We are working hard. We make bucket brigades and carry cement blocks or buckets of cement or buckets of mortar. It is hard for me to lift any of those but everyone does it. The Mexican women get in the lines and help us. The Mexicans don't wear hats or gloves and the wear flip flops or sandals, no boots. The Mexican women can carry two of the cement blocks at a time.
They had a "cultural ceremony" for us one day after work. They cooked ceviche for us which was delicious. They also had cold drinks and tortillas they made that morning. They showed us how they weave mats and make religious decorations out of wheat. They encouraged us to try it. They gave each one of us a hot plate mat and religious decoration. They were very proud of their skills and their articles.
The foundation for the house was already dug but we put cement blocks in the ground about 6 feet deep, put rebar columns at each corner of each room of the house, and filled the columns with cement. The houses are 3 rooms: one bedroom for everyone in family, one bathroom, one living area. The kitchen is outside and clothes washing is done outside. They all have sweat houses like the native Americans have.
Then shovel by shovel we filled in the foundation with the dirt they had dug out for two full days using the brigade method again. Then by chance we discovered we could rent a back hoe for $40 for one hour. We rapidly collected enough money and the backhoe appeared within a half hour! We cheered!
One man owns his own construction business in Florida. One of the homes was completed but couldn't be used because there was no electricity. So the Florida man worked two days wiring the home. I worked as his gofer and got to know Floraberta, who is the owner. Beautiful woman. 40 years old, no children, not married. We didn't hear her story but know it is interesting,
The night before our last work day we went to great restaurant on hill over looking city. Had a great time. But I got sick and two of the men got sick and we all missed the last day of work. Two of us had shrimp but the other had steak. Feeling better today but we missed the final day and closing ceremonies.
For the closing ceremony the Mexicans fed everybody again and gave everyone presents with our names on them: pottery and bracelets. F said it was wonderful and he cried. He said they were so grateful. It was a wonderful experience. I always feel like I get so much more than they do.
We are now in Puerto Villarta for the night. We stopped in Sayulita for lunch. Both places are very tourists but beautiful. Sayulita was packed with spring breakers and people there for surf contest. Puerto Villarta is huge and has both poverty and gorgeous homes and shops. F had to convince hotel Cloud was gentle and quiet to get him in.
Sent from my iPhone -
Sharon Adair Winslow
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