Wednesday!

Today was the first day of non-stop, hard work all day , or "chuckin' rocks" as its been called from time to time.   Several buildings are in the process of being built in Barrio Blanco, the flood-prone and lagoon-surrounded town we are working in.  Because of the danger of floods, the new houses that are being constructed are elevated, and their bases need to be filled in with rocks.  Much of the time was spent moving massive piles of stones into the bases of the buildings by literally picking them up and throwing them.  This is a much more intense workout than it sounds, especially when shovels, wheelbarrows and ramps are thrown into the dynamic.  After an awesome dinner, several of us went back to the school house to teach an English class run by Ron's wife, Margo. 

I've learned that the community's involvement in the trip is extremely important to the morale of our team.  For example, by the time 3 o'clock rolls around, one can be pretty exhausted from chuckin' rocks in hot sun all day.  All it really takes is a someone from Barrio Blanco to come and join you in the effort to find your second (or third, or forth) wind.  Also, the reflection sessions have been incredible.  Being able to process all the things that you had to take in during the day through talking and critical thinking makes the concepts stick.  It also allows for things that may be upsetting to be processed.  This is the beauty of the overall AB mission. It is really a full community service and learning experience that you can leave with and take with you forever.  Hopefully to do more good in a community down the road!