Traveling to the job site on day two felt different from the previous day. For me, anxiety was replaced by anticipation. The day was going to be different, filled with new challenges. As we arrived and set out for work, “Eye of the Tiger” was playing in the background, a song that I have always linked with focus and determination. It was the perfect way to begin our second day. Tired muscles limbered up, and thoughts of headaches quickly faded at the sight of those my junior and senior working with out stopping. Throughout the day more smiles formed on the team and family faces. Team work was evident on the site as cinder block lines formed and material was moved, quickly. In a similar fashion, the concrete for our inner walls was poured after dozens of gallon buckets moved down the hill. Each new task brought new challenges. Carrying a bucket without falling into a ditch, or trying to lay a block straight and true. Maybe the biggest challenge was trying to teach a child to blow a bubble. Regardless of the activity, patience was key, and all parties involved understood the humor in each situation.
Todd Stevens Engineer, New Jersey/Guatemala 2007 We travel through the market areat area, but each day it is like a new experience. The hustle and bustle of people selling and buying all kinds of fruits and vegetables….mostly women and children, it is fascinating. I wish that we could stop and be part of the scene I am watching. I love to watch their faces – the smiles, how they chatter with one another. It’s lovely, it’s colorful – a true sense of community, so different from just pushing a cart through a grocery store and only speaking to someone if you need something or their cart is in the way. I see again today the man in the wheel chair – no legs – pushing himself with a small child who looks so relaxed as he rides on the man’s lap. Was the man a victim of the civil war here in El Salvador?Our day continues with everyone looking out for each other. The care, the concern, this group has for one another is wonderful.The family works along side us – we are in solidarity. They are part of our group as we have become part of their family. I appreciate their kindness, especially the cool, wet cloths they place on the back of my neck. I thank God for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to journey the week with such an amazing group. God continue to bless all of us. And may all that we do here and back home bring glory and praise to His name
.Mary Tull, Director of Religious Education, Maryland/El Salvador 2007
The highlight of my day came when six little curious neighborhood boys came by to see what we were up to. I brought out a soccer ball and we started juggling. Then I found out that there was a field nearby and got the kids to take me there. Unfortunately, it was inside a locked school yard. Clearly, the kids had sneaked in before as they led me right to a spot in the wall where they had hammered out footings. Once inside, we immediately split up into teams with goalies and had a long and awesome game, ending at 6-4. The kids then followed me back to the worksite, wondering what I had in store for them next. Well, I didn’t know how to tell them I had to go back to work, so I said, “Adios,” and just started working. When the kids didn’t leave, I started handing them blocks to carry across the site. It was so adorable to see the eight year olds carrying blocks. Soon after, it was time to leave. Arturo had fun taking pictures of the kids, and I told them I would “jugar mas futbol manana.” Overall, another awesome and memorable day.
Jeffrey Jones Engineer, New Jersey/Guatemala 2007
It is clear that neither those who stay here nor those of us who leave will ever be the same after this experience together. We have new friends, a new “family,” have shared laughter and tears, sweat, food, and games. Energizing smiles, helpful hands, kind words, engaging laughter, loving hugs – all these and more filled our time together. The site became much more than a job site. It is a family’s new home. The foundation will lie in the trenches we dug together. The re-bar we cut and tied will be critical in holding the house together and keeping the family inside, our new family, safe during earthquakes. For me, it was a powerful and humbling emotion that I felt, when the family (or it may have been Victor) said, “The foundation of the house will be strengthened by the sweat poured into it by the Habitat team.”
