We split into two work groups today. This post is from the group that included Mr. Kilroy, James Shovlin, James Kuklinski, Kevin Cunningham, Alex Diaz, and Kyle Robinson.
Today we woke up at about 6:15 a.m. We were sort of reluctant to wake up so early but were much perkier after breakfast. We met the other volunteering school here as well. They are from Wisconsin(Marquette University High School - another Jesuit school) and are very nice. This was our first day of actual volunteer work. We took Ecuadorian public transportation on our way to our job sites. We were a little nervous due to the rumors of "pick-pocketers." The bus took us to our job sites and we began what would be a very tiring day.
When arriving at the house, we were very surprised. We saw a little cinder-block house that housed 11 people. Our job for the day was to do repair work on the house. The house was built into the landscape and our first task was to expand the back yard. To do this, we had to shovel out mounds and mounds of dirt. The dirt was later used for filling a large hole that will later support an additional room on the house. Next, we moved a large mound of gravel and rocks from the front of the house to the roof of the house. This took about three hours. This was a hard day of work for everyone. It involved a lot of lifting, shoveling, and the use of a pick-ax.
After the work was done, we were surprised when the people living in the house made a huge meal for us. It consisted of chicken, rice, potatoes, and beans. It was the best food some of us have had in our few days in Ecuador. We had a lot of fun attempting to communicate with the natives. They made many jokes with us and were very interested in our culture. They were so greatful of our help. WE were all very happy helping them as well and we believe we also got something special out of meeting these and having this experience.
-Kevin Cunningham and James Shovlin
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2 comments:
Yo it seems like you guys are having a good time down there. It certainly looks more interesting than whats going on around here. You would be surprised at how quickly playing frisbee and going to grad parties everyday can get boring. I hope youre all having a good time and i look forward to seeing you guys when you get back. And tell James that there is a possibility that i have acquired a picture of him dressed up like a turtle.
-Colin
Thanks for the reflection. It sounds like an excellent day -- and you learned the important lesson that everyone has something to give and something to receive-- besides giving of your labor and care you received care in return through food, laughter and communication. Reciprocity (a good anthropological term and ultimately what brings societies together and holds them) is what it's all about. Teach something and learn something. Give something and receive something.
I'm really glad that the prep students, including my nephew James, have the golden opportunity to engage in such an important. Venture. It cannot not be anything but life changing - -both for yourselves and for the people you encounter!
Fr. Ray Bucko, S.J. (72)
Plainview, South Dakota
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