The House A “Small But Mighty” Team Built In Guatemala

The team I was part of for the mission trip to Guatemala consisted of three designing women (that sounds familiar…) and three outstanding teenagers along with one very driven foreman, Diego.  When we finished building our house it was said that we were overachievers: we built our house faster than any other team in 7 years! Woo Hoo!

I wonder, does that mean that we have to build even faster next year??

Here’s a glimpse at our build…

This is the scenery we passed every day en route to our village. We were quite high in the mountains and it took a bit of time to acclimate to the altitude. The landscape was very green without a lot of contrasting color. The terrain was also very hilly and difficult to cultivate.

We traveled in a school bus with dark tinted windows (for safety),  driven by our lovely Manuel.

This is a town we passed every day on our way to our homesite.

This is actually a better home constructed of cement blocks:

The build began with our foreman Diego handing out the circular saw and telling the team,  ‘Let’s go’…really??

Melinda and her son Chatham (yes, named after our Cape Cod town) got right to work.

Melinda and I soon teamed up to cut all the lumber that was to go into the house: 2x each end squared, measured and carried over to the location.  Whew!  Gina, thank goodness you work me to the bone in class…xox

Grace and Riley  working on the frame of the house and interior rooms:

Kelly raising the first side of the house ~we’re on our way!

This house made tin sheets is what we were replacing:

“Cut all of this lumber, 8’2” we need it now”…. Grrrrr

We did have some fun along the way… Don’t hurt anyone Gracie!

Yes, we have a window!

 Solid exterior walls, I really liked the design of this house!

Here are interior walls for the 2 bedrooms and 1 larger interior room:

No bathroom though…

Next step:  the roof:

Isn’t it beautiful?   We built it with love!

We also experienced a taste of the rainy season when the skies opened up.   Within minutes there was torrential rain and lightning.  It was all a bit frightening as the rain pounded the dirt into mud so quickly all around us.

The Wonder Women team and our last piece of lumber to cut ~ YIPPEE!

As I looked away, I saw a child walking down her “street” to her home.  She was not part of the lucky family to receive this wooden shelter, instead she is making her way back to a leaky tin box.

There is much to do in this country of Guatemala and while  I know I am only making a small contribution,  I count myself blessed to be participating.

I want to thank all my friends and family who have helped me on this journey with your thoughts, prayers and contributions. I thought of you everyday and I hope I have made you proud!

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets  you. What you believe, remember you can achieve.”

~Mary Kay Ash

xo,

Pamela

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