My job was to move gravel again, which was used to make sidewalks and to fill in low spots all over the village. It took us almost all day, but we moved the last of two loads of gravel. Great work gravel team!
After our job was done, I spent some time with children in the village showing them a slideshow of my pictures. They were fascinated with all the pictures of them as well as all the others that I had of home, my family, youth and professional sporting events, etc. I wish there was a way to get copies of pictures I took of them....
When all the work was done and things put away in the containers, we gathered in the community center for mass. Picture us celebrating mass with people from the village looking in from every window and door.....watching us sets a good example for them especially since we were worshiping in the same place they do each week.
After mass ended, we had 15 minutes to say our goodbyes. Afterwards, we took a group picture in front of the school and headed out.
Reflecting back on our last day at the work site, there were a couple eye-opening parts of the day. The first was the tension level in some to get things done before we left. There was no chance to come back the next morning to tie up loose ends. This was it, and everyone wanted to get things done. The other eye-opener was the tension amongst the residents. With this, I'm reminded of the phrase "desperate people do desperate things." There were squabbles over the remainder of the gravel, with some wanting it to place around their homes and others wanting it for more cement. Someone said "gravel is like gold to them" and I can say I witnessed what this meant firsthand. Also, there was a near-riot when school backpacks were being handed out with all the pushing and shoving going on to get one. I think this was accelerated by the presence of children from nearby villages coming over to take advantage of the give-outs. Not the most pleasant thing to witness or speak about on what is supposed to be a trip filled with goodwill, but facts are facts and it is what it is.....
We had dinner at a local restaurant, Don Silvo's. The choices were beef or chicken, with salad, rice with vegetables, and plantains. After we got back to the hotel, a group of us headed to Bon for ice cream. I had a cone with two scoops of strawberry/strawberry shortcake which was awesome!
Back at the hotel, I hung out with a couple different groups of people. First I hung with the adults on the patio by the bar, then on my way back to my room I visited with the girls next door for a little while. After a week of hard work, I was definitely ready for bed at around midnight. I went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Keep posted for an overall summary of the trip and photos as well!!
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