Hola Mis Amigos!

Today is our third day in Piura and needless to say it was a tough building day. My group was assigned to laying cement in Luis' home. I built the home yesterday and I was one of the lucky few who got to complete an entire home. Therefore, when I arrived on the work site today I was greeted with familiar faces. Laying concrete is especially difficult compared to building the actual house. The lifting involved is back breaking. My group struggled to make it to lunch and had to take it one wheel barrel at a time. However, lunch rejuvenated our bodies and minds and we returned with much enthusiasm. We completed the flooring with the help of another group and rejoiced when it was finally completed! Although we spent the majority of the day working hard, we also had the opportunity to visit and play with the neighborhood children. I was lucky enough to be the translator for my team and I communicated effectively with most of the children. Their cute faces are so sincere and they truly appreciate our presence and work. One little boy followed me around for about an hour and continually handed me the tools I needed and helped me carry the buckets of water. Although he initially did not want to introduce himself he later told me his name was Javier. After he became comfortable around us, he would not let us go and it was a challenge to get him off the truck when we were trying to leave. The children in Peru are so appreciative and inspiring. They remind me to enjoy life and perservere when faced with challenges. Hasta Luego! Lauren Rimsza