First day at the worksite- Saturday

We had a busy, productive, fun-filled Saturday here in El Salvador. We started the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel- rice and beans, fried plantains, mango, watermelon, pancakes, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Full bellies to start the workday.

We had a 20 minute drive to Villa Esperanza (Village of Hope). The village was bustling with all sorts of activities. Along with our 3 teams, there were three volunteer teams- 2 National Volunteer teams (such as Embassy volunteers or University students), and a volunteer team from the church where will be worshiping tomorrow. There was also a group of teenagers from the village who volunteered to work for the day. We started with introductions and a devotion and prayer by one of the masons, Ricardo. We were then divided up into teams and sent off to work.

The construction site has a chain of command- Emma is the construction supervisor; there are 10-12 masons (like a foreman), each which manage a house or part of a house; and mason helpers. Each mason will have 2-3 of us to manage for the day. We report to him and have him assign us tasks.

The workday is divided into 90ish minute blocks. After the morning devotion, we go to our site. We break mid-morning, where the local women have prepared snacks for us. Back to work, then break for an hour lunch- again made by the local woman. Today we had chicken and vegetables, rice, potatoes, and hot tortillas. After lunch, it's back to work (although we wished for a siesta!) There is a mid-afternoon break, then we finish work at 4pm.

Villa Esperanza is in it's final stages. The plan is for 75 houses, which will be completed in the next month or so. Today there were 4 houses in progress and ground-work on 3 more. Our jobs were varied- moving bricks, mixing cement, sifting sand, painting, making re-bar frames. Lots of shoveling, moving things in wheelbarrows, and sweat. LOTS of sweat.

There were hugs and exchange of kind words as Kevin, Mel and I were reunited with some of the masons, mason helpers, and families that we met last November. I was impressed that they remembered us. There are volunteer teams to the site nearly every week, and it was a great feeling to know that we were recognized. There is a lot of love in that village.

When we returned to the hotel, there was a wedding in the main dining room. The bride and groom let us peek in and take pictures of their celebration. We had dinner at the hotel, and afterwards, headed to the 3rd floor for our team meeting. There was a quinceanera- a "Sweet 15" party. After our team meeting, Maribelle invited us in to dance with her family and friends. It was so fun and festive, and I think we learned a few new moves. I'm sure they were very entertained by all of us gringos.

We all had similar, yet different, experiences at the work site today. We struggled with the language barrier, but realized certain sentiments are universal. We have worn ourselves out today, and look forward to a day of rest tomorrow!