Hey all,
Been very busy lately trying unsuccessfully to get communities together for water projects. It doesn´t seem like it will be able to happen, but there are always other things to keep me busy. Water seminars are going well and will most likely continue as long as we can find interested communities. Mud oven and stoves are picking up and a latrine project is in the works.
One year in and one year left. All throughout my first year, I have had some time to look at what I have been able to do, how I´ve changed and what I´ve learned. The new perspectives I´ve gained over this past year is incredible and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be where I am.
I´ve done back breaking days of work for a bowl or rice, learned two languages and learned a new lifestyle. I´ve also seen how hopelessly sad and difficult life can be for my community and been amazed at their ability to live very happy lives despite hunger and poverty. The first year has had enlightening moments where I feel like I am understanding myself and the world for the first time. It has also had moments where I feel helpless, lonely and stupid, and I only wished I had a clue how to make it a little better. I have no idea what the second year will bring, but I know I won´t regret the experience.
My brother just had a baby. His name is Oskar
Left to right (Einer, Basilia, Baby has no name yet, Emilia)
Maximo taking the sand out of the oven.
Left to right (Paula, Nienami, Dionesia, Amado=
Amado, Dionesia and Maestra Rosaura Paz putting on the insulation layer to the oven.
Amado making the inside layer pretty.
Stacking the mud around the sand mold.
Building the base.
Mixing the mud.
Girls in Laguna Abajo
Jatwoida,
Choti
