Day 4... Adios La Carpio

Written by: Alex Guy

Today was the most unique day yet. This morning, we left for La Carpio for the second and last time. Today's work was continued We continued loading the cement maker, transporting cement with old wheel barrels, and becoming more exhausted. There was still a lot of work to be finished from yesterday. So as soon as I walked up, Alfredo said "grab that wheel barrel and take it back to the ally". Tha's when i knew it was going to be a long day. So throughout the morning, I worked extremley hard and I gained several blisters to prove it.

I was very glad to help the community. For some reason, I get a wierd satisfaction out of working hard and, today, i got that satisfactions. After our lunch break, Alfredo told us that the electricity was out which meant the cement mixer couldnt be used which meant we couldnt finish our work. So we relaxed for a good part of the afternoon.

What I loved was the fact that we had a meeting with the community leaders  and we discussed with them what we saw in their community and they graciously thanked us all for helping them. Then they brought out two cakes for us and some bottles of coke. I was so happy and so shocked that they appreciated our work that much. It was an amazing experience to have that many people, who have so little, be that gracious and thankful for only ab out 10 or so hours of work. It was a blessing to help that community for too many resasons too count.

After our little social event, our groupd started walking back to the vans with our stuff. On our way, all the children that we played soccer with or interacted with came to say goodbye. That was the sadest/happiest time of the day. Some of the younger boys started to try and be tough with me by putting their chest out and walking up on me. I started to laugh and push back a little. Then I their whole gang came over and tried to shove me around. Some of them jumped on me. I just messed around with them for a little while. It was definately a good time though. I gave all the kids a hugh goodbye and as we left, they all had smiles on their faces. It was an amazing image that I won't forget.