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TEAM
MEMBERS
Charles Smith
Laura Smith
Chuck Smith
Fran Wells
Ann Brancroft
Ann Phillips
Christine Reuss
Sheryl Thornton
Wes Thornton
David Hurst
Cully Dorer
Bryan Sisson
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Wes Thornton's Journal Entry for Tuesday, June 17...
We started the day with another outstanding breakfast of Bolivian food at the Hotel Pinocho. As we started for the worksite, we knew it was going to be another unseasonably warm day with temperatures in the mid-80's. Upon arriving at the school, it was easy to see the progress of the work team and other Bolivian friends. Walls inside the school building had been removed and the remains wheelbarreled to a huge pile of rubble outside the school.
Later in the morning, Bryan, Kay, and Damian made the 3rd trip to the Santa Cruz airport to retrieve our last 3 bags. With an emailed letter of donations from Ted Leach in hand, the 3rd trip was the charm. I am happy to report that all donated items have now made it to the school.
Ann Phillips attended a 6th Grade English class. Ann said she enjoyed being there very much, although they didn't quite understand her English or her Spanish! She saw some future opportunities for us to gather donations for teams to bring next year for English classes, since they were working from one textbook.
About 10:30 in the morning, we stopped working for a break with the Bolivian construction workers. We decided to pool all of our individual snacks from our backpacks and spread them on a picnic table. We had everything from granola bars to mints to Snickers to chewing gum. Then we all shared in refreshment together, and there was plenty for all. It reminded us of the loaves and fishes. We also distributed scripture cards with Jolly Ranchers from the Horizons Class. They sent us several extra. We guess they knew we may have the opportunity to share with friends. The scripture was, "...make me truly HAPPY by agreeing WHOLEHEARTEDLY with each other, loving one another, and working TOGETHER with one HEART and purpose." Philippian 2:2 It was especially meaningful to watch Christine share these cards in Spanish with our Bolivian friends.
As is always the case, the children at the school are quite friendly. This afternoon, two 4th grade girls looked in the open window as we were working. They shyly began talking to us and began using what English they knew. After a few minutes, the 2 turned into 10. We all said hello to one another, and they enjoyed having their pictures made. Dave Hurst will have some great video of the children waving to the camera, saying hello to everyone at Vestavia - yes, they learned the word Vestavia!
At the end of the day, we began our walk back to the hotel. It was a relief to feel the strong winds blowing in some cooler temperatures. The distance from the school to the hotel is about a mile. Some of our group will walk. Some take taxis - I will always choose the taxi. It only costs 5 Bolivianos ($.70). Today, Bryan and Chuck took motorcycle taxis back to the hotel. They said it was really fun. The motorcycle taxi is only half a Boliviano (@$.10)!
We had a very nice sharing time in the evening, wanting to talk about so many of the things we are learning. After a trip to the ice cream shop, we went to bed to be ready for the next big day.