First Build Day

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Trip Start May 20, 2010 Previous
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  Santa Ana, Santa Ana, El Salvador
Saturday, May 22, 2010

Well today was exciting, it was our first build day in the community of Villa Esperanza. This is a Thrivent Builds community that will have 150+ homes once complete in the next 5 years. We started out the day with breakfast at our hotel and consumed some of the freshest fruit ever to touch these lips! From there we travel by van to the build site and gathered in the community center. We had devotions which readings where read in English and Spanish. It was amazing to see the compassion from the people reading the Bible. (Only 1% of l Salvador are practicing Lutheran).

We had orientation on the tasks that we were to be performing throughout the day. Since it was Saturday, we were joined by volunteers from the local church that we will be attending tomorrow. It was moving to see these individuals out there because many of these folks do not have homes themselves. We were also joined by students from the "American High School" in San Salvador. This school is the most prestigious high school in the country and many of these students come from people of high stature in El Salvador. Most if not all of these students will continue their college studies in the United States.

The homes that we are building are 450 sq. ft homes that will house 3-8 people. They are SMALL to our standard but carry great pride in the community. Did I mention that it was hot? I now have a greater appreciation for labors that have always seemed to go at their own pace. After spending 8 hours in this oppressive heat and humidity (I could not find a word to describe the actual humidity) I now have a greater appreciation for how they handle their business!

We were welcomed into the community by current recipients of past builds and they were very gracious in opening up their community. The average family in this area makes $96 a month. It was tedious labor but the local mason that were patient teaching the ways of their world, were always ready with a smile and small conversation even with the language barrier.

After our build, we returned to the hotel where a Quinceneria (sp?) was taking place. For those of you not familiar with a Quinceneria, it is a very special for a young Latino woman who on her 15th birthday is treated to a feast similar to a wedding or bar/bat mitzvahs. It was a unique opportunity to see a part of culture that we do not see everyday.

Once we finished with team devotions, some of us proceeds to experience Salvadorian nightlife. We saw a band called Kanon (a poor man's version of No Doubt) at the local watering hole, El Morin - Drive Inn. They were entertaining and keep us going throughout the night.

Well it is getting late and I need to retire for we have a big, relaxing day ahead of us. We are attending the local Lutheran church and then spending a day at Lake Coquetechue (sp?). I will be here tomorrow to tell you tales of Sunday's adventures.

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