Sunday November 28

Hola,
Bonfire on the beach never happened last night.  After a beautiful sunset, a thunderstorm blew in.  It seemed to pour rain forever.  It didn't look good for those of us in rooms on stilts over the mangrove but all was fine!  We spent the evening singing Karaoke and the diehards played euchre until the early hour.  Up early to make the most of a beautiful sunny day.  Very peaceful here.  Everyone is going back and forth between the beach and the pools.  It is nice to relax after all the hard work.  Found the parrots, macaw, ducks, chickens, lizards and monkeys scattered throughout the property.  The monkeys are pretty funny.  The oldest is the first to check you out and he let's you know who is boss.  He actually snatched Jill's sunglasses through the wire on the cage and shredded them to pieces.  One of the younger monkeys had a piece of the glass.  He was holding it in the palm of his hand so he could look at himself!  Leaving for the airport at 4:45 am tomorrow morning!  Can't believe it has been 10 days away from home.  Think everyone is ready to head back feeling good about our hard work and what we accomplished here!
RITA

Saturday November 27

The team departed at 8am this morning for our rest trip to the coast.  We boarded our air conditioned bus.  A luxury for us after sweltering in the sun all week.  We enjoyed a scenic 3 hour drive through the countryside with a volcano or two in the distance.  Lush green palms, wide open farm fields, countless sugar cane.  The few rivers and streams passed on the road were very dry.  We arrived on route to drop off our translator, Johnny.  He is hired by Habitat to assist us during our time here but I soon understood he is much more to this team.  Johnny worked just as hard as any one of us, got up every morning with a smile on his face, always positive.  His passion for his country, people, and culture was inspiring.  He embraced all of the new members and spent time getting to know each of us.  The bond he has with last year's team was special to watch.  We will miss him.

Arrived at "Rancho Estero y Mar" in the town of San Luis Talpa on the Pacific Ocean.  We are south of San Salvador.  Beautiful property.  Lush walkways, waterfall, pool and of course the ocean.  The sand is black, water warm, waves very strong and there is no one on the beach that stretches for miles and miles.  Mojitos aren't bad either!  The whole team has booked massages on the beach.  I think we'll manage just fine here!  Everyone had burgers or club sandwiches for lunch.  Cravings of home!  Some are swimming or sunning on the beach, some at the pool, some are having siestas in the hammocks scattered throughout the property.  The team will enjoy supper, then a bonfire on the beach to watch the sunset.

RITA

Friday November 26 Part Three

Yesterday was my birthday.  Normally I would have shared this day with family and friends, perhaps gone out to dinner and enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake with a nice glass of Merlot.  This year I found myself in the developing country of El Salvador, and awoke on the 25th with no expectation, only the feeling that I was so lucky to have such a special day in such a wonderous country.  This team of people who I have shared the last five days with all wished me a happy birthday, and I left it at that.  The day began, I had a breakfast of fried egg and beans and rice, put on my bandana and Canada hat and boarded the bus to the site that has become such a big part of my life.  There were buckets of soil to move, tamping of the floors and the pouring of cement (and sweat).  The birthday girl was razzed, and tested....joked with and embraced.  I couldn´t have asked for anything more....but more DID happen, much more.  Yesterday I was too overwhelmed to talk about my experience, but today I have more clarity, and a sense of peace.

On one break I took to the streets, camera in hand hoping to catch a moment in time, an illustration that might speak volumes, might explain how I feel and what this place represents to me.  I was lucky... I found it...in the form of a little girl looking over the wall of her tin home, too shy to show her whole face, but interested enough in me to be bold enough to sneak a good look.  I just happened to see her sweet face, and that instant  began a chain reaction that will forever change my life. I asked to take her photo...and in that photo I saw a beautiful little girl, enveloped in poverty...her face, her clothes, her hands caked with dirt.  In her eyes I saw something else, and it was that moment that changed everything for me.

I am going to pause...so I can collect my thoughts...it is important I get this moment right.  I will write again in the morning.  My birthday celebration in El Salvador was something I have never experienced in my life...more tomorrow.

Be well...be peaceful...be happy.
Jill

Friday November 26th Part Two

Friday...the end of the week. The day you have been looking forward to and dreading at the same time.


For anyone who has participated in a Habitat build you know that this day will be bittersweet. For first timers it is day of emotions, for the rest it is the same. For you know that you must say goodbye to new friends. For you know by the emotion in the eyes of the families that you have participated in, what is for them, a life changing event.

