March 31st
Tuesday: Big day. What we did today would largely determine our success in completing our houses. Yesterday, we poured the foundations. Today we would build upon those foundations the walls and roofs that would protect and nurture their occupants. Today would reveal to all of us the truth of the scripture that a foundation built on rock would last, and a foundation built on sand would not.
The large project of building 10 houses in 4 days was supported by brothers and sisters from across the planet. Our 11 Mountain CC volunteers were split in three to build different houses. Initially disappointed that we were not working together, we quickly realized that splitting us up provided a spiritual force multiplier--we met and worked closely with others whom we had never known before.
We all quickly learned our different strengths and skills and got working on building the exterior and interior walls and erecting them on a foundation that was indeed, solid as a rock. For those of us whose prior construction experience was limited to watching cable t.v. shows, the act of construction was awesome--we could feel God's guidance in directing novices to build life changing structures. But God's love was shown not only in the construction.
At each site, we experienced the love of strangers--those neighbors who baked tortillas, tacos and sweet bread and shared them with us at the site. Deserts too. But also neighbors who volunteered to help out--like us, some who had construction knowledge and most who did not. But feeling so empowered to help one another, we joined as one in constructing the walls and roofs.
At the close of our 12 hour days, we traveled back to the community centers, showered, changed clothes and joined together for a great meal, prayer and for the many youngsters, an hour or two of basketball and football (e.g., soccer). Lights out at 10:30pm, all safely asleep by10:35pm for sure.
Uncle Mike
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