Community Action Project: Day 1

Top of the morning, mate! We woke up bright and early today at 7:00 AM sharp for a filling breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and watermelon. Oh, did we mention hot chocolate? After loading shovels, hammers, gloves, and water jugs onto the bus at 8:45, we set off for our Community Action Project (CAP). Our task was to build Altagracia’s house from the ground up after the previous group of Global Glimpsers tore it down in an effort to improve her inhumane living conditions. Altagracia is partially blind and deaf. The goal of our CAP is to build in a sustainable way that will help not only Altagracia but the entire community. 

Under the guidance of our engineer, Edger, we began by drilling holes for the wooden support beams that are crucial for the house’s durability under weathering conditions. The soil was very rocky, and we often had to use a pickaxe to deepen the holes. Meanwhile, another group brought up the wood that would form the bottom frame of the house. We made sure to take breaks for water, snacks, and to reapply sunscreen and bug spray. Then we rode back to the hotel for lunch, which was deliciously seasoned rice with corn, pork chops, and vegetable salad. 

Returning to the site after lunch, we divided the crew into three groups to finish digging holes, mix concrete, and retrieve water from the local irrigation canal. Once the dry concrete mix was combined with the water, we poured it into the holes around the wooden support beams, adding rocks for extra strength. Afterwards, we moved the excess wood and covered it during a brief rainstorm. Meanwhile, another group was establishing the wooden frame at the base of the house using hammers and nails. After leaving our CAP site, we rode back to the hotel and all took much-needed showers. #westanky

Highlights of the day were our effective communication and teamwork while building the house. Everyone stayed focused on the task at hand and worked incredibly hard.

Check back tomorrow for your next blog by tomorrow’s Leaders of the Day.

For now, signing off—your three Leaders of the Day:
Kai I-J., Ella H., and Asher R.