While we are so far from home, our life here is beginning to develop a pattern and a rhythm. Breakfast and lunch may be the same but every day there is something new to notice. The streets are very busy with people going to work, carrying their babies and bustling about. For most people, walking is the only form of transportation available and they routinely cover great distances. The women are so strong; they can carry a 50 pound bag of rice on their head, while walking and breastfeeding a baby. In the city, rusty dilapidated transportation vans fly by filled with people. It is all very colourful. While initially, I felt somewhat like a voyeur in some one else’s life, I am now feeling more comfortable with our presence here.
 |
| Now That is Multi-Tasking! |
Our work site is a 15 minute walk from the other site and the route offers something new to see every time. There are goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, mango trees, avocado and numerous other plants as well as many dwellings and always children. We are greeted with waves and “hello’s” as we walk by.
The weather can go from fierce heat to torrential rain. We have endured several storms, thunder and lightening, a wind so powerful that several windows in the hotel simply broke, and there was rain that never seemed to stop. When we went to the ocean the other afternoon, it was windy, the waves wild and the water was extremely rough with a dangerous undertow. Not sure how anyone could be rescued if they were in any difficulty. We were pretty well the only ones out walking and we could only dip our bodies in with great care. The jellyfish were blue and no beach glass, only ground down pieces of plastic.
The people we are working with have so little. Many are sick with HIV including the little ones. The children are so amazing; strong and capable as they carry water, pound maize and attend to their siblings. They are also like children everywhere, giggling and playing with whatever is available. They enjoy having their picture taken and appear to be quite tickled with any interaction.
The market is another endless source of interest. Stall after stall of fabrics, clothing, house wares, shoes, children’s clothes and of course, food. We are all busy buying colourful wraps to wear or use as table cloths. I have never seen squares of fabric utilized in so many ways from being a skirt, to holding a child, to diapering a baby. There is no craft market here as there few tourists to purchase the goods and the products would be of no use for the locals.
Our “homes” are almost finished, quite amazing what a group of volunteers can accomplish under the direction of skilled workers. We are pretty proud of our efforts. Mixing cement on the ground and then in a wheelbarrow, setting bricks, plastering, and doing finishing effects with concrete can be very gratifying.
It is very humbling to see others survive under such difficult conditions. I am grateful for my blessings. We are so very fortunate.
 |
| View of the back of Olinda's home |
Saturday was a hot and humid day, actually not too bad to work in and Sunday for our “swimming” beach trip promises to be lovely. I am looking forward to an ocean swim!
 |
| Brett was hard at work... |
 |
| .. and the girls were 'jes goofin around' - Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil |
Judy
