We show up at the school this morning and nine a.m. and all we see before us is a big slab of concrete and we wonder “what now!” Before long we all had jobs to do and a purpose to work for. But, we couldn’t do this on our own, Chester, Louis, and Trinidad were our teachers and happily helped us complete our goal. We all were divided into three groups and took 40 minutes working to 20 minutes resting in the shade. When the kids in the school came out on break they watched us with curious eyes, grabbed a shovel and tried to help us, or went onto the field to play soccer with themselves and those who were on break. After a while we all continued to do our jobs tirelessly and we realized, “maybe this is possible.” Shovel after shovel, bucket after bucket, and water bottle after water bottle, we worked through the morning. When lunch came we received a fantastic meal from Ms. Areetha, the woman who runs the feeding program at the school. She feeds on average 30 kids every day out of her own pocket. She is truly amazing. We then continued working in the afternoon and at about four o’clock we decided it was time to go home. But not before stopping at the Sibun River to swim. Right before we got on the bus to leave the school about five kids started doing back flips and back handsprings with only dirt under them. It was pretty awesome. We had fun today and will finish the dining hall tomorrow.
We spent the evening brainstorming ideas about what the village needs and what we can do to make a sustainable difference. We will talk with villagers to find out what they thing about our ideas and try to make plans for future Graland groups to accomplish in future years. Who knows what we will come up with, it is fun thinking about the possibilities.
We want to know what you think about our work and adventures! Comments are appreciated and read daily.
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I have to say that the change from frolicking in waterfalls to stepping up and helping the local school is inspiring. Regardless of how hot, sweaty and muggy it may be, each of you should take some satisfaction in what you are accomplishing. The blogs have been a treat and keep the information coming - we can't get enough. All the best from Daphne's family
ReplyDeleteAll we can say is "wow." Your work at the local school in La Democracia is terrific and seems to be making a meaningful difference to this community -- and to your own Graland micro-community, too. The swimming, canoeing and hiking (and great eating!)looks and sounds like so much fun.
ReplyDeleteKeep having a great time! We miss you, Lily! Admiringly, the Shelanski Family