We are done with construction. Now I realize that I order cookies for a living (not really but basically) so I’m not used to working with my hands for eight hours straight, but I must admit this past week was really difficult. Now don’t get me wrong, I am NOTcomplaining about the work whatsoever. In fact, it was really refreshing to me. But it certainly wasn’t deciding between ooey gooey bars or chocolate chip cookies.
So the basic project looked like this: we needed to build a retaining wall for the mission house at the orphanage. Basically we have been mixing concrete,wheelbarrowing concrete, carrying bricks, laying bricks, smoothing out dirt and laughing a lot at Dave Koss. Koss (as he is affectionately known) has taken to calling Jamie (the Little Lambs head honcho) “coach” all the while using his version of an east coast accent. He has been quite stellar. He also refuses to get dirty which has made construction a little difficult at times. We have had the pleasure to share the work with about eight Guatemalan men. I haven’t learned all their names but there is one guy that is absolutely amazing. His name is Juanito. He is probably about 5’6″and is just an absolute hoss. He has been working 9 hours days and he literally is running from project to project, whipping 50+ lb bags of concrete over his shoulder and he even brought us fresh corn to eat yesterday.
That has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of this trip, working with the Guatemalan guys. They know how to work hard and once in awhile they laugh at Koss also.
Today was the last day of working at the compound and we basically laid bricks all day. Again, it was tough but as Jamie reminded me early in the afternoon we were literally laying the foundation for where some orphans will be sleeping very soon.
The MVP for today was definitely 100% El Schwab (Matt) or as Dave has taken to calling him, “La Schwa” (as you can see Dave is contributing quite a bit to this trip). He was a machine laying bricks. He would go hours without saying a word, we’d look up and would have built a wall. He was stellar.
I really wish you all could see this Little Lambs plot of land. It is absolutely gorgeous. I have been trying to add photos to the facebook page but they absolutely don’t do it justice. Not only is it a great view but when you are there you can feel that something pretty special is going on with Little Lambs. They have such a heart for the Lord and such a heart for the kids of Guatemala. It’s quite remarkable.
Which brings me to my next point, but before I write anything else I should offer a disclaimer: So We Run has no direct affiliation with Little Lambs. We partnered with them on this trip but they are only friends of ours. I say this because I need to offer a plug for them…well…how should I say this…ummm…GIVE THEM MONEY! Seriously, if you are looking for an organization to support, please support Little Lambs. They are doing really cool things. They are 100% committed to Jesus and they are 100% committed to serving the people of Guatemala. Check them out online www.littlelambsintl.org. They are in the process of building a remarkable orphanage and could really use the money. Right now they only can afford to pay one employee full time but when the buildings are complete they will be able to host hundreds of Guatemalan youths that do not have homes.
Tomorrow we are heading to a school to see/play with some kids as well as the Little Lambs nursery in Guatemala City. I believe we will also be making our second to last shoe drop off to Safe Passage. Looking forward to a big day!
