June 20th was CAP preparation day, so the plan was to split up into groups and buy materials. Our CAP project will be fairly extensive: we’re working with a small school in Chacraseca, a community about a half-hour from Leon. We intend to make some improvements in the classroom of the Soñadores (Dreamers). They are a group of 32 students, currently in primary school, who hopefully will stay with the school all the way to university, rather than dropping out during high school, like most students in the community. We’ll be pouring a smooth concrete floor, to replace the rough one they currently have, building desks, installing electric lights and sockets, painting a mural, and painting the walls of the classroom. As we’ve only got two days to accomplish this, we’re under quite a bit of pressure, but the budget worked out smoothly, and everyone is staying optimistic.
The shopping trips themselves were exhausting. I went with the electrical and desks groups to the hardware store. After getting a quote for all the necessary electrical materials, we went to find a lumber shop. This didn’t go as smoothly as it could’ve. Once we found the shop, we struggled to calculate the wood necessary for building the desks. We returned to the hostel tired and late. After lunch, we set out again to actually purchase the materials, now that we had all of the prices. While buying electrical supplies at the hardware store, we discovered that they sold wood as well. We purchased the wood from them, and had it delivered by horse-and-cart to another business, where we had it cut. Other groups did just as well, even though a major shopping trip like ours is made exponentially more difficult by the language barrier. Thanks to the help of our GG Leaders and trip coordinators, we managed to accomplish all of our errands, some of us with time to spare. A few groups went down to the market near the main cathedral to shop for souvenirs, or grab some ice cream. On the way, we encountered what appeared to be a concert in the middle of the street. Later, we found out that it was in fact a protest against a Social Security-like governmental program.
After shopping, we planned for English tutoring. This was going to be our third-to-last class. We are only teaching nine classes in total, but tutoring has become something important to all of us, and we’re going to miss our students when we return home.
Today presented a number of organizational challenges, but everything ran smoothly. Unforunately, no one remembered to pull out a camera amidst all the scramble. Tomorrow, when we launch our CAP project, I hope everything will run smoothly as well. Good luck to Yung, tomorrow’s Lider del Dia.
This was fascinating to me–a building project! It all sounds familiar, except for the horse-and-cart delivery! Have, fun Juliet; be inspired, and we’ll have a party when you come home. Love from Tomales.
Hi Ty and Glimpsers! I can’t believe how fast your time in Leon has passed. I’ve made reading your blog part of my morning routine and enjoy it very much. Through your experiences, I’ve learned how blessed we are here in CA. Your CAP project is great! I know the students will appreciate it. Good luck and keep up the hard work and enthusiasm! Ty, Uncle Stan & I can’t wait to see you when you return!
Love, Yee Yee 🙂
What great things you all have accomplished! What great teamwork. Good luck with the final stages.
Juliet, will you be an electrician tomorrow? I wish I’d taught you some basics! Can’t wait to hear how tomorrow goes…you guys sure have a lot on your plate. Speaking of plates, been wondering what you’re eating!!! It was great to see your smiling face in the garden photo the other day. I love that you all take turns writing this blog, and it sure is nice to — almost — hear your voice. Thanks to all of you for the great stories and pictures and for taking care of each other (as I assume you must be). Good luck with your construction projects!
Alex
Wow you guys are making us feel lazy and unaccomplished up here! Sounds like the next few days are going to be a real feat. Can’t wait to hear how the projects all pan out, and see pictures (Juliet, get that camera out of your backpack!)
And great writing, btw…