Timo Acosta Insurance/California/El Salvador 2007
When I first arrived in Bolivia I was shocked by the poverty and overall living conditions. I could not help but think of The Brothers Karamazov and the words of Ivan:” I believe in God I simply do not accept his world.” Such a statement has always been an inherent contradiction in my mind; believing in God means fully accepting his creation. On the first day I called into question my previous feeling of certainty and began to put myself in the mind set of Ivan. After spending one day on the site and hearing Fr. Mike’s stories of his encounters with the “poor,” I can only write that Bolivia has caused me to more deeply love and “accept” God’s world. While the people may not have my money or education, they are undoubtedly much happier than I’ve ever been. Though I did not understand a word of the homily this past Sunday, I was told that he spoke of the so called “culture of death” a culture which I know well; a culture which previously seemed ineluctable. I feel that I am on retreat from this culture. While Bolivia is by no means prefect, it is no doubt purer, in the moral sense, than the United States. Coming here has been a culture shock for the better. There is an indefatigable aura of love. St Johns writes: “God is love”. I like to think that I’m ever coming closer to understanding the meaning of these powerful words. One thing is sure: I am learning much from the Bolivians.
Harrison Christian/Student University of Chicago/Bolivia 2006
The last build day was a reflection of our accomplishments for the “build” portion of our trip. The opportunity to cross off items on our check list: move the sand, move the pea gravel, move more sand, dig the foundation, tie the re-bar, stack block, move more sand, dig, dig, dig…. We were all proud of the work we accomplished and the items we helped to cross off the list. The last several hours though were difficult. I wanted to mix more foundation, dig deeper and cram in as much as possible. As the minutes went by, we all realized that this was it. Out time had come to an end for this part of the “build.” Everyone was having trouble leaving a job so incomplete. Acknowledging that our time on site doesn’t need to end with this trip was a big turning point for me. There will always be more houses to “build.” Our contribution was “laying the foundation” for the family and the rest of the crew to finish the “build.” The house became more than a house. The “build” of the house became the embracing of the family and the framework of the team.Eileen Kemp Landscape Architect/Colorado/El Salvador Today was our last day on the site, and as one of the sisters said, it was both a sad and a happy day. The happiness came at the end of the day when we could step back and see just how close the family was to a dream come true. They needed only to put up the last of the walls, a roof, windows, and a door, and they would have a new home. The sadness, of course, comes in leaving, but we leave knowing that, as Jean said in night reflection, we made a difference this week. We leave with memories of new friends such as:
Malinda balancing a child on one shoulder and a block on the other;
Nadine wheeling in to the site wearing her contagious smile.
The kids bothering the napping priest;
Jeff jumping the fence during school hours to play at recess with the kids
Jean carrying block after block with burn blisters and a broken finger.
All the kids waving goodbye as we drove away. Honestly, looking back on it, it will be hard to distinguish this day just looking at the labor aspect, same block carrying, same sifting. But when looking at the day on other levels, it was much more relaxed. Although we worked, we also took time to look at the view from the top of the street, to play with the kids, and just to be present in the moment. I think the highlight of this day would be the gift of the photo albums to the families, to see them so happy with the gift of memories. They can show those photos to their friends and relatives and be proud of the work they did, and maybe even be proud of those Norte Americano friends.
Anne Kolar High School Senior/Maryland/Guatemala 2007
After breakfast Susan held a brief but memorable prayer in which we were asked to close our eyes and recreate our surroundings and all the sights, smells, and sounds we've been immersed in for the past few days. Harrison later remarked to me, "Man dude, I have got to get better at this contemplation stuff, because like I totally didn't feel anything;" but for me it was a precious moment for reflection (and internalization, as well). I will better remember this place because of it. The image in my head when I was told to close my eyes and think of Bolivia is that of an indigenous woman, distinct in her wide, waddlesome way of walking, dressed traditionally in one of those colorful dresses and a hat, walking down a bright, lonely, dusty country road, people working and trudging through the fields visible through the trees and crumbling adobe. The mountains – again I will (ab)use my journal writing privileges and skip subjects randomly — however, are what I will remember most about Cochabamba. They are majestic, beautiful, and imposing... look in any direction in the city and you will see them looming in the distance. They seem paternal, in a way (or perhaps maternal), constantly keeping watch over this little city
Will Stahl Student/University of Chicago/Bolivia 2006
