Day 4: Public Health

Today we were allowed a bit of time to sleep in because breakfast was at 7 and we left at 8 to go to El Limon which was our job site. when we got to the site we were split up into three groups and began building either latrines, water filtration system, or a concrete floor. My group community leaders name was Ernesto and be was probably in his 60s and was very good at laying concrete and giving us tasks to do. When we first got there we went to Ernesto's house to this 7 foot deep 3 ft hole in the ground. After filling the hole with rocks we shoveled dirt on top and around this black filtration pipe. We then made the framework for laying the cement while some other team members were mixing cement. I layered the wet cement and placed the bricks on it making sure that the foundation was level. After lunch we returned to work only for a little bit of time then it started to rain which is when we packed up on buses and went beck to Estelimar. I thoroughly enjoyed serving by putting my hands to work and physically building a practical structure that will benefit these poor people. I think back to all I have access to on the states and realize how blessed I am to be in the family I am part of and have the freedom and opportunity to study and go further than my parents could ever dream of. Last night right before dinner Chris and I were talking with some girls from Wake-Forrest University and we fed off each other as we defended the wrong perceptions and worldview they had about the church, it was good to explain to them the difference between true religion and nominal Christians. I love all the opportunities I have to talk to people everyday and it never gets old, even if I'm not necessarily always speaking he gospel. I love our group, I feel like we are family, we are so close and everyone seems to like each other, sure there are some that are a bit withdrawn but overall we know how to have a good time interacting with each other. Last night we played charades and had fun time, I like the dynamic of the group.