Day Three

Monday 7/13/09
“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome” Samuel Johnson
Our day began with a bang as several of us visited the ranch’s dairy barn at 5:30 am (local time) to witness “The milking of the cows” and perhaps also participate. Most did successfully milk a cow, including Pastor Norm. After breakfast, we journeyed to San Bonaventura to begin our work week. Norm gave a blessing to the village in Spanish and feedback indicates most of the words were understood (it was quite challenging to prepare and practice the blessing.
Dividing into three teams, our tasks consisted of pouring five cement floors, digging a ditch for a water line at a home, installing a roof, and holding an afternoon VBS session, which included handing out bandanas to be individually personalized with a student’s name, Bible verse and other block images. There were about 130 students in a classroom designed to handle around forty and it quickly became evident that students are quite similar, regardless of nationality. The students were immensely pleased with the handmade bags from St. Andrews Presbyterian women. While the VBS team was at work at the school, the afternoon work team worked on the construction of a new house. When we arrived, the frame stood with sticks crisscrossed along the frame. The men brought the tin up the plank to the roof frame and secured them. The women and team men slapped the red clay mud to the sticks to create the walls. The youth and young men were using a pick and shovel digging the clay from the earth nearby to use for the wall clay. What amazing progress it was in 2 short hours. The house was nearly complete.
Working during the day under the shining sun quickly reminded us what manual labor is all about and also the importance of drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Local villagers were part of the teams and their work ethic was a joy to behold, as they seem to appreciate our presence. Many of our “high points of the day” were the squeals of giggles and laughter from the children experiencing bubble blowing fun. Upon our return to the ranch, the surrounding mountains were no longer encased by clouds, enabling us to appreciate God’s handiwork. There will be no problem sleeping tonight. Tomorrow’s tasks will be quite similar to today’s and sore muscles await our morning rising.
Written by Norm and augmented by Marcia.