We started the weekend out at the YWAM campus (Youth With a Mission) where they cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal. We had orientation and learned that Defender Direct, the company that I was a guest of (thanks Ashley!), was going to build it's 100th house that weekend. That's awesome. They send their employees with family and friends several times a year to build homes for the Homes of Hope program.
Anyways, the second day (Friday) we piled into vans, and after breakfast at the YWAM center, we headed into the hills to meet our family. We went on a 25 minute trip that turned into "off-roading". To say the least, Mexico has not established paved roads in many areas, especially these hillside communities. As we stepped out of the vans, the first thought (of many) that went through my mind was that in the States, this view would be worth millions. But here in Mexico, since this area is not as accessible, the cost of the land was significantly low to American standards.
That first day we painted, painted, and painted some more so that the entire exterior of the house was gray, and all inner panels were white. It really was amazing to see our team of 15 put up the walls and roof in one day. To clarify- the house would roughly cost $5,000 American dollars. I'll show photos of the finished product below.
That first day was also our introduction to the family, Betzi and Alfredo and children Pahola, Josue and 5-day old baby Jose. Pahola was so happy to help Abby and I paint, and loved sharing her Doritos with all. Alfredo (the dad) helped on the roof the entire weekend, as he is a construction assistant.
The second day, we finished painting all dry wall and touched up. We also collected donations from our team for goodies from WalMart. A Mexican Walmart is the same as the US, except prices were even cheaper and everything was in Spanish.
When we got back from WalMart, we laid the rugs we purchased and laid out all of the food and tolietries, including the "luxury" toothpaste and shampoo. That last hour with the family was my favorite. They got to unlock their house for the first time and go in to have a look around. Then all of our team members entered the house and there I had the most priceless memory of the entire trip. Pahola, the 8-year-old girl, looked at us with tears running down her cheeks. She was in awe that this house was all for her family. I'll never forget that look of gratitude in her eyes.
Overall, it was an amazing weekend. To see how the smallest things to us could mean the world to someone else is just amazing. They didn't even have carpet or running water. But to them, they just won the lottery.
The family we built for, including their two Grandmothers.
Saul, our team leader.
