Blog 3

Day 3 – El Obraje

Today marked our first full day of hands-on service work, and we truly sunk our teeth into it. We divided into three teams and partnered with local residents to build pilas (water basins) for families in need. By the end of the day, each group had completed several layers of brick and cement.

It was humbling to see how resourceful the local people are, especially when compared to the conveniences we take for granted back home in the United States. We sifted sand to separate out rocks, mixed the sand and cement by hand using shovels until it reached the right consistency, and then hauled it in wheelbarrows to secure the bricks in place.

After lunch, we returned to the church to prepare for Vacation Bible School. Around 50 children showed up today, and even more are expected tomorrow. Their energy, warmth, and smiles made an immediate impression on all of us, and it didn’t take long to form a bond with them.

Tomorrow we’ll continue the same tasks, aiming to complete eight layers of brick and concrete for each pila. We’re discovering skills we never knew we had. Though everyone is tired, the anticipation of making more progress—and seeing even more children—has us all eager to start again in the morning.