Grace Baptist Mexico 2012 – The Building Begins!
Today was a fantastic day! It started off with meeting our second family – Bulmaro, Isabel, and their 3 year old son, Christian. We toured through their current home, much like the one we saw yesterday, made of twigs, cardboard and covered in plastic. At first sight of the conditions they live in, I felt devastated and wanted to bawl my eyes out – they just have so little! Very humbling!
After meeting the family and getting to talk to them through our amazing translator, we started getting busy with the build. Everyone split up and started different tasks; there was a cutting crew, painting crew, framing crew and kids crew. As soon as we started, the kids started coming and coming, …and coming! They were so excited to hang around, play, and help wherever they could. Such joy on their faces!
It was fun getting to work with the families. At first they seemed a little timid, but after a while they got right in there, painting and swinging hammers. I think we all found the communication barrier difficult. I just wanted to talk to them and get to know them as much as possible, but we did our best at the few words we know, and hand gestures for whatever else we could. I think as the week goes on, we will learn more about them.
By the end of day one, we had the roof and 2 walls framed for each house! But definitely one of the highlights was the impromptu dance party we had with the kids just before we left. Despite the communication barrier, everyone was able to enjoy that! We are all looking forward to tomorrow, and the many adventures we will have!
Marcie – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Volunteer, Mexico 2012