| We tried to impress on them the
importance of working in solidarity. |
The people of Sucre received
funds to build either cocinas (kitchens) or banos (bathrooms) from the
Diocese of Joliet’s Catholic Construction Corps. These 25 homes were in
the San Clemente parish in the archdiocese of Sucre. When we first learned
of the number of homes, we were overwhelmed. Surprisingly though, all 25
homes were worked on to some extent during our stay. The majority
of them were well on their way to completion by the time we left. The families
were most grateful for the money to purchase bricks, cement and sand for
their individual projects. The families seemed reluctant though of accepting
our physical labor. Most of them told us “We know you have many homes to
work on, so you can help someone else. I can do it myself (or I have someone
to help me).” This became a common quote as we toured the homes on our
second day. We tried to tell them we were there to work side by side when
them, not only to supply money for materials. We tried to impress on them
the importance of working in solidarity. |
| One woman went from nursing her
baby to mixing cement, filling the buckets to give to her husband, and
then back to nursing the baby. |
Once we finally broke through
and began doing some of the physical labor with them, they were most gracious
and generous with their appreciation. In my opinion, their fear was that
the North Americans would come in and take over, or show them how it should
be done. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The people knew
what they wanted and had a plan for their project. It was humbling to watch
how hard they worked. We were having trouble adjusting to the altitude
while they were working away. We helped, but never laid a brick! We moved
the bricks, placed rocks for foundations, mixed cement and soaked bricks.
Two of our team members did an excellent job in documenting all the information
about each of the homes and also the stories of the families. The young
boys were very hardworking, as were all the homeowners. Women and children
all pitched in and helped. One woman went from nursing her baby to mixing
cement, filling the buckets to give to her husband, and then back to nursing
the baby. The 6 and 7 year old boys worked hard mixing the cement with
shovels. The young girls of 6 or 7 years old many times carried their own
siblings on their backs and cared for them. |
| Simple human dignity and privacy.
Things we take so for granted. |
The first home I worked on was
that of Desiderio and Felicia. They have seven children and are raising
a nephew as well. They were scheduled to build a bano. As we worked on
the foundation, Desiderio continued to thank us over and over again. We
told him we were glad to be helping them, that was what we came for. Finally
he told us that he really appreciated us helping because now his wife would
not have to go to the bathroom on the side of the hill, where everyone
could see her. Simple human dignity and privacy. Things we take so for
granted. These people in the barrios of Sucre might not have had many choices
in their poverty, but it didn’t mean they liked it. It was very humbling
and touching to know we worked on something that really would make a difference
in their lives. |
| As we continue to reach out, we
can help other families to enjoy some of the simple things we take for
granted every day. |
When I think back on the journey,
I don’t think too much about all the dust, awful smells, long, long hours
of flying, and adjusting to thinner air. I think instead of the smiling
faces of children eager to receive whatever we had to give, whether toy
tops, airplanes, ribbon for a girls’ hair, a stick of gum or a matchbox
car. I think of the smiling faces of parents, thankful for helping
hands and hearts. I think of the hugs and kisses from my brothers and sisters
in Christ from Sucre, Bolivia. I think of the charismatic group of
young people who embraced us and shared themselves with us. I think of
the clear blue sky and no humidity. I think of the final mass and reception
given for us the last night. Our friends gave us so much, even though they
have so little, at least materially speaking.The need is so incredibly
great. It seems impossible to make a dent. I think of the difference we
made in a few lives though. As we continue to reach out, we can help other
families to enjoy some of the simple things we take for granted every day.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Who knows, maybe next year you
will be joining me!!! |
