Construction Crew - week # 2
Alli Cecil
Lin Cross
Jim Swartz
Monday - August 19
The construction crew lost Colleen, Chris, and Lee who returned to the U.S. yesterday. Barbara was still ailing from a fall yesterday and stayed behind at the retreat center. Iris was snagged earlier last week as a valued interpreter for Dr. Del at the medical clinic. In short, the crew dwindled to three - Jim, Allie and Lin.
Last week we had three on the construction crew who were age 74. It's amazing how much progress we made. But for those of us who are goal oriented it was frustrating at the slow process. And we were told, "help will be here manana” and that's a cultural difference we came to honor. Even though we realize the medical mission is the primary reason our group of volunteers are here, and the construction project is secondary, we in construction have much to be proud of.
The construction crew would have preferred to arrive at the work site early in the morning when it's not blistering hot, especially today. But it was important to first get the medical team transported to El Arbolito and we helped them get set up. Then we in construction got a ride back with Renato to get started for the day.
Now that Chris is gone the school children don't hang around as much. At one time several of the children asked is Chris was famous. Lee said, “He's Brad Pitt.” Perhaps they believed her.
Alli Cecil
Lin Cross
Jim Swartz
Monday - August 19
The construction crew lost Colleen, Chris, and Lee who returned to the U.S. yesterday. Barbara was still ailing from a fall yesterday and stayed behind at the retreat center. Iris was snagged earlier last week as a valued interpreter for Dr. Del at the medical clinic. In short, the crew dwindled to three - Jim, Allie and Lin.
Last week we had three on the construction crew who were age 74. It's amazing how much progress we made. But for those of us who are goal oriented it was frustrating at the slow process. And we were told, "help will be here manana” and that's a cultural difference we came to honor. Even though we realize the medical mission is the primary reason our group of volunteers are here, and the construction project is secondary, we in construction have much to be proud of.
The construction crew would have preferred to arrive at the work site early in the morning when it's not blistering hot, especially today. But it was important to first get the medical team transported to El Arbolito and we helped them get set up. Then we in construction got a ride back with Renato to get started for the day.
Now that Chris is gone the school children don't hang around as much. At one time several of the children asked is Chris was famous. Lee said, “He's Brad Pitt.” Perhaps they believed her.
During this week we are thankful that a few parents of children (mostly women) show up on some mornings, although few to none do after lunch when they are home with their children.
This is back-breaking work on the rock pile with no Tylenol or Ibuprofen to be found since the medical team moved to another location at El Arbolito. Lin shoveled dirt and rocks into buckets or wheelbarrow while Alli carried and dumped the heavy weight several yards to the designated area. Jim took on the jarring job of tamping the fill to prepare for poured concrete, while a crew of locals mix of rock, cement and water pouring into forms. It was slow work, especially with the small crew, heat and humidity. By noon we were beat.
Lunch was satisfying. Pasta soup, rice, beef and diced green beans. Lin laid down on the cool, but hard tile floor of the dining room and soon fell asleep for a few minutes. Jim followed suite. Alli worked alone for a while.
Back out in the heat we had two locals helping. It's strenuous work for all especially the 74 and 67 year old. The 26-year old Alli said, “What am I doing here? I work retail!” Jim and Lin agreed they wouldn't need to pump iron at the gym for a while after these two weeks.
This is back-breaking work on the rock pile with no Tylenol or Ibuprofen to be found since the medical team moved to another location at El Arbolito. Lin shoveled dirt and rocks into buckets or wheelbarrow while Alli carried and dumped the heavy weight several yards to the designated area. Jim took on the jarring job of tamping the fill to prepare for poured concrete, while a crew of locals mix of rock, cement and water pouring into forms. It was slow work, especially with the small crew, heat and humidity. By noon we were beat.
Lunch was satisfying. Pasta soup, rice, beef and diced green beans. Lin laid down on the cool, but hard tile floor of the dining room and soon fell asleep for a few minutes. Jim followed suite. Alli worked alone for a while.
Back out in the heat we had two locals helping. It's strenuous work for all especially the 74 and 67 year old. The 26-year old Alli said, “What am I doing here? I work retail!” Jim and Lin agreed they wouldn't need to pump iron at the gym for a while after these two weeks.
After a short break Gabriel, our un-stoppable, ex-Marine and local crew leader wanted the three of us to lay four more lines of sand, rock and concrete for it to be ready the next morning when parents of young school children would hopefully arrive. All they would have to do is add water, mix and pour another slab.
Tuesday, August 20
Our lunch was menudo. Tripe – we were told is was vaca. Jim figured out it was the stomach of a cow. Jim and Lin didn't care for it, so Alli decided she wasn't going to try it either. The pasta and tuna soup was good as was the menudo broth over rice.
