Last Day

Wow, hard to believe that yesterday was our final building day! We lost four people from our team (2 sick, 1 accompanying a sickee to the hospital and one who was manning the magic digging machine).  Plus our beloved masons were also ill because they drank water from the on-site hose.  Therefore those on site had to work super hard, and we did.

We kept digging in the septic hole, hauling out dirt in bucket via a rope.  We finally reached the required depth and began to brick the inside.  We also hauled up/handed up ceiling and roof tiles to masons, mixed and carried mortar and cement, cleaned the interior and exterior site, etc.  Needless to say, we were suburned, exhausted and sore.

Last night Habitat Paraguay had a celebration and thank you ceremony in town at a beautiful mall - in the food court.  Entertainment, dancing, beer in towers, etc.  They kicked off the five day build a week ago and finished today.  We´ve had tremendous press coverage - front page last Monday.  We finished the evening at a dance club, hosted by the families and our military friends.  Those of us who stayed till the end are looking a bit rough today.

Yesterday the Minister of Housing did come to the site, but toured other homes so everyone at my house missed him. So we are off to the final press event, then on to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Although our house was not fully complete, we know we made a significant contribution towards its completion.  Our masons were so thankful and greatful for our help.  As a show of  thanks to them, we all left our work boots for them.  Weird for us, awesome for them.

There is supposed to be lots of photos at www.habitat.org/py.  I have not checked there yet, but will do so soon.  Hopefully I can write more if the hotel has computers.

It was an incredible experience and one I will never forget.  We are already talking about where to go next.

Love,
Karen