what is that old saying. . .
There is some kind of old saying that you will use what ever you learn at some point in your life -- I am not exactly sure of the saying, but I am sure it is old, and pretty true.
About two weekends ago, we joined a group at the consulate who are involved in a yearly community effort. Each year, we apply for about 2,000 dollars through a trust via State department. Last year, we raised another 8 thousand plus dollars (in addition to the 2 grand) and put in a city park quality playground in a local orphanage. This year, the 2 thousand bought lumber and supplies to help put up a roof on a small medical clinic at a local mission in a deserving area of the city. We grabbed what ever hammers and tools we had, and about 15 of us went (including Jake!) where we met with the organizers of this mission.
Before I go further -- the family who is building the complex was featured on "Extreme Home Make0ver" several years ago. the Dad in a minister and they have a couple kids. When we first got there, Maria (the mom) and I kept saying "Where do I know you from?" Several hours later it clicked in my head -- she works at the LIbrary at Park University, and she would help me battle the copier before I had to run off to class! I had no idea that she helped run/build this facility!
So, when we got there, those of us with carpentry skills (three out of the 15, including Yo) set up some stuff, cleaned out the area, and planned our strategy with the minister. He already put up cinder block walls and we were there to help put up the inside wall studs, rafters, and roof. His plan has been to have the cinderblock exteriors so they blend in with the surrounding area, while having American style interior walls with fiberglass insulation. And with a med. clinic, the easier it is to clean and insulate, the better.
The other folks went to work serving breakfast to the community with Maria. And by the time they were done, we were all set so that the entire crew could drive nails into the wall studs for a photo op. 15 government employees driving nails. (Except the nails were coated deck nails slightly to large for the job, but it worked. ) I had to organize the people since I had experience being a builder/carpenter -- it turns out one of the other guys who I have been worried about because he is socially awkard also has experience, so while he did prep work on the block walls, we got ready with the wooden walls. I am glad he had a good time and was able to show the others that he has talents beyond the interview window. I think this volunteering/building stuff might be his nitch and a way for him to become more comfortable within State.
I know in a previous post I complained about people not volunteering to do stuff. My complaint pretty much stands -- the same people who always volunteer were there again, but some of the very new people also are excited to help (most are former Peace Corps), so our core group seems to be getting reinforcements.
The mission ("Jesus es Mana") also is setting up an orphanage, so after Maria and I had our "Hey! I know you from!!!" moment, she took me on a tour of the place. They have several small dorms, common rooms, and computer rooms under construction. Many of the women are abandonded by their baby-daddies, and since they have kids or are pregnant, they can't find work in the local factories, or they can't continue working. Some are able to have parents/grandparents watch the kids, but then leave looking for work, or . . .just leave as a result of addiction. The grandparents often have their own health problems, so the kids get dropped off at the orphanage. So, they are more abandonded that orphaned. Even if a child is an actual orphan, the adoption process is a nightmare of red tape here in Mexico. A lot of the red tape is an ancient response to the colonial era when children were made servants in wealthier homes. So that is understandable, but there is no accounting for modern problems.
The facility also serves as a community center; they hope to do job training (welding, cleaning, computer work) as well as run some classes. They also host wedding receptions and quincenieras!
About two weekends ago, we joined a group at the consulate who are involved in a yearly community effort. Each year, we apply for about 2,000 dollars through a trust via State department. Last year, we raised another 8 thousand plus dollars (in addition to the 2 grand) and put in a city park quality playground in a local orphanage. This year, the 2 thousand bought lumber and supplies to help put up a roof on a small medical clinic at a local mission in a deserving area of the city. We grabbed what ever hammers and tools we had, and about 15 of us went (including Jake!) where we met with the organizers of this mission.
Before I go further -- the family who is building the complex was featured on "Extreme Home Make0ver" several years ago. the Dad in a minister and they have a couple kids. When we first got there, Maria (the mom) and I kept saying "Where do I know you from?" Several hours later it clicked in my head -- she works at the LIbrary at Park University, and she would help me battle the copier before I had to run off to class! I had no idea that she helped run/build this facility!
So, when we got there, those of us with carpentry skills (three out of the 15, including Yo) set up some stuff, cleaned out the area, and planned our strategy with the minister. He already put up cinder block walls and we were there to help put up the inside wall studs, rafters, and roof. His plan has been to have the cinderblock exteriors so they blend in with the surrounding area, while having American style interior walls with fiberglass insulation. And with a med. clinic, the easier it is to clean and insulate, the better.
The other folks went to work serving breakfast to the community with Maria. And by the time they were done, we were all set so that the entire crew could drive nails into the wall studs for a photo op. 15 government employees driving nails. (Except the nails were coated deck nails slightly to large for the job, but it worked. ) I had to organize the people since I had experience being a builder/carpenter -- it turns out one of the other guys who I have been worried about because he is socially awkard also has experience, so while he did prep work on the block walls, we got ready with the wooden walls. I am glad he had a good time and was able to show the others that he has talents beyond the interview window. I think this volunteering/building stuff might be his nitch and a way for him to become more comfortable within State.
I know in a previous post I complained about people not volunteering to do stuff. My complaint pretty much stands -- the same people who always volunteer were there again, but some of the very new people also are excited to help (most are former Peace Corps), so our core group seems to be getting reinforcements.
The mission ("Jesus es Mana") also is setting up an orphanage, so after Maria and I had our "Hey! I know you from!!!" moment, she took me on a tour of the place. They have several small dorms, common rooms, and computer rooms under construction. Many of the women are abandonded by their baby-daddies, and since they have kids or are pregnant, they can't find work in the local factories, or they can't continue working. Some are able to have parents/grandparents watch the kids, but then leave looking for work, or . . .just leave as a result of addiction. The grandparents often have their own health problems, so the kids get dropped off at the orphanage. So, they are more abandonded that orphaned. Even if a child is an actual orphan, the adoption process is a nightmare of red tape here in Mexico. A lot of the red tape is an ancient response to the colonial era when children were made servants in wealthier homes. So that is understandable, but there is no accounting for modern problems.
The facility also serves as a community center; they hope to do job training (welding, cleaning, computer work) as well as run some classes. They also host wedding receptions and quincenieras!