Day Two!

Santiago Mission, Estrada

Today was our first day working in Estrada at the church of Santiago. Well rested from a good night sleep in our very comfortable accommodations, we set off to the church. The church is beautiful, simple with big screen windows showing a view of the luscious greenery surrounding the church. Waiting for our equipment, we sat in the church and got to know some of the local parishioners.

Our group, before we started digging!

When our equipment arrived we started digging! Our work for the day consisted of just that; digging a trench of questionable size (the local contractors keep changing the measurement). The building we are constructing is designed to be a school on the top floor for children of the banana plantation with the bottom floor being used as a parish hall. Right now, it consists of a trench… not quite finished.

Daniel, breaking ground.

Michelle and Sarah (author of this blog entry), talking and digging.

After coming back to a much needed shower and a delicious dinner, (rice and beans again!), we had a group chat. We reflected on the day, discussing our favorite moments and our digging.

Fernando, our multi-faceted bus driver, is also worthy of notable mention. He has become bus driver/translator/tour guide/worker/friend! Always laughing, Fernando has led us through our trip, even helping with the seemingly unending digging.

So far, the trip has been extremely rewarding. Hard labor, but rewarding labor, we have gotten lots of work done and are hoping to see the end of the shovels tomorrow.

Jennie, drinking coconut milk on a well-deserved break.

Below, our almost-finished 100 cm trench.