Wow, it’s day 9 already. So, this morning we were awoken by the usual overture of wooden spoon against aluminum pot. In the event that we aren’t fully awakened by this, a snooze feature has been added to this rather head-jarring start to the day.
Our work crew duties continued after breakfast and a good brushing and flossing of the teeth. Yes, we are all very dedicated to our oral hygiene. The boy’s dorm is almost finished being painted after multiple holes in the drywall were patched up. On one of the big walls in the girl’s dorm, Emily and Amanda sketched out a masterpiece mural featuring a great owl sitting in a tree. They are very talented young ladies.
In Tony and Edna’s (the directors) hasienda, a new countertop is being installed in their kitchen as well as some tiling in their entrance way. A leaky shower pipe is being also being repaired in their ensuite bathroom. Over the last couple of days, the firebreak crew has been blessed with overcast skies. This is an ideal weather condition since the sun is very intense. It’s very hard work and Tombert has taken the lead as he aggressively attacks the weeds on the hillside. like an animal. Seriously; like a wild and angry animals complete with sound effects.
In the afternoon, we piled into vans and left the countryside for the city of Ensenada. As we got closer to our destination, we were treated to much jarring and bouncing so typical of the dilapidated infrastructure of this part of the country. Our journey took us to a neighbourhood of about 30,000 called the San Angel Colonia that is built upon an old dump. Those who live here are the among the poorest of the poor. As we ground to a stop on the side of a hill, our vans were swarmed by at least fifty kids – quite a sight! Immediately, we sent a few leaders to pick up cheeseburgers for the kids. While we waited, we played and hung out. We watched them, and they watched us. Our cameras were snapping right left and center. There was so much to take in. The children loved looking at the pictures we took of them.
Along with their burgers, each child was given an age-appropriate backpack complete with school supplies. These articles were either purchased or donated by high school students from Richmond area schools and coordinated by Ariel Olsen. Our work with these youngsters are for a brief moment, but our hope is that they see the love of God through us. We’re Gringos to them, and we’re all rich in their eyes – and they’re right. We have so much. In many ways too much.
We’re getting ready for our last day, but no one is really talking about it. There’s so much to do, we have established friendships with the children. We’re heading to Disneyland the day after tomorrow, but no one is really talking about it.
Chow for now, - Graham
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