Monday - Lunes

Chencho checks out his new crew!

Today was our first day "on the job." We had all slept well, eaten a hearty breakfast, brushed our teeth and put on our workin' shoes. Father Hipólito came by to make sure we were ready to go and then called us a cab. Some of us piled into the van and some climbed into Padre H's car and we headed out through the Santiago rush hour traffic. Over the river and up the hill we went. Those of us in the car made it to the church where we waited for the van to arrive... and waited... and waited. Oops! Wrong turn! They showed up after a detour to the hill next door.

Jack waiting for an empty bucket.

This trip has been one of meeting up with people we haven't seen for a while. Today we saw Chencho, the job foreman. We worked with Chencho on the construction of San Lucas and on a house rehabilitation in the Cristo Salvador neighborhood 5 years ago. This was the first time we'd seen him since then. What a great reunion! We got a tour of the children's shelter, from the roof down. Then we put on gloves (yes, and sunblock) and got to work. Some of us shoveled sand, others raised the bucket of sand to the roof, and still others broke plaster off the walls in the section of the shelter that has been remodeled from an old house.

Surrounded with love and admiration.

A full bucket heads across the street.

After a break for lunch, we had our first session of VBS. About 80 kids came today. Poly led songs, we talked about God's good creation and drew animals on paper plates. Seeing the kids was great. Those of us who have been here before saw familiar faces. I was astounded to hear that one of the boys I've known has just finished 6th grade and is 11 years old! Where has the time gone? Isn't he still a very little boy?


The day finished with a trip down the street and around the corner from our hotel to La Sirena and the market before we had dinner and our nightly meeting.





We have much to be thankful for today. Good work, good company, many blessings. Now we rest and start again tomorrow!

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