Happy 4th of July! I awoke this morning, as I have for the past two days to the sounds and conversation of the hotel staff preparing our breakfast. Today – plantains, scrambled eggs, beans, and a buttermilk sort of cream to mix into the beans. Also cheese, which is much more common than I would have guessed. Mike is right about food – not huge quantities, but always good and just enough for the day ahead. We got to a bit of a late start, traveling again through the open markets of produce, meat, and dry goods. Traveling the route every day is a reminder of what life is like here everyday – old ladies selling roasted corn on the corners, raw meats hanging in stalls for sale, produce – some of it strange-looking to the gringos – but all of it seeming to be more colorful, fresher, and of greater size than I have seen at home. Several times I have been tempted to take a picture of the scene from the van, but each time I raise the camera, I’ve felt like an intruder on the dignity and routine of these hard-working venders and buyers. When we arrived at the site, 85-95 pound bags of cement were stacked on the side of the road. Timo led us in a great, very direct morning prayer, followed by Jean leading us in song – “America, the Beautiful – in commemoration of the 4th. I really do miss “my” music and being able to sing along to much of what I hear. It’s a reminder of what I already know – music is a huge part of my day and next trip I need to spend time both learning more of the language and conditioning my body. As the work week unfolds, however, it’s clear that the first task that we faced will probably remain with us for the duration – digging the foundation. There is teamwork here, too, but the picking and shoveling can also be a solitary experience. It wears us out physically and psychologically. Other members of the team display amazing energy and discipline (as well as stamina). Today, I believe, was the hottest and most humid day yet. I took far more than my fair share of breaks, but never felt anything but understanding from the team Moving the cement bags as a team went by in no time – the teamwork tasks – the bucket brigades, the movement of the bags – is the kind of work that brings me greatest satisfaction. When we tackle tasks as a team, one can feel the Spirit at work in whatever we do, and many hands lighten the load.As the work week unfolds, however, it’s clear that the first task that we faced will probably remain with us for the duration – digging the foundation. There is teamwork here, too, but the picking and shoveling can also be a solitary experience. It wears us out physically and psychologically. Other members of the team display amazing energy and discipline (as well as stamina). Today, I believe, was the hottest and most humid day yet. I took far more than my fair share of breaks, but never felt anything but understanding from the team (that may just be me.)The early break for the “cultural exchange” came just in time. Haydee, Mirtala, their family, and neighbors taught us gringos how to make pupusas and tortillas. From day one, the family has displayed openness, generosity of spirit, and love that is striking to the Americans, but seems to be the accepted way of Salvadorans. This family has given life and evidence of God being truly alive in the poor and forgotten. Although some planned elements of the exchange apparently didn’t materialize, the more low-key and direct celebration with this extraordinary family couldn’t be topped. The ride home from the work site was full of talk about each other’s lives, interests, and history. Each day as we learn more about our fellow team members, we grow in fellowship—which has been a huge blessing for this trip. Again the Spirit was at work everywhere.
Frank McNally Community Organizer/Maryland/El Salvador 2007
It is hard to narrow down my feelings about the trip. There were so many events that left me without words -- the grace and gentleness of the people, the joy of the children, the warmth and outreach of our group. Being part of all that was a tremendous gift.
The image that keeps coming back to me, however, is that of Angelita with her children, as she saw the house rise. There was wonder in her face as she saw what would be her new home becoming a reality. She was Everywoman, yearning for a place of her own where she could raise her children.
Why should others make such a trip as ours? I never enjoyed
There were so many touching moments it is difficult to narrow it down to only one.Just so much hard work so much. There was a feeling of fulfillment that can only come from seeing something wonderful taking place. There are few needs more basic than that of having a home for ones family, and being a part of making that happen was one of the happiest experiences of my life. Jean Cook Retired Teacher/ Maryland/ Guatemala 2006
a few random thoughts:The grace and dignity Jean Cooke showed even tho sick and far from home.The tremendous courage Hillary had to go so far out of her "comfort zone".Lou, the ex marine and mountain climber, being led around by the little children.Angelina, sitting on the little hill watching her house being built.Elias, so excited he practically ran from one chore to the next.The giggles from the littlest girls when they kicked the soccer ball.The children splashing in the water barrels. But to me the most touching moment was the poetic line from Aricela-I may never see you again, but your handprints will always be on my walls.So much of the week was truly touched by God. There is much to be said for a simpler life. I discovered things about myself that may otherwise have taken a lifetime, or even a death to discover. I believe that the reason this experience was so powerful is because we became very fond very quickly of people with whom we had a very definite time limit. We knew we would never see them again so the time we had had to be quality time. It is easy to forget that all of our time is limited, and that the time God gives us with those we love is also limited, we just don't know the limit. It should all be quality time. To have learned this is more than enough reason to do one of these trips.
