Fred spent the majority of the day building block walls around the raised second floor porch area between Ramon's house and office. Ad and "the missionary" prepped a pit area for rebar. We poured a concrete pad to keep people from falling in. I was the "cut man" for wood and rebar and also did some wiring fixes inside Ramon's house. Some of the photos below will make these things a bit easier to understand.
A few humorous things happened today. I was in the kitchen at the Vallette's house and Kassandra was eating breakfast at the counter. I heard her ask Holly - "Is it cold out this morning?" Shocked because it was already 72 going up to about 80, I heard Holly reply - "Yes, you had better wear a sweatshirt."......We're not in Kansas anymore! Think about that for those of you frozen in ice for the last few days!
We had our little band of boys helping us again in La Yaguita. They're great to have around and eager to help. You'll see some them in pictures below. In the afternoon, I headed down to the local "Wawa" (See Picture) to get some Gatorade for the crew. One of the little fellows went with me. We jibber-jabbered the whole way there (neither of us understand the other but we try.) At the store, we both leaned over the counter and while used my extensive Spanish skills to order the drinks, and he leaned up next to me. Another group of boys came around us and he started arguing with them and pushing them away. From what I gathered by the frequent use of something like "mis Americano", I think he was telling them to get away because "He's MY American!" Kids are the same everywhere....a smile, kind gesture, and a few gum balls will make a quick friend.
One very exciting thing that happened to me (Gene) today is that Richie got a call from Compassion International. Our family has been supporting a boy, Randi, for the last few years and he lives in Santiago. I visited him last year for the first time. You can see that visit and pictures of Randi and his family by clicking HERE. I had asked to see him again this year and was told "NO" because there were no Compassion representatives available. Richie got a cell phone call at 5 PM today saying that I can see him tomorrow. We're going to try and meet at a local McDonalds. Please pray that this all works out so that I can see him again.
While I have a bit of time tonight, I also thought I'd give you a lesson in one of the differences between the American and Dominican cultures. Please observe the picture below and read on......
Now, this is the difference between American and Dominicans in their coffee habits. On the right, you will observe a Dominican coffee pot and cup. The pot specifications say that is for "9 cups" which you can believe by the size of their cup. We typically refer to these cups as "communion cups" for the volume that they hold. Dominicans drink their coffee in small doses, strong, and with half-coffee and half-sugar.
On the left, you will observe an American coffee pot and cup. The pot specifications say "8 cups" but this only feeds one American male. Here, the crew has to brew 3 pots for 3 guys in the AM and you could get thrown out for using sugar.
So, there's your lesson in culture for the day!!! Enjoy.