Day 3- Block, block and Felixito!

Cornstalk Shack

New block home!

YUP! When we arrived the block had all been moved into the middle of the house. I knew the Father, bloody leg and all would get this done, I hope he had help!!

Today we will lay 5 levels of block. Of course let us not forget the 2 great Guatemaltecos who are leading us on this build, Juan Jose and felix. They both have nick names, Juan is "Cucci" and Felix is "Conejo" or rabbit.  Apparently he runs like a rabbit on the soccer field, very fast!!  These gentlemen are poor Guatemalans who have a better life because of their jobs. Felix worked in the fields before coming to work with FHTH. We actually built a home and he helped, and Oscar, our Project Director realized what a good worker he was and when we needed another builder he was offered the job. Previously, he had been a field worker. Felix is married with 2 children, one of whom attends our school, I call him Felixito, "Little Felix." He, just like his father, is always smiling!! Juan Jose is one of our original builders in the organization, and is a favorite of many of our volunteers. He is quiet, patient and supportive when guiding you through this process. He is married with a lovely wife, and 2 daughters who he adores.

Felix..always smiling!!

Juan Jose

 These 2 men never stop except for lunch. They work very hard and guide us through the process with the goal in mind that the house will be level and inhabitable.  The amazing thing is that these homes are all built with 2 Guatemaltecos and 6 volunteers. The majority of our volunteers have never had construction experience. It is hard and heavy work, but invigorating at the same time, as you are making a very positive change in someone's life.  

Felix and his helper-notice the volcano in the background!

Nothing stops marissa!!

Marissa was going to town on that scaffold today, helping Felix lay block. She does not let anything get in the way of something she would like to do. I asked Felix if this made it difficult for him to work, and with his usual smile he said, "No problema!"  She is so adaptable, she embraces her obstacles and literally runs with them!  What a characteristic to have!!

Lunch time came so Sam and I took a walk to get some cold drinks. it is always an adventure when you walk through poverty.  Today we stumbled upon alot of evidence of things that are not up to our standard of living...not even close.  Hungry children, who can only afford a small bag of chips, starving dogs, dead rats, garbage, and the beautiful faces of poor women with babies on their backs.  These women are no different then you and I, they wish for the best for the children, and love them with all their hearts. Most likely they do not have enough food to feed them, access to adequate healthcare is a dream, education is available but not always affordable, and the promise of a better life is most likely not on their radar. Have I ever heard them complain, nope!  They amaze me!  They walk along the streets and socialize just like you and I would, they have warm smiles and they accept their life as a gift. Mayan people are very spiritual people and very catholic. Here is an interesting thing happening in this community. These people have always been followers of the catholic church, however, the Evangelicals are moving in fast and furious. Why? They come into these villages and offer these people food. If you had hungry children would you not follow them?  I sure would!! They are building huge cathedrals in the city and many small churches in these villages.  I see them all the time of late. Last week I saw a huge line outside an Evangelical Church.  I am praying, that with this Pope, there is more of a presence of the catholic church in this type of community. They certainly need the help.

After lunch we get back to work. However, there is a distraction..FELIXITO is home from school.  He is a student at Escuela Kemna'oj.  I had always seen this child there, and he stood out because he is always smiling. When  I met his father and he said that he has a child at the school,  he introduced me to Felix, and  it certainly made sense, they are both always smiling!!  I hate to keep saying it but it is true, happy people, lots of love in that family...it is clearly evident!!  the entire group wants to play with Little Felix. He is so cute you just want to squeeze him. Today kate gave him a water pistol and he spent the rest of the afternoon cooling us off, playing with natalie and Marissa and their water guns,  and just having a great time.  He even helped keep Bob in line!!  At the end of the day I gave him a couple of "besitos" little kisses, and said we would see him at school tomorrow.

We have still not a had a baby sighting!  Who would have thought that it would take longer to see this baby then Prince George?? There are baby clothes on the line, we hear crying sometimes, but yet, no baby to be seen.

Evidence of a baby...we have not seen as of yet

So today I dropped a bucket of concrete on Sam's head. Actually, Bob and I achieved that trophy winner together. Apparently, and clearly, were not paying attention when Sam came under the scaffold to enter the house to help. Bob handed me the bucket and I turned and looked away and dropped it on his noggin. Takes me back to last week in Spanish School when my teacher told me to focus. LOLOL...people have been telling me that for years...I don't think it is ever going to happen!!  Poor Sam..his head hurt!!

8th house they have built together

We are building next to the most beautiful garden. They are growing radishes. They are bright red and quite plump!!  They look much healthier then home. maybe the volcanic soil has something to do with it. I am dying to pick one!  I will not because they are not mine and I am not going to steal a radish from the owner. My friend, Nicole wants to pick one also. Her plan is to leave a Quetzale where the radish was that she picks...brilliant I say, however I would feel bad if the owners started running through town, yelling, "There are quetzales in my radish garden!" and then there were none....

radishes!!!

By the end of the day we have a window and a door opening. The house is progressing as we head into our 4th day.  I always feel a bit melancholy as we near the end because I love this work so much. I have found the thing that makes my heart beat with joy. The work is so hard, and does not get easier as I get younger, oh I meant older.....but I love it.




 Tomorrow we will visit the school. Thursday is a short build day because we only have to pour the floor. Some of the volunteers this week have not seen the new school so I am anxious for them to visit it and  see what an incredible place it is.