Today the construction team was joined by the medical team to give them a taste of the hard work we had been doing all week. Working at a slower and more manageable pace we finished pouring rubble into the wall of the second house for which we had a part in the building of the foundation.
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| 2nd filled rubble house |
The other part of our group went to the house where I started on Monday to begin the masonry process. After we finished rubbling the walls we walked to the other house to join the rest of the team.
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| concrete mixed inside the house on the ground |
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| Haitian mason |
There were way too many people at that site so a few of us went with Pastor to help with roofing a 4th house. We only had about forty-five minutes there before lunch, but I was glad to have seen that part of the construction.
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| roof construction |
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| Reggie on the roof |
The best part was cutting the tin for the roof cap. We put a wire under the tin and pulled up from both directions. When an accurate cut is not needed it is a very efficient way to do it. (see video)
We were initially told we would go back there after lunch. When the plans changed we decided to stay at the compound. A small group went back to the masonry house. By the time they left for the day the first coat of stucco was done on the inside of the house.
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| Alyssa was our "expert |
Meanwhile, back at the compound...I found out that we were going to be treated to a feast that night. I overheard Jeremy ask Alex, one of the Haitian leadership in charge, if they had the goat yet and whether or not is had been "dispatched" yet. About that time I noticed the goat in the yard and Alex said, "You may hear some noise in a few minutes." A gentleman who apparently was hired for just such an occasion made quick work of the goat with the help of the "compound cobbler." After draining the blood they decided to break for lunch. When the meal was done the hired hand showed me use #10 for the machete as he skinned and butchered the goat.
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| Machete use #10 |
The group that stayed behind had a relaxing afternoon of cards and well-deserved rest. I said several times on the trip and many times since, "I have been on a lot of Mission trips, but I don't remember ever working this hard. We all gained great respect for the Haitians; the way they work and the way they live.
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