I am a little confused, because one would think that construction would be a huge workout and hard work, yet we are all gaining weight. So in other words that food is amazing! Definitely not a single stomach empty and the camp we are staying at is wonderful. Jose runs the camp with his family and they are all so wonderful. We love playing with his three little girls, even though we have no idea what they are saying to us. This comes to another good point, the language barrier. I have taken Spanish courses at my high school but seem to not remember anything. Although I have found looking at people with a smile, while nodding your head, and saying si (yes), just is not a good idea. So it has been a learning opportunity to refresh my mind and look back upon what my teachers were actually talking about.

Showers have never felt so good, beds have never been so hard, and legs have never been so not shaven. Comfort is key, along with bug spray and sun tan lotion. Mom, I am telling you now, I am coming home with the funniest tan lines, and a face full of dirty skin with many zits. But to tell you the honest truth, I love it! I wouldn’t have it another way. Everything here has been so much fun, tiring, but fun. I am learning so many new things.

While working with construction the first week, I have found I can have many occupations. I am a construction worker, landscaper, cement mixer, block stacker, and bucket washer. Today was day three of construction, and the progress continues. The days go slow but the work continues to grow. My ba-donk-a-donk is killing me from riding up so many mountains in the back of trucks. Yes Dad, I have broken the law and ridden in the back of pick up trucks. But remember its so much fun! I also have learned tons from the locals who are helping us out with what the church is requested to look like. There is Ralph and Rofi; today Rofi taught me that when you rip off the layers to the banana tree the heart of the tree is hairy. It was also interesting because the tree itself began to smell like watermelon. Speaking of smells, there was also a fabulous smell at the top of Boma today, that smell was very sweet. Later Ralph told us that Dominicans were roasting coffee. I have learned so many interesting facts about plants and animals, and the different types of people in the DR and it continues to excite and amaze me. Overall the trip has gone very well. The only thing for construction today was a little run into rain, but it didn’t last long, and for sure didn’t stop us from working.

Everything here is so beautiful and just opens my eyes to what God has created. I love being here and can not wait to see where he leads my eyes next when I work with VBS next week. But so far I am enjoying construction and today was another successful day!

-Kate M