Our group was charged $2.00 a day for the noon-day meal. We also paid for meals for any helper. This sounds cheap by comparison to U.S. Standards, even when we grumbled about the daily large portion of rice and sometimes tough, chewy meat with each meal. When in reality the locals would think this is a banquet. The Boston-based Rostro de Cristo youth group are given a food allowance of $5.00 per day to feed the seven. Here everyone in our group is learning to put life in perspective and another lesson in humility.
The "dream team"/construction crew laid on the cool, tile floor again after lunch today. They slept and dreamed. In the few minutes on the floor Lin dreamed of piles of dirt, rocks and dust.
A vendor/truck drove up and down the unpaved roads with loud speaker announcing he had covina/sea bass for $1.00 for sell from his truck, and heuvos/eggs for $2.00. The next day he was selling oranges, pineapple and watermelon from the back of his truck
Instead of the bus driver coming early to pick up the construction crew Renato, the bishop's assistant hauled Jim, Alli and Lin and the two locals, Gabriel and Jose in his Jeep with the Jose tightly wedged in the cargo space in the back.
The construction crew got a taste of the noise at the medical clinic as the young patients played and chattered. While it seemed chaotic, it was actually quite organized. We watched as Alyce, in her typical, jovial high spirits, distracted the children with a stretching exercise and dance demonstration.
Wednesday, August 20
All total ten slabs of concrete were planned. We were told the last two would be poured Saturday when parents of the school children would gather to finish the project. Renato promised photos of the end result. (See below.)
We are hopeful the existing roses, oleanders, palm and other trees will survive, since the watering surface will be diminished. Several of us who are gardeners with green thumbs were eager to spray the dust off the vegetation and realize the concrete will keep most of the dust at bay.
We catch glimpses, between our rest breaks, to watch as a honeymoon/newlywed house is built from start to finish behind our school - all in a week. A cane floor was built atop wood stilts. Sides were erected. Roof put on. Moving in day was today, complete with a mattress.
In the afternoon, after school was dismissed for the day and children went home for lunch, two boys came back to the work site. They recognized Lin as Chris' mom. Jose Miquel (age 11) and Steven (12) pitched in shoveling sand and gravel. We thought after the experience they might be encouraged to study harder, although they seemed to enjoy the few hours they worked developing their muscles and manhood identity.
We had not planned it that way but Wednesday was the last day for our construction crew. Both Jim and Lin were sick all day Thursday with stomach upset, back injuries, headaches and nasal drainage. Alli wasn't feeling well either.
On Wednesday afternoon Lin was feeling well enough when she left the construction site and had intentions of returning the next day so she left her work shoes, bandana, water bottle, hat and gloves there.
Thursday, August 21: Stay in bed / sick day for the entire construction crew - Alli, Lin and Jim.
Friday, August 22: Today the three of us were slightly better, but still not up to hard physical labor. So when it was decided that there was work to do at the clinic for Jim and Alli, and Lin could work on this website, our bus made a stop first at the school/construction site for Lin to pick up her articles.
When we pulled into the school, and saw the number of parents who showed up to finish the construction project we were overjoyed and cheered with 'whoops and hollers' for what we saw. Wow! The locals – young moms and dads - showed up to work today. It will probably be finished the day after we leave - tomorrow – Saturday which is a big work day for parents. Gabriel and Jose eagerly joined us for photos (Who has these photos?)
The local parents step up to the challenge: By now it was evident our construction team, from last week and this week, had inspired the young locals to take control of their own project. When we didn't show up on Thursday the call went out. They began to realize we were an older group. We came to their country - and their shanty town community. We shared our talents, resources and manpower. So few of them before now, so few parents had worked alongside us. Today's show of numbers, strength and pride for the common good of their children was reward in itself.
Tuesday, August 20
Our lunch was menudo. Tripe – we were told is was vaca. Jim figured out it was the stomach of a cow. Jim and Lin didn't care for it, so Alli decided she wasn't going to try it either. The pasta and tuna soup was good as was the menudo broth over rice.
Our group was charged $2.00 a day for the noon-day meal. We also paid for meals for any helper. This sounds cheap by comparison to U.S. Standards, even when we grumbled about the daily large portion of rice and sometimes tough, chewy meat with each meal. When in reality the locals would think this is a banquet. The Boston-based Rostro de Cristo youth group are given a food allowance of $5.00 per day to feed the seven. Here everyone in our group is learning to put life in perspective and another lesson in humility.
The "dream team"/construction crew laid on the cool, tile floor again after lunch today. They slept and dreamed. In the few minutes on the floor Lin dreamed of piles of dirt, rocks and dust.
