Day 4 - Its Getting Hot In Here

Words by Renee Coughlin...

It was another 7:30 am start in San Juan when the team met for some more amazing Dominican food. After we finished breakfast, we yet again crammed 14 people into Bam Bam’s bus, which is just a little bigger than your mom’s minivan.

We arrived at the worksite and began digging AGAIN, only it was already feeling warmer than the day before. We were very lucky to have the help of 19 local high school students who aided in forming our own little “production line.” Today was St. Patrick’s Day and we handed out Irish hats, tattoos and pins to all the students who were absolutely thrilled to be part of our Canadian tradition.

They loved our St Patty's Day gear!

Sarah and friends....

It was a great morning, and then at lunch it was time for the students to head back and the rest of our team to enjoy another delicious meal before we got back to digging. After lunch the crew stepped up again only this time each scoop of dirt, every bucket that was carried, and every wheel barrow pushed seemed to get heavier and heavier. At this time we had the help of the family we are building for. And just when I felt like I couldn’t lift one more shovel full of dirt, I looked next to me and saw the smiling face of little Manuel, the boy who’s house we are helping to build. It just gives you a burst of energy and all the motivation in the world to push even harder than before. The day went on as we all pushed through the heat and exhaustion but managed to nearly finish all the digging and a few of the girls got to try bending the rebar for step two in building the house.

Nat and Bev...Can you say workout?

The working part ended at about 4:30 and we were off to a local school where the boys got a competitive game of football going in which Jesse was on bottom of a pile up consisting of about 15 Dominican school children and most of the male members of our team from London.

Jaysen has a little height advantage...

Us and the school kids....

Jake hanging in grade four...

Meanwhile the girls had a chance to do a few sing-a- longs and dances with a few of the local school girls. The children were all very excited to see us Canadians and many of them ran up to us asking to take their picture. It was a great way to finish a hard day of work! Overall day four was yet another phenomenal one. It is an overwhelming feeling to know that you are helping to make such a difference in a family’s life, and I think I speak for the whole team when I say I can’t wait to see and experience what the rest of the week brings!