Just like every other day for the last week, we woke up to the un-harmonic clanging of the churchbells (who gave this guy the job of ringing the bells, sweet lord he needed to go to church ringing school). But unlike the other days, we knew this was going to be the last day of our build and our time with the family. Thus sadness settled in amongst us as we talked about it around the breakfast table. We discussed what the week of the build had meant to each of us, slightly happy to not be on the 30 lb bucket brigade any longer, but also slightly sad to know that we would not be walking in through the metal corrugated door any more saying our "buenas dias" to the family.
With these thoughts rolling through our heads we all probably took in the sites a little bit longer as we drove through the town, saying "adios" to everyone we passed on our way to the home.
Everything looked so different as we pushed open the door; no more piles of sand or rock, no more scalfolding that we used to sit and eat our lunch on. But there was a 4-sided structure that was at least 6 feet tall complete with a cement floor. And Hugo, the father, with a proud smile on his face knowing that today would include a paint job and a roof and then viola...a complete house.
Mostly our job was to paint. Two of us on each side, Don and I continuing our week-long tradition of Team Jovag and Hamlin and Lorin and Jeanne on the other wall. We started inside with the color of sky blue, picked by the mom Margarita. As we started the paint process, and got about a wall plus done I realized something was missing...the kids...thus I called over Manuel, handed him a brush and gave him some simple instruction about painting. He was beyond ecstatic and when I asked him if he was happy to be helping he nodded his head with the biggest smile on his face and gave up any element of being shy and not trusting me. Slowly Michelle came over and giving her the same instruction and sitting with them to guide them we continued our painting. They getting all the spots below me, and beyond getting colored blue, they were having the time of their lives.
This continued the rest of the day and happily I can say that Manuel never stopped painting until we were finished. At some point Michelle was taken in for a round of clean-up which brought on some tears as it meant she wasnt allowed back to help. I can also say that those once-shy kids were now considering me a little like a surrogate mom, looking up at me to make sure they were doing things "right".
Finally the roof was on, the painting done, both metal window and door were installed and tools were cleaned up.
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This was what I think we all dreaded. The end. A small group had gathered to have a final gathering and exchange of the keys to the new house. Oscar, the director, and Joe, the founder of the program, came with others to speak to all of us and have a little ceremony. They began by explaining to the family why we were there; to help them have a healthier, happier life (all in Spanish). Many times the family, who stood very humbled, would look at us and exclaim "gracias" or "dios" or other words of gratitude. By the end, I think all of us felt emotional and were only so happy to hand over the keys, George kissing them with blessing before handing them to Hugo. And then the hugs, and kisses and goodbyes. But not before I was called in to the house as Isais and Abei told us that the family had a gift.
Handmade bags. Or bolsas for all of us.
It was the sweetest sentiment this family could give.
(family and build team)
I will always think of them. And as the door closed behind us Lorin and I took off our work shoes and left them at the front door hoping that they can find some use for them, along with the work gloves and clothes left behind. Or, at least have some rememberance of us.
Id like to think Ill see them again one day, and who knows....
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