A vendor/truck drove up and down the unpaved roads with loud speaker announcing he had covina/sea bass for $1.00 for sell from his truck, and heuvos/eggs for $2.00. The next day he was selling oranges, pineapple and watermelon from the back of his truck
Instead of the bus driver coming early to pick up the construction crew Renato, the bishop's assistant hauled Jim, Alli and Lin and the two locals, Gabriel and Jose in his Jeep with the Jose tightly wedged in the cargo space in the back.
The construction crew got a taste of the noise at the medical clinic as the young patients played and chattered. While it seemed chaotic, it was actually quite organized. We watched as Alyce, in her typical, jovial high spirits, distracted the children with a stretching exercise and dance demonstration.
Wednesday, August 20
All total ten slabs of concrete were planned. We were told the last two would be poured Saturday when parents of the school children would gather to finish the project. Renato promised photos of the end result. (See below.)
We are hopeful the existing roses, oleanders, palm and other trees will survive, since the watering surface will be diminished. Several of us who are gardeners with green thumbs were eager to spray the dust off the vegetation and realize the concrete will keep most of the dust at bay.
We catch glimpses, between our rest breaks, to watch as a honeymoon/newlywed house is built from start to finish behind our school - all in a week. A cane floor was built atop wood stilts. Sides were erected. Roof put on. Moving in day was today, complete with a mattress.
In the afternoon, after school was dismissed for the day and children went home for lunch, two boys came back to the work site. They recognized Lin as Chris' mom. Jose Miquel (age 11) and Steven (12) pitched in shoveling sand and gravel. We thought after the experience they might be encouraged to study harder, although they seemed to enjoy the few hours they worked developing their muscles and manhood identity.
We had not planned it that way but Wednesday was the last day for our construction crew. Both Jim and Lin were sick all day Thursday with stomach upset, back injuries, headaches and nasal drainage. Alli wasn't feeling well either.
On Wednesday afternoon Lin was feeling well enough when she left the construction site and had intentions of returning the next day so she left her work shoes, bandana, water bottle, hat and gloves there.
Thursday, August 21: Stay in bed / sick day for the entire construction crew - Alli, Lin and Jim.
Friday, August 22: Today the three of us were slightly better, but still not up to hard physical labor. So when it was decided that there was work to do at the clinic for Jim and Alli, and Lin could work on this website, our bus made a stop first at the school/construction site for Lin to pick up her articles.
When we pulled into the school, and saw the number of parents who showed up to finish the construction project we were overjoyed and cheered with 'whoops and hollers' for what we saw. Wow! The locals – young moms and dads - showed up to work today. It will probably be finished the day after we leave - tomorrow – Saturday which is a big work day for parents. Gabriel and Jose eagerly joined us for photos (Who has these photos?)
The local parents step up to the challenge: By now it was evident our construction team, from last week and this week, had inspired the young locals to take control of their own project. When we didn't show up on Thursday the call went out. They began to realize we were an older group. We came to their country - and their shanty town community. We shared our talents, resources and manpower. So few of them before now, so few parents had worked alongside us. Today's show of numbers, strength and pride for the common good of their children was reward in itself.
A month or so later SMA received this photo of the completed playground. We are delighted to see the children (just as we remember them) at play, but now with the volleyball net and the soccer nets in place.
On Friday as Lin quietly sat in the pharmacy waiting area and worked on the website, as each young child came along with their mothers, she handed them crayons and paper as a distraction to help pass the time. Who doesn't remember the joy, as a young child, choosing a favorite color from a brand new box of Crayolas? The well-behaved children offered to return their crayon as each left the area, and then gave a big smile when they were told it and a few blank sheets of paper was theirs to keep.
The Bishop wants to know: The medical clinic ended early about 1:30 p.m. for lunch with the youth at Rosto de Cristo (Face of Christ.) Father Juan Pablo, Father Mauro, Father Daniel and Renato ate with us. The Bishop later arrived and asked for an accounting of the number of patients seen and the various types of treatments. The numbers had not been tallied at that point but was promised to be forthcoming. That information would be shared with the new clinic and would help them to assess the medicines needed and the types of general complaints.
The Bishop publicly apologized for any miscommunication about overcharges to SMA for medicines from the local pharmaceutical house, and expecting SMA to pay for all construction supplies. When he asked for comments regarding the construction site he assured us the site would be completed and if monies were still owed for supplies the Diocese would pay. We told of our appreciation for the hard work of Gabriel, Jose and Walter, as well as the young parents who stepped forward to work alongside us. The medical and construction mission would have been impossible without this collaboration of brains, brawn and translation skills of this cohesive team of U.S. and Ecuadoran volunteers.
