Costa Rica Day 5

Again, the same beginning as yesterday...up at 6:30 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m.

Breakfast: cereal, rice, sausage, plantains, coffee

Began work by planning out what we expected to accomplish. The decision was to place rebar forms into place in the trench and then mix the concrete to pour into the trench. Almost all of our group was involved in the mixing,k while a few were still working on the mural. We were able to complete about 1/2 of the trench before lunch. I was working as the "foreman", moving the concrete about in order to have a level surface. Our contractor, Marvin, was trying very hard to complete many things at once, but all the while letting us help. He is doing a great job trying to use our language when teaching us how to do something.

We took a break for lunch again at the Parish House and when we arrived some of the neighborhood women were finishing their sewing projects so we were able to see what they have completed. They all seemed excited to share the clothes they made, as well as the jewelry that they also made with Suzanne from our group.

Lunch: beef fajitas, rice, black beans, salad, warm potato salad, fresh squeezed orange juice

After a somewhat quick lunch we were back to work, mixing concrete and me back to working it around in the trench. Low and behold a huge thunderstorm came along with a huge downpour. As soon as it began we were afraid what would happen to the fresh cement.

As it continued to rain, we became disappointed at the fact that our trench was now a moat! Since the rain was coming down so hard we all worked in the Sunday school building (the one made of concrete and chain link fence) mixing concrete that would be used to build up the back wall. After one layer was completed it was about time to clean up for the day.
The rain was still coming down, but only a drizzle.

We loaded up the bus and headed back to the hotel. After showering away the dirt, sweat and concrete off, I sat down at the pool with the adults and played the Tabletopics game. Dinner was ready early so we only played a few questions.

Dinner: fried fish, rice, black beans, zucchini, salad and some dense fudge/cake piece

After dinner the youth led the compline service, then broke to do their own seperate POW's and WOW's. My POW was watching the trench flood and my WOW was seeing everyone try and work together during the rain to complete as much as we could as a whole.