Workday Monday February 2, 2009

Monday, February 2, 2009

Buenas Dias from San Fernando!

We were back on site early this morning even though many of us were up past midnight because of our travels to Curico.

The project has moved from "deconstruction" to "construction" as we have sufficiently cleared the ceiling of the "sheetrock" boards and nails. (As well as some other things which you might find but no need to mention in an old dusty attic.) The other project of lifting the roof is done. If there was a "Missionary of the Day" award, which there isn't, it would go to Carl Sandlin. He is using his talents as an engineer very well. Carl has not only designed a plan to put up the new floor/ceiling, he is leading the process. This is "grunt" work. Carl has to position himself near the top of a ladder, but mindful of not hitting his head on the roof which has nails protruding downward. If that's not enough, the space to operate is extremely limited. Carl has had the patience and the determination to work under these most difficult conditions along with Chris Archer, Bill Bailey and Bob Lassalle. Some of the most challenging work was done today, it is hoped the "framing" work will be a little faster tomorrow.

One of the wonderful parts of mission trips is to introduce people with skills they have never known, and today was an excellent example. Team leader Beth Dudley and Ann Allen each had turns with the power saw as we had to cut the joists to their proper length. It is wonderful to see each enjoy themselves as they expanded their horizons and their skill level. Ann also hammered the joists together, considering the nails are four inches in length, and not of the highest quality, that too was a chore. Speaking of Ann she has picked up several nicknames on the trip. As the first aid person, some of the women have dubbed her "Advil Ann" for having the right pharmaceutical to easy some of our aching joints. I myself dubbed her "Alka Seltzer" Ann as it is true in Chile as with pretty much all Latin countries, "Don't drink the water!," don't even put ice cubes in your soft drink.

I was happy to note that one of the people commenting on the blog was Jean Paul, the gentleman who has pretty much adopted us while we are here. Jean Paul has been a Godsend, helping Bob this morning with money changing as two of the banks would not change our currency. He also has assisted us with supplies, like finding us drill bits and other specific needs which occur on a trip such as this. Tonight he spent some time with us at dinner telling us about his travels as a foreign exchange student in Springfield, Missouri. Jean Paul speaks perfect english telling us he works for a division of the old Sutherland Lumber chain in the USA. Sutherland has had many names including Payless Cashways which some Houstonians might remember before there were "Builders Squares" and "Home Depots." He has really come to our aid, and has enjoyed our company as well.

Three of the team members, Kay Kelley, Susan Patterson and Julie Bailey left along with Nydia to go to Curico for a sewing mission project. Their project had to start late since many of the women they will be assisting work during the day. As mentioned in a pervious blog, Curico is about 50 kilometers to the south and they haven't returned yet. When I hear from them I will pass on their impressions in tomorrow's blog.