The Bishop and a Carmelite Sister presented us with gifts of woven Ecuador shoulder bags, CDs of spiritual music, statues, and containers of candied almonds made by the Sisters.
Walking the short distance back to the clinic we packed up the remaining medications and supplies to be delivered to the clinic #1 that would soon open at the elementary school within a few weeks.
Over the past two weeks we collected our used clothing, shoes, hats and gloves we intended to leave behind. These would be distributed in the future by Rostro de Cristo to those in need – which is everyone in this shantytown.
After dinner on Thursday Joe received an unexpected call from a long-time friend, 'Diamond' Lil, who invited our group to her home tomorrow evening, on Friday. Previously we planned to dine together at a lovely restaurant, Los Nuestro, where Doris, Maggie and Lin ate the night before. However, never pass up an invitation and the hospitality when someone opens their gracious home – even for pizza and beer.
Lin asked about a place to purchase flowers as a hostess gift for Lil. Cheryl said, “At the cemetery.” Lin thought it was a joke, as she had heard of a fellow who used to steal flowers from cemeteries to give to his girlfriend. After much laughter Cheryl explained there is a flower shop next to the cemetery. We didn't find a cemetery, or a flower stall. What's the next best thing? We couldn't bring chocolate; like carrying coals to Newcastle, so we brought wine.
Padre Juan Pablo picked up a group from the Retreat Center and accompanied us to Diamond Lil's home. He played the guitar while the crazy Americans sang their hears out to Beatles, Platters and Peter, Paul and Mary songs. (After his Sunday sermon he didn't seem to mind the beer-drinkers. Everything in moderation.) Here we also met Eduardo, Lillian's chocolatier husband. Some of the best chocolate comes from Ecuador. We didn't have to be forced to take home a delicious remembrance of the evening. A bar of his famous chocolate. What a lovely and tasty way to end our SMA stay in Ecuador.
The Bishop wants to know: The medical clinic ended early about 1:30 p.m. for lunch with the youth at Rosto de Cristo (Face of Christ.) Father Juan Pablo, Father Mauro, Father Daniel and Renato ate with us. The Bishop later arrived and asked for an accounting of the number of patients seen and the various types of treatments. The numbers had not been tallied at that point but was promised to be forthcoming. That information would be shared with the new clinic and would help them to assess the medicines needed and the types of general complaints.
The Bishop publicly apologized for any miscommunication about overcharges to SMA for medicines from the local pharmaceutical house, and expecting SMA to pay for all construction supplies. When he asked for comments regarding the construction site he assured us the site would be completed and if monies were still owed for supplies the Diocese would pay. We told of our appreciation for the hard work of Gabriel, Jose and Walter, as well as the young parents who stepped forward to work alongside us. The medical and construction mission would have been impossible without this collaboration of brains, brawn and translation skills of this cohesive team of U.S. and Ecuadoran volunteers.
The Bishop and a Carmelite Sister presented us with gifts of woven Ecuador shoulder bags, CDs of spiritual music, statues, and containers of candied almonds made by the Sisters.
Walking the short distance back to the clinic we packed up the remaining medications and supplies to be delivered to the clinic #1 that would soon open at the elementary school within a few weeks.
Over the past two weeks we collected our used clothing, shoes, hats and gloves we intended to leave behind. These would be distributed in the future by Rostro de Cristo to those in need – which is everyone in this shantytown.
After dinner on Thursday Joe received an unexpected call from a long-time friend, 'Diamond' Lil, who invited our group to her home tomorrow evening, on Friday. Previously we planned to dine together at a lovely restaurant, Los Nuestro, where Doris, Maggie and Lin ate the night before. However, never pass up an invitation and the hospitality when someone opens their gracious home – even for pizza and beer.
Lin asked about a place to purchase flowers as a hostess gift for Lil. Cheryl said, “At the cemetery.” Lin thought it was a joke, as she had heard of a fellow who used to steal flowers from cemeteries to give to his girlfriend. After much laughter Cheryl explained there is a flower shop next to the cemetery. We didn't find a cemetery, or a flower stall. What's the next best thing? We couldn't bring chocolate; like carrying coals to Newcastle, so we brought wine.
Padre Juan Pablo picked up a group from the Retreat Center and accompanied us to Diamond Lil's home. He played the guitar while the crazy Americans sang their hears out to Beatles, Platters and Peter, Paul and Mary songs. (After his Sunday sermon he didn't seem to mind the beer-drinkers. Everything in moderation.) Here we also met Eduardo, Lillian's chocolatier husband. Some of the best chocolate comes from Ecuador. We didn't have to be forced to take home a delicious remembrance of the evening. A bar of his famous chocolate. What a lovely and tasty way to end our SMA stay in Ecuador.