Si or No?

NOTE: Unfortunately we were without internet yesterday (Thursday, March 27th) so this post is appearing a day after it was written.

Today is the day where "excited to see our friends and families back home" collides with "getting sad to leave our new friends, families and the work we were only able to begin" behind.

The day began with all of us a little too full from the night before at the tremendous dinner we shared at La Hacienda! Some of us fought off our stomachs aches a little better that others ;) Guillermo wasn't having it!! I sure wish I could come back in a month to meet that little fellow! Last night's dinner was very entertaining as we got to go around the table announcing the 3 new Spanish words that we learned for the day. "Que Pex" was the hit, a slang phrase for "what's up?" that translates into something a tad more vulger!

Today's work day began with Gaby announcing that there was a ZERO percent chance of rain, meaning "it's gonna be a scorcher!" It was a full day of "mescla" pyramids and block brigades! Teamwork was everywhere and a visit from Transito and his middle boy, Charlie proved to be a high point! Those that were on the trip last year had a great time catching up with Charlie, now 13 years old and back in school with his dreams of being an architect still flying high!

The highlight of the day for me came at the end of the work day with us presenting our gifts to Nedi and Marvin (our project's Mason and his helper). A new hammer for each that we picked up at the local hardware store and a pair of work gloves. The joy on their faces followed by watching them try on their gloves immediately reminded me that the impact we are having here ripples out much beyond the family we are building for!

The day winded down with a trip to the hammock bar where we celebrated our successful work day over some cold Salva Vidas or Coca-colas depending on your preference! Dinners highlight for me was our nightly round of "high/low" and hearing Suzy's emotional "high" explaining to us the difference we have made in her life during this week!

Today, today was a good day!! Si or No?

~ "El Chiki" Antonio