Moved a mountain, Built a House

     Yesterday, we moved a mountain, built a house, and Diego got struck by lightening. Just kidding, kind of. After our classic meal of oatmeal and beans (which, contrary to some team members, I don't recommend mixing), we walked to a nearby farm for our first assignment. Our job was to help clear  rocks and level off some of the land so that they could build a road up the hill to the coffee washer. With our combined team effort, including some rock-breaking skills from Stuart and Miguel and the master of the wheelbarrow Katie Pierson, we made a fairly good dent in the work. It seemed though that whenever we moved one rock, it was only to discover another one underneath. The Guatemalan workers seemed to be able to break the rocks effortlessly with one little tap on their metal pole or pick axe-with all their experience they had a better idea of the rocks cleaving points.

     After, we went back more than ready for lunch, which was delicious as usual. Then, we returned to the housing project we worked on the previous day and worked on building columns for reinforced concrete. On the way back, we decided we needed some ice cream. I'm definitely going to miss pina colada ice cream, and the prices, when we go home.
     My dinner was highlighted by more amazing bread. I honestly could not tell you what was in it -  maybe bananas or apricots, but it was pretty darn good. Lucky for team FU, it was our turn to wash dishes when the thunderstorm struck. Those of us not washing dishes ran back and took cover to watch the storm from our porch. Then we watched as dishwashers David, Maddy, and Margaret jumped out of their tuk-tuk (a little three-wheel taxi) and ran for cover. I think their adrenaline is still going. The survivors were treated with praise and even free massages as we spent the rest of the night relaxing on the porch.

Until manana...

Susan Bitetti