The jobs we've had to complete for these various projects have been strenuous yet fulfilling. We have had to shovel twenty-four wheelbarrows of sand at a time, carry numerous buckets of water, move six fifty kilogram bags of cement, then mix it all together into cement for the classrooms. We also have hacked away the old floor by hand in order to replace it with the new, we've dug holes with various large tools (pick axes, iron rods, etc.), and designed and painted the mural (a picture of which will be posted when it is finished if the chance arises).
Throughout the service project we've been up against constant obstacles that we have successfully overcome one by one. There have been inconveniences like water troubles when we needed to mix cement. The biggest obstacles however have been losing steam, fatigue, and temperatures as high as 98 degrees. However, we have pushed on through with great success.
The most exciting news that comes out of all of this is that today we finished laying the cement in the classrooms, and have dug sixty holes for trees to add to the ones left by our predecessors at Ensworth. We have also made great friends with the Masai workers who work alongside us all day. They are great group of guys who have made us feel very welcome and have taught us a lot about the culture and language of the Masai. We have gained a new found respect for manual labor and the fruits that can be born from it. As well as a respect for the showers that we are lucky enough to have here. And most importantly an even greater appreciation for the smiles of children.
Your reporters signing off,
Sage and Alex
You are all doing important work. Glad to hear you're overcoming the obstacles.
ReplyDeleteSagie-girl ... After this cleaning your room will be a breeze!! It all sounds wonderful - back breaking and all the more rewarding. There's nothing quite like extending yourself to benefit others. I am thrilled for you! You'll be home before you know it with just enough time to rest up before we visit Maddie at camp. Love you! Miss you! See you soon!
ReplyDeleteThe work you guys are doing is so great! I am sure those kids are super happy to get the color "blue" painted on their school! Mixing cement is not fun and very messy! K maybe now you can help me build the vegetable garden in montauk next year! It was super hot in here this weekend. Pop came to visit and I spent a lot of time at the beach with gigi and frannielicious...Everyone in montauk is asking how you are and if I heard from you, they all think its super cool to be doing what you are doing. Love you, miss you, see you very soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful updates. We were feeling limp from our high in the 90's today - but in comparison... Having been a landscaper I know how a sledge hammer in high temps makes you feel a bit woozy. Stay strong and keep these wonderful posts coming. (Tess, we love you. Kisses and hugs, mom and dad.)
ReplyDeleteYou all should be so proud --and humbled by the graciousness of your hosts and co- laborers. Alex, everyone here is asking for you-- Lisa, Linda my co-workers. I can tell even Ace is wondering where you are. We had a nice b-day dinner with Nick and Catherine, who, of course, wanted an update on your trip. We went to the Yankee game and left early. Too slow, too hot. They won but we weren't there to see it. Stay hydrated(I hope you took your Mefloquin,:) So glad you're healthy, sane and happy. Regards to Brandon and Jessica. Love you and miss you. Mom(and Dad)and Ace.
ReplyDeleteYou all have accomplished so much in such a short time. It seems like you just left. Anna, I am not surprised to see you working on the painting. Will there be handprints? We search the blog everyday looking for updates, news and photos. It is wonderful, please keep them coming. We also hope you will have tons of photos to share when you get home. See you really soon. Lots of love, Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteWe're all very proud of you and can't wait to hear all about your experience. Marilyn, Christina picked the cake up the very next day, Tuesday, and I'm sure it was very delicious. Love, Mom.
ReplyDeleteAlex!! Awesome update! I'm bursting with pride at what you and your group are accomplishing. I can only imagine how gratifying it must be to be getting so much done, and getting to know everyone, as you are. Kudos to all. Cannot wait to see you, hear your stories, and give you a big hug!!
ReplyDeleteTake care. Love, Aunt K & co.
Gilly: everyone here agog with your adventures (look it up). Willa is minus two wisdom teeth and snoozing drugily in her room with Scout. Emma very lonely in Brooklyn with only Mel and the painters to keep her company. Dad in LA saving Toyota. I'm mashing sweet potatoes and making mango smoothies for the toothless one. Read Sapolsky's A Primate's Memoir yesterday and loved it--what a wonderland you're in!
ReplyDeleteHey Laura (mama) it's Kassandra. Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun, I am too! You probably wouldn't believe half the stuff I've been doing. I miss you guys so much! I was wondering, because Julie hasn't heard anything from her dad yet, if you could email Paul Rephen and ask him to look at the blog and comment something. She's feeling homesick and would love to hear from him. I think you have his email but just in case here it is: prephen@law.nyc.gov
ReplyDeleteLove and miss you!!!