He looks innocent enough when he sleeps during the day. Maybe that's why he's the nighttime barker we all wanted to shoot.
March 9, 2010
La escuela is being completely rennovated, and it includes a painting from top to bottom.
Our American sense of order and routine keeps slipping in. We are used to working to a prescribed schedule, doing tasks the way we’ve been instructed. We have a set of expectations about what the job is we’re supposed to accomplish. Yes, that’s an American way of looking at things, but that’s not necessarily one that is adhered to in Costa Rica, and certainly not at Roblealto.
For example, when we arrived on Saturday we were told we would eat with our house families every other night. By Sunday afternoon that had changed back to every night. Then today, mid afternoon, a cook arrived at Bonanza House and began making a delicious smelling meal. All of us were salivating – not that the House family food isn’t good. We were told that we
Kathleen was an awesome fire tender, throwing away wood items and making sure the fire kept under control.
wouldn’t be eating with our families tonight, and we all settled into that reality quite nicely. Then around 4:30 pm we were told it was all a mistake and the house mothers would be preparing dinner as usual. The meal the cook had already made would be divided among the houses. Unfortunately, not all of the house mothers got the message and so were mildly surprised to see their volunteers appear on their doorstep at 6 pm as usual! Of course, it all worked out well because….routine oriented or not, we Americans are flexible.
Ron had his own throne to watch the fire at the demo site.
Which is a good thing on the job site, too, where tasks might change at a moment’s notice. The painting team is still prepping walls: washing them down, spackling, sanding and taping. On Monday we were told to expect to paint by Wednesday, and that we wouldn’t be doing the ceiling. At 2:30 pm today, after prepping 4 rooms, Ricardo the site foreman said we could not begin painting! We declined to start the project that late in the day because 3:30 pm starts the various sports programs and that’s one of the important interactions that Roblealto wants us volunteers to participate in. By evening, we were told that
Tired as they were, the guys couldn't be kept away from playing baseball.
it will be ceilings for us on Wednesday. It’s okay. We’re adaptable.
The demolition project continues to be among the most physical that Roblealto teams have encountered over the years. Sledge hammering, sawing, prying, hauling, tearing apart – there aren’t enough verbs to describe all the nuances of tearing apart a house from the inside out. The proper permits didn’t come through on time to deconstruct the outside walls and roof, so the team is taking apart everything it can that doesn’t include foundation beams. Richard is making sure of that. While the work is hard – and there isn’t one person who isn’t tired at the end of the day – the comradery and fun is inspirational. Everyone looks out for each other; it’s teamwork at its best. The Roblealto staff complimented our WC Pres team by saying we are only one of two churches that they would allow to work the demolition; and we’re among the few volunteer teams whose women can wield power tools! (A little aside here about women in Costa Rica: Monday was International Women’s Day and everybody at Roblealto wore large badges commemorating the day. It was heartening to see the young boys and girls wearing the badges and learning about the importance of supporting/valuing women – a big topic at Roblealto.)
A highlight of the trip was the interaction during craft day: the house mothers were "blown away" at the gift of sewing machines and the pillows they got to make.
A highlight today was the interaction between the house mothers and the crafts team. Lizzie, the Roblealto translator, was busy interpreting the instructions for how to use the sewing machines, how to sew together the colored patches into pillows. The house mothers were so excited, eager to make their selections and finish their pillows. The finished products are truly a work of art. Seven of the 10 house mothers learned how to use a sewing machine for the first time. The instructors – Lisa and Diane – were the picture of patience and joy. Words really can’t describe how happy the house mothers were today. This is the first time that a special project was done just for them. They work so hard, up at 5 am, in bed by 11 pm. The energy needed to keep up a house of 10 boys and usually 2 or more of their own children is truly amazing. The children, sweet as they can be, are also extremely needy. They need constant attention, reinforcement, and demonstrations of love. Which is why the volunteers are so welcome. For a few evenings we can
7 out of 10 house moms learned how to use a sewing machine for the first time.
provide the love and attention these children crave. They know a lot about the wrong kind of attention and the wrong kind of expectations. Roblealto provides a different paradigm for them: one that is Christ-centered and loving. It’s miraculous to watch the subtle changes that transpire with these children, even over the short week we are here. The house mothers “take no prisoners” – they are firm with the boundaries they set yet they never raise their voices. The children may squeal and beg for another chance, but once the answer is no, it’s no.
The same discipline applies to the Roblealto approach to sports. Each afternoon after school the children have a chance to participate in one sport or another. Monday is volleyball and baseball. The volleyball coach comes from outside Roblealto and instructs the girls and boys separately. Again, the firm but gentle touch. Baseball is coached by Herrado (Magali’s husband, and she is the director of the home) and whatever volunteers he can encourage to join him. It didn’t take much for him to get Patrick, Mark, Norm, Dean and Ron out there with him. Even after a heavy-duty day of physical labor, they were raring to get out into the field and throw balls. And Dillon was right
Jaime and the refuse pile, a small portion of what's being demolished.
in his element, a great first baseman.
Tuesday is soccer. Many of the team watched the play and again Dillon had a chance to burn off some energy. Tuesday is also dance day, and Jessica had a chance to learn some new moves. So did Harriette while she participated in the young children’s movement class. Yoga type exercises were taught as well as introductory dance positions. Again, the same disciplined approach could be observed. Children who misbehaved were given one warning. After that they were asked to leave. Since these classes are only offered once a week, getting sent away is a huge disappointment, but it sets the idea of boundaries firmly in place.
Tomorrow is the farm tour: pigs, cows, chickens and produce. Should be interesting.
Wow! God bless you all!!