Received a message from our bishop-elect this morning that he was praying for our team. Knowing that folks back home are praying for us is very comforting. However, one thing we could really use is regular running water. That seems to be the question of the day, do we have water. They have a team of locals working here daily to run water lines and make improvements. That means the availability of running water is sporadic at best. Interestingly, we have very few comments of the lack of hot water. I think everyone is just so glad to have water when they do that hot or cold doesn't really matter; although it would have been nice to have some running water this morning to brush our teeth.
Water came on for a little while but before we knew it, it was gone. At least everyone got to freshen up a little. Toured the school and the church. Only a few kids left in classes as today was the last day of school. When we finished up it was back to pick up gloves and put on work shoes. The trees were not here yet so we began the morning by clearing the brush around all the plantain trees. It was not hard work, but today was bright and sunny so it was hot. When the trees arrived we were surprised to see that Padre Carlos had gotten over 100 saplings. Pedro marked off the locations and the digging began.
Fortunately the holes we had to dig were not too deep. The trees only needed about a 1 foot deep hole and the soil on the side of the hill was fairly easy to dig in. The problem we ran into was that the ground cleared for planting was not large enough for the number of trees we had to plant. So after planting all the ones we had room for, the team began to clear grass and weeds.. This was hard work, even harder than clearing land around the plantain trees. Working on the side a hill added to the excitement.
The work was hard and the sun was hot. Nobody stayed as hydrated as they should which made us feel all that much more tired. By the time they called lunch ready we were ready to take a major break. Everyone drank water, although there was no aqua to clean up with. A bunch of dirty smelly team members sat down to enjoy lunch (spaghetti with a twist). One thing we noted was that to date no one had served us pollo (chicken). After lunch the team headed back to the dorm for a short afternoon siesta. What should begin? It started raining. It cooled things down a little and helped reduce the muggy feeling we had all morning. It felt great!
When everyone gets up, we are hoping to head to the river. We learned this morning that the water near the waterfall we hoped to hike to was unsafe for swimming and the river water had cleared up significantly from the day before.. As is looked over the work we accomplished this morning, I am impressed by how good it looks. I think our youth should be proud of their accomplishments. Of course today is just day two. There are still a lot trees remaining and two more work days left.
When we arrived, I think each of us had an idea of what the garden would look like that we were here to plant. What we surveyed today was not even on the radar. But it makes so much more sense. A vegetable garden, while essential, requires a lot of human labor to keep up. What we are putting in will require much less maintenance and will yield a great crop. I am always amazed at how God directs the work of our hands in a way that is needed most instead of the way we think best.
Siesta is over and it is off to the river and waterfall. Here is a question, how long does a 30 minute hike take? Can you say 55 minutes? Now the next question is was it worth it, a resounding yes! The water may have been brown and a bit on the cool side, but after working all day and the long hike down and up trails we were ready for it. The way back felt just as long and included an unexpected side trip down some back road and an really interesting trail. We finally got back to the river crossing and some braved the balance beam and some did not, and some wanted to go swimming again. Thankfully, due to the quick hands of Fr. John, Fr. Tom's camera did not go for a swim down river, even though Fr. Tom tried.
Back at the camp we were greeted with the news that there was no power and no water. A couple of large buckets were provided (all filled with water) for everyone to rinse off using a cup. One bucket made it most of the way to the shower without spilling, but all the way was not to be. Thanks to Cody who went and got a mop to clean up the mess. About an hour later we had power and dinner was served. We finally had pollo! Guess what else we had, more rain. But it is okay because we are in for the night.
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