The following entry was contributed by Global Village team members.
Day 6 started out a bit differently than previous days. Cloudy with a chance of noise from the start. Day 5 really did not have an end, as the day actually came to a close well into day 6 carried by song, debate and more debate. We are now understanding the emphasis on the need for ear plugs. Nothing to do with site safety - all to do with habitat sanity for all non-debaters.
The start of the the day came to be a premonition of the day ahead. Turns out the forest does go to sleep. The silence is deep, almost like a sound proof room. It rained off and on throughout the night. So much for the dry season. Remember that rooster. It must of gotten promoted, as it had to wake up the forest, as well as the farm and some of us not wearing those ear plugs at 4:46am. Well, we learned the forest, like us, must have "snooze mode", as it did not come alive until 5:10am.
As we began to collect for morning coffee, it was evident the heat, the build activities, the football and after hour extra curricular activities and general lack of sleep was having an effect on the team. Bloodshot eyes have now become the new normal. The hardy breakfast and more coffee brought the team spirit back to life. What began as a pilot light started by our high charged local team soon grew to a full fledged bright high spirited fired up team, ready for all the new day had to offer.
Our 7:17am Tico time arrival at the build site was the latest yet. We were greeted by smiles, a team stretch, back rub and overview for the day quickly followed. We broke up into teams who would be “frosting the cake” (thank you Gloriana), and landscaping. Amazing how fast those picks and shovels were claimed. All quickly set about there chosen tasks for the day. The frosting was flying but we did notice the pick and shovel crews seemed to have lost a step or two compared to past days. No correlation between solving ALL the WORLDS PROBLEMS in last night's “debate” and “pick pace” – NOT! None the less, our labor of love continued. Promotions and at least one job offer came from our site leads. They appeared sincere and sure hit a sweet spot. A sense of pride and accomplishment measured by smiles was shared by all.
Our crews were clearly driven, knowing this was the last build day and a shortened one at that. We could see puzzled looks on our local leaders faces as they called for break and everyone seemed to just keep focused on their task. They came to better understand just how much we wanted to make a positive difference. Little did we know how much we already had. Our morning was capped off by the visit of a very colorful Toucan which was foreshadowing of the afternoons activities to come. The end of the build day came quickly and far to soon for all. Again we were cajoled into putting our tools down, to be collected and cleaned. It was now time to say adios and muchas gracias to Marco, Eliseanio and Claudio and their families. With hands on home one, a blessing was said for the volunteers who came before and the many who will follow to join the local Habitat and build site leaders to build these homes, to form stronger communities and create hope - especially for the children. Some of us just couldn’t pass by the kiosk across the way without buying an ice cream treat before lunch – what would our mothers say! Another wonderful lunch was prepared and served by the Women’s Association.
A rather somber ceremony placed Piedra Rock, who had been tattooed with each team members mark, to a very fitting resting place at the Association Center to hopefully be found and adopted by the TCHFH team coming in a couple of weeks.
We loaded onto to the bus for what we were told would be a Tico 10 minute ride to the local grade school for our special activities. To our surprise we were there in 5 minutes or less, blowing the thought that maybe we were starting to understand tico thinking. What lay ahead was a very special surprise filled afternoon.
After assembling in the schoolhouse we were asked to close our eyes for a special surprise. Upon opening them, we were greeted by a most colorful assembly of children dressed in local celebratory dress. It made the morning's Toucan look rather dull in comparison. But the most special part was the look of childhood innocence seen on each of those tiny smiling faces as they danced with delight. Little did we know we were next. Handkeys in hand for the guys and colorful skirts for the ladies were donned. The traditional music started and we were off led in dance and smiles by our new teachers. They make it look so easy- exhausting but exhilarating- is the reality. Next it was a “game” of Pato - Pato – Gonzo. (Not the Muppet character but equally entertaining). The game of Duck – Duck - Goose reminded us some games know no borders or age brackets and are enjoyed universally. Hold on there’s more! Another pick up game of football followed. Sides were quickly chosen and what ensued looked more like chaos theory in action. We were given another lesson of the benefits of learning foot, head and body moves about the same time one learns to walk. Not really sure of final score but again a lot of smiles were shared by young and old alike. While some were at play others learned and helped make cheese empanadas. Hold on - one more treat before partaking in the local cuisine. Watching the children attach a pinata with “mucho gusto”. Success yielded the candy and confetti filling. The ensuing candy scramble was so tempting, Roger was compelled to jump in. We had to make sure he left some candy for the little ones much to his chagrin. The many products and bye products of sugar cane were explained and then tasted first hand. The still warm empanadas accompanied fruit, cake and coffee. Oh did I mention they served coffee?! Appreciative thanks and goodbyes were shared among young and old as we loaded the buss for the ride back to our temporary home.
The bus was uncharacteristically quiet as we tiredly reflected on the days build and special events. Then balloons mysteriously (David your bad) appeared and began to fly wildly about the bus. The true child in all of us was soon evident throughout as a raucous balloon free for all generated hoots, hollers and lots of laughs carried us all the way to Asopola.
The early-ish arrival left time for respite and personal maintenance. We have learned some are higher maintenance than others. Judging from the various sounds coming from the showers, they were not equally enjoyed (brrrrrrrr), but much in need. Thank you.
Before we knew it dinner was on. Costagetti – Costa Rican Spaghetti Bolenese, still trying to decipher the various herbs and seasonings, but again like all past meals – delicious.
Music, discussions, dancing followed and again carried well into the new day this time. This time interestingly no debates, no politics, just deep felt joy, laughter and camaraderie from the wonderful friendships built over the week.
Each came for reasons of their own to build. Little did we know that in addition to homes we were building bridges: to new lives, to new friendships, to better understanding of ourselves and others and to new hope for all who have touch or been touched by this build!
Pura Vita!!!!
Que me diche? Mae (What’s up? Dude)
-Lou & Kathy Cristan
Becky Engen
Becky Engen : 9:21 AM on February 27, 2014
