Boy did we work! It is fair to say that we really didn’t know what we were getting into generally, but it was in spades on this day. The building was looking like a wreck when we arrived. Local skilled carpenters (paid) worked on the roof structure, while we were assigned to prep the floor. So, what is this you ask? First, we leveled the mud that had been scraped off the inside walls or been dug out to make adobe for the wall height raising. Next we stood rocks on end on top of the mud to take up about 6” of space between the mud level and eventual floor level. This was a butt-kicker, because rocks had to be brought from all parts of the school compound in quantity, broken into the right size pieces, and stood vertically on the mud to provide under-floor drainage. Seemingly endless, heavy lift-and-carry that left us exhausted. The one thing that kept us going was the 100 pound local guy that was busting up a concrete pile and large river rocks with a sledge hammer. Miraculously, we finished the floor prep in both rooms with local peoples’ help.
Notable also this day were the numerous opinions that came from local people on how to position the rocks properly. We were eager to please, so we did, then redid the work as various and sundry kibitzers passed through.
Carpenters worked all day but make little visible progress. We are all anxious to see the roof go up and expect to be involved in its construction.
Stickers are a hit with the kids, foretelling more interaction in the future with us.
