Doing So Much with So Little

Today began with a humbling experience. As Debbie mentioned, her, Eduardo, and I were escorted by social workers, in two parties, to make housecalls. I accompanied Domingo, a very amiable fellow, who tried to coax what little Spanish I had out of me. Our first stop was the house of a family of perhaps five, who's living situation was stark. It is a testament to the tenacity of these people that, despite their conditions, they are supporting the education of their children - a requirement for acceptance into the Familias de Esperanza program, run by Common Hope.

Domingo and I then met the mother of another family, living in a neihboring house at the same address. I caught even less of what transpired in the conversation between her and Domingo, unfortunately; I find myself genuinely interested in learning the language to a point of fluency, and regretting not paying more attention in high school Spanish class (at the time, it hadn't seemed like such a valuable skill).

After a few more "Buenos Dias"-es to nearly all the passersby as Domingo and I traveled to our destinations, we concluded with a house visit to a family that seemed to be in a much better living situation from those we had first visited. The mother's children seemed happy and healthy, though the daughter was complaining of a stomach problem, which unfortunately - or, perhaps in her eyes, fortunately - prevented her from attending la escuela.

Debbie has covered well the construction that took place later in the day, though I must add that she did a very good job with all of the tasks we had during this time, including positioning boards and applying weatherizing to the panels we constructed - doing so with a smile, and being quick to laughter.

Everyone I saw today was in good spirits, something that did not escape our notice as a team. ¡Hasta mañana!