Then began our journey to Jose Artigas, where we were greeted/swarmed by tons of screaming kids. It seemed to us like they saw us as their personal jungle gyms, never letting go. Not to mention our hats were stolen countless times by a variety of kids who found it hilarious. Chasing them down, however, was not amusing for us. Now we know for tomorrow to not wear hats during recess, or at least glue it to your head if you still plan in wearing one.
Early in our visit, everyone gathered on the school basketball court where we were serenaded by all the students and thanked for the service we would be doing. After saying goodbye to the morning school kids, we headed out back to the work site and were divided into groups. Each group had a specific task assigned to them. Some moved equipment from place to place, others cleaned the seemingly never ending piles of trash, and some gathered materials to make cement. Sr. Jenny went to work on the plantain trees, with a machete in hand. It's clear that she enjoys working with sharp objects.
Before we knew it, it was time for lunch, so we loaded up the vans and made our way to the same house of the family who served us lunch yesterday.
After lunch, it was time to get down to business. The 4 man construction crew we were working with instructed us on various tasks they wanted us to do. Mr. Keiper put his construction skills to work to get us started on making the cement. Mary and Ali helped prepare the foundation for it. Sarah, Megan, Maggie, Camille, Sara, and Jillian transferred sand from the front to the back of the work site that would be used later, and then pitched in helping make the cement and deliver it to the construction crew. Molly and Sam filled bags with trash that had been covering the grounds of the school. Moe and Señora Tansey also contributed in making the cement and transferring it from one place to another. Thank God for Señora Tansey serving as our translator or else we would have been lost.
While the process of cementing chugged on amidst the heat and sweat, 2 small groups had the chance to observe the classes at Jose Artigas. While some had proper classrooms, others were makeshift in hallways and playgrounds. We were able to help the students with math, and got to know the teacher of the third grade, Eduardo. We even managed to snap a few photos after they finished (THEY said they finished) their homework.
Goodbyes were said, autographs were written, and hugs were given out. We finished our projects and loaded up the vans one last time for the day and made our way back to the retreat center.
The cold showers were heavenly after a hard day of work and the wifi relaxing. Dinner was served promptly at 7:30. Beef, tortillas, juice and good ole rice and beans.
After a good reflection and a few rounds of kemps, we are all so excited to see all the kids again.
Back to work tomorrow!
-Sarah Anderson and Ali Graham
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