Sorting Day

I apologize for not getting the usual blog up last night. Thanks for Francis with help from other members for covering for me last night. I was so totally exhausted after all that has been happening over the last few weeks and the long day yesterday that I crawled into my bed at the first opportunity. 

It’s hard to believe that rising at 2 a.m., sitting all day in an airplane, trekking through airports, standing in long lines, and setting up our compound could be so tiring!

We began today with a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, ham, fruit, juice, and coffee after jumping out of bed at 6 a.m. All missioners claimed they’d slept well and were ready to go to work. Breakfast dishes were soon washed and dried and the real work began.

View of sorting from the loft bedroom

One crew emptied bags and began the sorting process in the library. Materials that were thrown into the black duffle bags this past Sunday, had to be separated again. That will make the filling of the families’ gift bags much easier a bit later in the mission trip. Just above the missioners you’ll notice the “loft” sleeping area. The girls are enjoying that sleeping area. I told them loft rooms in New York City would be fetching a large price so they should feel pretty special.

The other mission team members are working outdoors sorting the wood for the three homes, the picnic tables, and the bunk beds. Once the wood has been sorted, the crew leaders will inspect the work sites. The work crews for today are assigned; the English teaching crew is just about to begin. After all wood is sorted, we’ll begin working on the first bunk bed. A bit later this morning we’ll transport wood to the house sites and those crews will begin building the homes.

Children being led to class

Last night Paola and her younger brother stopped to give all the missioners a hug and to thank them in advance for the house her family is going to be living inside by March 27. She told us that her birthday is Saturday and her older brother’s birthday is Tuesday. They believe this house is the best birthday gift they have ever or will ever receive. They are more than excited!

Sorting house wood

All missioners are doing well – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Alissa, Josie said she was missing her mom until she was group hugged by lots of students last night. I guess it takes a whole group of hugs to replace a mom’s hug!

Greetings to all of our family members from all of us. As the mission progresses I plan to have various members send messages to you. It will allow you to get different viewpoints of what is occurring in our lives.

Sorting picnic table and bunk bed wood

Thanks for the powerful Send-Off Service. It was mentioned more than once at last night’s junta (our nightly chance to share thoughts and feelings). We are keeping you in our prayers as we know you are all keeping us.

To my sister Connie – I’m totally impressed. I would never have dreamt that you’d be one of the first comments on the blog. THANKS so much for keeping me posted on Mom while I’m away. I’ve got the “Mom” coverage schedule with me so I know who’s there at all times.

Adios for now!