Bill Collins Architect/ Maryland/ Guatemala 2006
When arrived at the work site to day, ten year old Yesinia was peeling potatoes to make the soup for lunch. She is so tiny yet so grown up. Today her mom is not with us, and she is totally responsible for the household tasks. All through the day, children were coming around. Israel comes every day as does Robert. Today they were the quality control team. Re-measuring the points on the re-bar and discussing whether what was done was accurate. Eight year old Israel pointed out on error (he was correct) and we had to re-do our work. He is my very special favorite. He comes everyday, watches, helps some, poses for pictures and savors any food we gave him. After lunch we visited the hot springs. What a beautiful, serene sight! A woman was squatting down washing clothes in the stream. A bull, living up to it's rep, refused to cross the stream even as the owner pushed and pulled. In the background of the stream - the mountains. "Near restful waters He leads me to revive my doubting spirit."
Rosemary Lawson Housing Specialist/Maryland/Bolivia 2006
I’ve Seen God I’ve seen God on my people’s faces.
In all different races
In many, many places.
I’ve seen God on the streets
As well as in people that struggle to eat,
Visible faith than cannot be beat.
I’ve seen God at home
When I’m alone
.I feel the breeze that makes my body stiff as a stone.
I’ve seen God in people of young age
By their smiles even in an orphanage,
Although it may seem like they are encaged.
They are happy and they are livin’.
They appreciate everything they have been given.
It’s hard to see their life is only beginnin’
. Instead of living life in vanity,
Try to live in unity, as one family.
I’ve seen God in Habitat for Humanity,
Kevin Dominguez High School Junior/Maryland/El Salvador 2007
While in Bolivia, I wanted to share some of my experiences with my family. I looked for and found a store where I could phone them. The man who ran the telephone business looked at me in my dirty overalls, sweaty teeshirt, and dried concrete-covered boots and asked, "Are you one of those people who come to Bolivia to build houses? Do you know how much good you do for these people who receive the houses? It is not just the house. You touch their hearts. You bring them hope. They feel cared for, appreciated. They feel loved. You touch their hearts deeply and they will never forget you. I know these people; I see them; I listen to them; they share their thoughts and feelings with me." As I returned to the hotel to take a shower, I felt the presence of God. Reflections started flowing -- it is true that we never know how much good we can do to others, even with a simple smile or a pat on the shoulder. It is also true that it is absolutely unnecessary to know it. If we allow the Spirit to flow openly through us, the "good" will just come. It is does not matter if we know why we are doing something. If we are sure that the Spirit is prompting us, moving us to action, then gifts from God will be delivered through us.
Luz Cabrera/Yoga Instructor/Maryland/ Bolivia 2006
Why go on a Habitat Global Village trip?
It changes what you
think is important, whether you realize you need that or not.
On March 3, I was a shameless National Public Radio-addicted,
never-miss-reading-the-Post, inside-the-Beltway journalist, who was a
bit relieved that I could theoretically keep up with email and Google
news at the many internet cafes in the town where we'd be staying in
Guatemala.
On March 13, the day I got back to town, I was surprised to
realize at noon that although I'd been puttering around the house for
nearly three hours, it had never occurred to me to turn on the radio or
pick up the newspaper. Later, in the car, I found I not only didn't
want to listen to the public radio stations, I was hunting up El Sol,
the Spanish pop-rock radio station and choosing to do my laundry where I
knew they workers spoke Spanish.
It's been a couple of days now and I have had to catch up on
news a bit. It's my job. But our experiences in Guatemala still fill my
head so that many of the things that used to seem important to me just
don't, anymore. I don't want them back, either.
Pat Zapor Journalist/Maryland/Guatemala 2006
