The progress so far has been described quite well by Lou (thanks). Perhaps I will share some more personal thoughts.
It seems the saying is true. Reality is never quite exactly as expected. No matter how much thought or mental preparation you have for a new or forthcoming experience, there is always room for surprises. In the case of this project that our dear friends introduced to us, it was a full of pleasant surprises lurking at every corner.
Tijuana is quite an interesting mix of cultural influences. The place where people from both side of the border mix and mingle or not mix and mingle. Despite the at times integrated and at times conflicting culture and building environment, what strikes me the most is the vividness and realness of daily life. Perhaps it is because we are not in the role of a typical tourist lingering in the English speaking side of town only. Or perhaps it is because of the objective of our trip that led us to pay a little more attention to the daily life of those ordinary people around us (just as we are ordinary people going about our business in our daily lives). Having had the opportunity to observe from a slightly closer distance and have relatively small interactions with the land and the people, I felt an evermore solid and real respect for those living a different but yet similar lifestyle than us. It seems we live a world apart at times, but yet we can still relate (even if it is to an extremely small degree). At the end of the day, head of the house hold still works hard to provide for their young ones and people make life work one way or another, which is really quite universal in all human cultures.
The building process was especially enriching part of the week. We had a group of great volunteers with one common goal in mind and quite frankly we were very focused on getting the building as far along as we possibly could while we were there. We all just want this family to have a great home. We all just want to help. Working hard side by side with everyone had been a great highlight of the process. I am very thankful to be part of such a great team (though we could have used a couple taller people!) More than that, the act of building was strangely fulfilling. Whether it was sifting sand or cutting wood or forming concrete, the hands on work was a great teacher. I feel a little more connected to the land, the surroundings and to everyone at the end of the day. Perhaps it is the physicality of it all or the knowledge that soon someone will make great use of this house. I must say the palettes worked a lot better than I had imagined in my mind and I must give two thumbs up to the three incredible organizers (Sam, Jen, and Fernando).
Special thanks to Milton, Lara, Alfredo, and Jaimie. The transportation, direction, manpower, and supplies were incredibly helpful to all the volunteers. Sam, Jenn, and Fernando, thank you for giving us an opportunity to be part of this project. For leading us in giving back and putting our skills and energy into better use. For breaking your backs (shoveling Sam?) and setting a great example.
There will surely be more progress reports coming. More work is currently being done by the volunteers (good luck everyone). Thus, please come back to check on this website. Please consider becoming a sponsor for this project if you have not already. There is no amount too small. If you have already done so, please continue spreading the word to those interested in becoming a sponsor. Don’t hesitate, act now.
