Guatemala: Our Habitat for Humanity experience: Final day Goodbyes

Our final day started with kids and kittens....again! I asked a seasoned HFH volunteer if this was usual, having kids on site, No it sure isn't. It is a bit scary how close they get to equipment and dangerous stuff, but no one even got a scratch!

Momma gato.

While we were enjoying our time off, eating and drinking in Antigua, Jose was working hard! He got the first 3 layers of blocks on, enough for the footing to be done! All he needed was to finish wiring some of the rebar together and we could start helping.

Jose working hard on carving out the blocks for the rebar to sit in

Hillary and I making the rebar to set into the carved out blocks

Edi is just happy the gringos came back to do his work! :)

Sifting sand for some mortar

Lila putting a block in with guidance from Jose

Lila let us know that Jose needed some mortar to place the U shaped blocks on the 3rd layer. Jose gave a lesson to Lila on how this was done, it was very well taught, he seems to be a natural teacher to anyone who understands Spanish. After the 3rd layer was on we back filled! We couldn't wait to get some of that dirt back into the holes! Room to work was at a premium all week and just being able to move was great. We were even able to set the washer back on solid ground :)

After we ate lunch we really didn't have any more time to work before the good bye ceremonies were held. Our family also wanted to clean up as they were heading to the other families site for the Goodbyes. Lila suggested we go to visit the Cathedral Santa Ana, as this is where the Sunday procession starts this week.

Our newest passenger, Mr. Pooh, the piniata

This is a carpet made out of saw-dust and flowers. Eric, our Antigua driver estimates it takes 8-10 hours with 8-10 people making it

The crowd in front of the carpet and alter of the church

There is a carnival atmosphere outside of the church, lots of "Stampede" type foods for sale, deep fried everything!

We went back to the site for one last time to get pictures of our progress and of our team. It was a bit of sweet sorrow to leave, we got attached to our family and wish them all the best for their new home and hope all the best for Caroline and her children.

The footings are done and ready for Jose and Edi to build the walls!

Team Antigua: Hillary, Adrian, Bernetta, Stephanie & Rosalyn

We took our family with us in the bus to the Team Tejal's site, which is 30 minutes away. Our team rep Hillary presented our family with a picture of our 12 volunteers.

The ceremony is an emotional time, we are leaving our families and they appreciate us so much and our effort. It is a bit of a party atmosphere afterwards, snacks and drinks are served. Some family and friends show up, it can be a real community affair at times.