Last year was going to be my final trip. I figured five years was enough, but my mind was changed as my friend, JoAnn, really wanted to go to Guatemala, but wouldn't go unless I did. So.....
 |
JoAnn & me with Volcano Fuego in the background - quiet at the moment
|
We journeyed with twelve other participants to a village to the north of Guatemala City - Tecpan. A small village, not a tourist stop, pure Guatemala. Lots of agriculture - field after field of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, zucchini and corn - tall corn.
Our worksite was over an hour from our hotel, so we saw lots of countryside with a tapestry of fields spread across the hills and mountains.
 |
Our worksite - ready for staking out the house
and digging trenches
|
 |
| The digging had started |
 |
| Ready to start cutting the wire |
 |
| All trenches had to be dug to a depth of 1 meter |
 |
| Cutting rebar to make the rebar ladders |
Even through our team worked Monday to Friday, it didn't appear that we had accomplished much. By Friday, all the trenches were dug and some of the rebar ladders were in place for the pouring of the foundation. Our job was complete for the week. The two masons will continue to work on the house and complete it in 45-60 days. Quite an accomplishment for two masons and a little help from the Gringos. The house measures 10' x 20' divided into 4 rooms, but it will earthquake proof and when the money is available they will be able to add on a second story. They have a beautiful piece of property nestled in between a potato patch and a zucchini patch with an awesome view of the mountains as a backdrop.

 |
| View of Fuego from the hotel rooftop in Antigua |
 |
| View from our drive back to the hotel in Tecpan |
Next week, the family and people of Guatemala.
This is such a wonderful thing you and others do. I always feel that you are building more than just a house. I feel a sense of hope for those receiving the finished home.
ReplyDelete