Aquablocks Almost Installed
The start of the sand for backfill
April will hate this picture!
The "shop"
Julio, Alex & Douglass
Diana, her sister's and brother
Sorry for the delay in posting, after Monday internet access was basically non-existent for me. So now I’ll get you all up to date.
The day dawned bright and hot. Thank goodness for the strong breezes! Only problem we had was that they constantly filled all our eyes with sand. Everyone by now knew what to expect and set to their assigned tasks. We had some challenges and improvised when possible. We felt like MacGuyver at times. We focused on installing the aquablocks, running the plumbing and packing the system with sand.
Some of the school kids started floating in and out and keeping us entertained throughout the day. One of the things that most impressed me, were two of the teenage boys who came by, Julio and Douglass. Without being asked they stepped in and begain carrying heavy buckets of sand (we had 24 tons to move). It was back breaking and hot! We all did this for three days along with a few very shakey wheel barrows. Everyday they can back and worked alongside the crew.
In between the deliveries, we contractors jumped back in the hole and set about our work and a few of the wonderful ladies who had joined us set about sorting through the all the clothes and shoes that were so generously donated by family and friends. They set about setting up a small “shop” so that when the kids returned to school, they and their families could get some things that they so desperately need.
Up until now, we had all been doing what we had to do for any project. Get in and get it done on schedule. It didn’t really hit me,as we were relatively sheltered so far, until late morning. I looked down and noticed Douglass’s shoes. At first, having a teenage son, I thought “oh look at that fad” instantly realizing they were all he had. They were old black Converse. They were only attached around the toes and tied up like regular sneaks. He was sent to the “shop” were the ladies immediately fitted him out with a new pair and some shirts. Same went for Julio (he’s a shy 14 year old and has never been to school, this will be a first for him).Later we were told how proud he was of his new things and that back in the community he would look like a king.
In the afternoon, some of team went down to the community to meet a few if the families who this system would benefit. When they returned we saw just how horrific, by our standards things really were.From here on out our purpose for being here was magnified. Yes it was hot, we were dirty, we had minor issues but we were happy to be there! To have an opportunity to help ease some of the hardships they face made it all worth while.