 6:13 AM

    Hello SSA Travelers! It was so great to see a picture! Nate, it was good to hear your voice last night, although the purpose of the call being to inform us of your illness was disappointing. I hope the medicine works quickly and you can enjoy the hike today as well as the rest of the trip. It sounds like you all have been working hard and even enjoying it. Acts of service that bless others is always very rewarding! Keep up the good work--you will never regret it or forget it:) And for all you sports fans, Pitt and the Penguins won yesterday. Karen, thanks for the wonderful update. Send more pictures--that was great to see! Take care and be safe everyone!
    Jill

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  4. UnknownMarch 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    Sounds like you are all working hard but loving it! Great picture. Nate, hope you recover quickly. Noah, I didn't see you in the picture but assume everything is OK since we haven't received a call. Looking forward to hearing more about your families!

    Nancy

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  5. UnknownMarch 22, 2009 at 5:40 AM

    Todd,

    Good to see your picture! Looks like you're doing well. I didn't realize you had such a talent with a shovel and hammer. Can't wait to get you on some projects at home! ha..

    We love you,

    Mom, Dad, Troy

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  6. sdhickeyMarch 22, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    Kels and gang,
    Great to hear from you Kelsey. Looks like the hard work agrees with all of you. The children sound like they are a real highlight of your days. You will cherish these memories always. Enjoy them! Hope that everyone is able to participate in your hike. Keep up the great work. Waiting to hear and see more!!!

    Love us,

    Mom, Dad and gang

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  7. UnknownMarch 22, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    Hello All,
    Just wondering how the hike was. Nate, did you make it?? I do hope you are feeling better. Back to work tomorrow and working in the fields with the host families. I look forward to hearing about that. Wishing you all a good nights rest. FYI-Pens lose, Pitt wins today.
    Take care everybody.
    Love you Nate.
    Jill

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