Trabajamos Mucho, January 18th

Unfortunately today we all had to wake up a little bit early. We set our alarms to 7:25, and were inside the cafeteria by 7:45 to start the dishes for breakfast. For breakfast we were given a feast of oatmeal, black beans, and rolls. After consuming breakfast we then washed all the dirty dishes and prepared for the long day of work ahead of us.
              For the first activity today we all climbed into the back of a truck and headed over to a construction site for a new house. This house was being built in a completely new area to us. As soon as we hopped out of the truck we were met with many kind greetings as well as an occasional, "gringo" shout. The work at the construction site consisted of moving dirt for concrete, placing rocks around trenches, and placing metal re-barb. This work was both humbling and tiring at the same time. Because we have been working with the same contractors for the whole time I have created many great friendships. After we completed this activity we got in the back of the truck and headed over to the mission for lunch.
             For lunch we had a delicious meal which consisted of fried rice and pineapple. After lunch we were given a choice of  going to the Women's Center or helping build walls at a different house. I was assigned to the construction cite were I  was given the opportunity to raise walls. This activity gave me a new outlook on what I was doing in Guatemala, because I felt as if I was actually making a difference. The group that went to the Women's Center ended up doing yard work, and eventually started a pick up game of soccer with the locals. As we headed back to the hotel Ms. Mekrut took a small group with her to have a water balloon with the kids who didn't live to far away. After the water balloon fight we all decided to get some rest for the hard day of working which is in store for us tomorrow.