Today was very busy. We began the main project of our immersion: helping to renovate a house for a family. After finishing a delicious breakfast, we made our way to the International Samaritan school. Once we were introduced to the family, and given the task, we started by tearing down the previous walls and then began rebuilding it. Although a difficult task, the motivation to help a family in need kept us going. Not to mention the gratitude for the kids in the community, and how their help allowed us to make so much progress. Not only being able to spend time bonding further with the community, but we were also taught some of their values, such as hard work and persistence. Dealing with a few challenges (tarantulas, scorpions, etc.), we were able to finish the deconstruction of the home, giving us a fresh slate to begin the building process tomorrow!

   After all that was complete, we began to make food to deliver to the people who work in the Basurero (trash dump). With the help of the kids and parents, we assembled 200 hot lunches. At the Basurero, we handed out meals to everyone who came. They were super kind and grateful. Visiting the Basurero was heartbreaking, as we got to see first-hand the conditions they are forced to work and live in. The sight was devastating, but the charisma and kindness the kids showed throughout the rest of the day helped cheer the squad up and proceed with a soccer game. It was an eye-opening day but another step forward with helping the community and allowing us to grow closer.  –Cedar and Isaac