Workday 2 complete. Yet not without its share of problems.

Yesterday was a typically slow day. The first day always takes a while for setup and dividing up job duties. We also didn’t have material for trusses and cabinets until after lunch. I think there was a little frustration among the team as a lot were standing around with nothing to do. We probably should have prepared them better for that on the first day and it’s certainly something to put in the notes for the next team.

Today was a different story entirely. Everyone was able to stay busy and we got quite a bit done despite severe problems with the generators. We have two, but were only able to run one at a time as both experienced mechanical problems. There was at least an hour where we couldn’t run any power tools at all. It’s was interesting as they don’t typically have these “luxuries” in Malawi and it was a nice reality check for us. Hand sawing through 3″ thick, wet lumber really makes you appeciate electricity.

We also ran out of timber this morning and didn’t get our next load until after lunch which is tricky. Usually getting going again is tough once you’ve sat down for a while. My truss crew was dragging a little and their tiredness was starting to catch up to them, myself included. Instead of building one in 30 minutes, each was taking an hour. Hammering all day wears you out. The boys that are going to live in the house came by and helped us finish. I saw a 10 year old boy pound a nail in better than some of the big guys on our team! It was neat they were so willing to help. Awesome experience and that’s what it’s really all about.

We wrapped up a little early today which was nice. Several local kids showed up and it gave the team an opportunity to play and take pictures. I forgot how excited they get to have their pics taken. It was hard to keep them from shoving each other to get in front.

Last thing. Yesterday I saw Bright! He was the kid I gave a soccer ball to last year. I had our driver, Martin, ask him what happened to it as he had another plastic bag ball. His answer: “Finished.” he must have played with it so much it got destroyed. So cool. I told him to stop by Saturday and i’d take care of him. His smile was priceless.

Wow I love it here. Little gestures mean so much.