Today was the last work day. We began by spreading stucco on the outside of the house. It was a monotonous job saved for the skilled laborers. We spent the morning mixing cement, filling and dumping the buckets and "cleaning" the streets in front of the home. The corner was filled with children when we arrived...no school. Carnival begins Sunday, the 26th and runs through Tuesday. They were given the day off. We were informed that it was going to be a crazy day. I gave it my all from 8-11. Then, I had a mouse freak my freak as I was moving rocks ( I jumped vertically, cat-like and screamed). The observers pointed and laughed. I'm pretty sure at that point is when I decided to play with the kids.
A group shot with the new home owners
Some of my faves...
It was apparent that the kids knew that our time in their community was coming to a close. They were at our gate at the crack of dawn. They pointed to their stomachs, tugged at their shirts, lifted their feet to show their battered shoes ( Carm, both the new Ahnu and Nike shoes you got for me? Gone). The two kids that I grew extremely close to during the week were very clingy today. Needless to say, my suitcase is close to empty. I don't have shoes to wear in Pittsburgh. Flip flops in February? Things could be worse. Much worse.
Morning, noon, and night...every, single day
We finished work at noon, walked through the new market due to open in the summer, and headed back home for the night. As we arrived home, Carnival had begun. We went into the streets and observed the creative costumes made from newspaper, plastic, and whatever else was available. The music blared from huge speakers set atop moving trucks. It was definitely festive. Somewhat chaotic.
After watching the parade for a bit, our team entered back through the gates and scattered, probably looking for their own quiet, reflection time.
King and Queen of Carnaval Parade
Many creative costumes
Smiles were everywhere
Esther and a red...
It was nice to have an hour to myself, with my own thoughts. At dinner, we hosted the family who were to be the recipients of the home we built. On the menu? Hot chicken legs, goat kabobs, potatoes, pasta with ketchup sauce, and RICE AND BEANS! It was a bittersweet night. We ate in the courtyard with our team, the host family, the guards, and the house recipients. It was a breezy night. Our music was playing, people were talking and laughing, and the food was plentiful. As I zoned in and out, I gazed up at the stars, looking right and left. As I did, my eyes scanned the gate noticing many hungry children that stood vigil there all week. I normally go back for seconds. Not tonight.
Machetes, saws and hammers werent a problem. Sutter home caps? Watch Out!
We finished work at noon, walked through the new market due to open in the summer, and headed back home for the night. As we arrived home, Carnival had begun. We went into the streets and observed the creative costumes made from newspaper, plastic, and whatever else was available. The music blared from huge speakers set atop moving trucks. It was definitely festive. Somewhat chaotic.
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