It is a day that starts like the first four.
You arrive as we did. You grab your shovel, your trowel, your tamper (this is now an evil word with Team Paulie) and you get to work. You move blocks, you set them. You shovel and sweat and labor beside those whom you now call friends. And this is the crux, because some of them you will not see again. If you think about it... is really quite amazing that a group of people, who do not speak the same language can bond in the space of a week. There is something to be said for the power of working side by side towards a common goal.

For them, their reality is about money and earning for their families. But I think as they learn about us they understand that we do not have to be here...there is no reason other than we Want to be here. You can see the surprise on their faces when they learn that vacations have been taken and personal money spent for us to come and help someone we do not know.
Further to this… It seemed that the spirit of the build was contagious because as the week progressed for us we began to note additions to our build. By additions I mean the people who came to join us as we built. Shy children at the beginning of the week, brazen and joking builders by the end. Old men with knowledge in their eyes directing, lifting...teaching. As the week went on we began to to realize that this house was now a community effort.

For us, our reality is that we are here for personal reasons. I do not ask why others are here... it is not my place. I do know that whatever the reason, it becomes obsolete once you set foot on the job site. Those who have experienced a build will understand this. Those who have not...should, for understanding comes from doing.

Quote of the day....

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
                                                                                                                       Marcel Proust

As an individual you grow so much in the days spent here, but believe it or not you can grow at home. The trick is learning how. This point, the purpose of the qoute, was driven home to us as we watched people who in all probability would not have helped build this house with us. For them the story of the Gringo´s hit home and they chose to see their landscape a little differently.
Earlier in the week I spoke of the journey, paths taken, choices made, of  keeping your head up and your eyes open...
For those that choose to see... you will not be disappointed. Whether it is in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Ottawa...it does not matter.
Learn to see, understand that no matter where you go the people there have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations that you do.
See... that no matter where you live, be it a tin shack with a dirt floor or a mansion, it is love and family that make it a home.
See... the same pride you have in youselves in those around you.
See... the spirit that exists within those who have endured hardship and continue on.

We have seen in El Salvador. We have been a part of a wonderful rollercoaster of emotions, sweat, pain, joy, heat, (oh the heat) dreams...the list goes on...

Take the journey... walk the path... remember that you are the landscape... learn to see... know that your eyes are the window to your soul and it is there... by seeing that the journey begins.

Buenos noches des San Miguel

Chris

Friday November 26 Part One

Team Tony arrived on site after another breakfast of huevos, beans and plantain.  Good energy food!  Everyone worked with the masons to get a row of U-brick in place.  We helped to put up El Salvadorian scaffold...blocks and wood planks.  Stanislaw started to put in the conduit for electric.  So gratifying to see the house take shape.  Arminda fed us plantain with a yogurt dipping sauce...yum yum.  The girls went for a walk to give out candy to the neighbourhood kids.  Got some wonderful pictures!  They are so appreciative of something so small.  Young and old love candy here and they love to pose with us for pictures.  The Habitat crew arrived to start setting up for the closing party.  A tent, tables and chairs were set up on the street and soon all the neighbourhood was coming to check things out.  Right about this time the ice cream cart drove by and the team treated all to popsicles.  Arminda had dressed her daughters in clean clothes and soon after they were covered in chocolate!!  Team Paulie arrived with the masons and Julia´s family from the other site.  Despite thinking we ate all day and took afternoon siestas, all were impressed with the progress of our build.  We ate a lunch of tortillas, rice, and chicken altogether: builders, Arminda and Julia´s families, and the masons.  Extra plates of food were shared with the neighbourhood friends who had gathered.  That was nice!  After lunch, the Habitat team had some kind words of appreciation and best wishes.  Julia and Adan spoke on behalf of their families.  Stanislaw spoke to us about how much he enjoyed teaching us and how much he learned from us.  He had a special mention for Gerry´s expertise too.  Tony and Paul spoke on behalf of their respective team.  Tony summed it up well when he told them we all go home better people.  Then came the really hard part...goodbye!  These people opened their hearts and took us in.  We came to help build a home for two families.  A gift that many here can only dream of.  In return they have given us so much more!!

We are all drained.  Spending time relaxing in our usual spot...the hotel courtyard enjoying pre-dinner refreshments.  Will have supper and wander over to the fair down the street where Johnny has told us we can buy local crafts with no gringo tax.  Tomorrow night is Carnival, the biggest in Central America, and when the 350,000 population of San Miguel swells to over one million.  We are all looking forward to heading to the coast in the morning for R&R, mojitos, and getting some colour on our blanco gringo skin!!  Goodnight to all back home and see you Monday!!
RITA

Thursday November 25

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do

nothing for him.

 — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

Thursday started with the usual greetings over eggs, beans, and toast..The team was refreshed after a great night of watching four Canadians ¨represent¨ their contigent to the best of their collective ¨abilities¨ while dancing with the El Salvadorian ¨Brittany Spears¨ Oh what a sight...You Tube will be proud.

 

Once we arrived at Casa Julia, Team Paulie got to work moving the brick that didn´t needed to be moved on the actual day they arrived, we were just learning to be flexible because that´s what the manual says to be.

The brick moving was followed by some brick re-arranging so that our mason could get ready to start laying his first course of brick.   Once the first course was laid, some of us were tasked with filling each and every space in and around each brick.  This  tasked was reserved for those of us who can actually focus on the tasks for more than a minute or two. Safe to say I stuck to lifting things.  Someone did manage to sneak in a toony for good luck...



Then we were asked to dig up the floor we already worked on  since the level had changed.... nothing like hauling and digging dirt after you already mentally checked out of that task...Did we mention the flexible thing yet...Once the minute or two of venting stopped.. the team pulled together strong and got the  floors dug out to the proper level so that we could begin moving more sand across our lot and start fillng in the rooms up to the first course of brick. Did we mention that it´s only 34 degrees with no cloud. 

 

All this and we still had time for some of us to walk the neighbourhood to check out the homes of those who are less fortunate than those we are actually building for. I will let those who made the trip around the block, explain the impact of seeing the sights in and around our build sight.

 

This brings us full circle to the quote..what can you do in your life for the person who can do absolutely nothing for you...Give it a shot, the 20 of us are having a blast getting to know each other and trying to do just that...

 
Paulie

 

Another productive day on Team Tony´s site.  You guessed it more cement, mortar and blocks.  Another day of treats from Arminda.  We have sampled something different each day.  She is quite a good cook and so happy to be part of the team.  I did think I was going to lose a few pounds on this trip.  Not looking too good now!  After picking up Team Paulie at the end of the day, we were taken to a local park for a birthday fiesta in honour of Jill (better known as ¨Hill¨to the locals).  The San Miguel Habitat office brought drinks, a delicious cake, and a pinata.  The Habitat crew organized a few team building games.  We must have been a funny site to the locals walking by because we were filthy from the build.  The director spoke to us about how happy they, the families and the community were to have us here.  It was a nice feeling to know our team is making such a difference and how much it is appreciated.  Because it is American Thanksgiving, the hotel prepared a huge turkey dinner with all the El Salvadorian fixings (best gravy with olives and capers).  It was delicious...not much left of the bird.  Spent the evening preparing for our last day.  Cannot believe how fast it has gone by.  I think we are all excited to venture on to the R&R but also sad to have to say goodbye to all the new friends we have met in San Miguel.  Good night to all the families back home.  Thinking of you, Maria.  See you all soon!!
RITA



Wednesday November 24 Part Two

Buenos noches para San Miguel.

Day three... We have become aclimatized, if one can, to the rigors of the build here in San Miguel. We know that it will be hot. We know that we will sweat, feel pain and push our bodies to the limit. We know this, we accept this and in some sick portion of out brain we enjoy this.
For the members of site #2 (Paulie´s site) I can say that we had an eventfull and busy day. We have cleared the site, dug the trenches, then re-filled them and started the re-bar. We have moved sand, then crushed stone, then rock and then moved them again. We have moved dirt, brush, sewage and bricks.
We have moved ourselves in the process. One cannot help but be moved by the joy of the children, the pride of the families, the generosity of the people, the families.
.
Today we pushed hard and completed the re-bar. In blazing sun the team, mostly Wendy and John, tied in the uprights while the rest of us cut steel and prepared for the dreaded mixing of the cement.
What a job that was!!! There was a big push to get the footings/foundation in so that we could begin laying blocks on Thursday. Much to our dismay our bus arrived and we had to leave the mason and his helpers to finish the last batch of cement without us. I must say though that the work done by the team in the making and pouring of the first three batches was an exhibition of teamwork and perserverance that is seldom seen.

After the debriefing ( you know what that means) in the hotel courtyard and the much needed showers, the team participated in a coffee roasting exhibition hosted by Don Ignacio. He is a part-time coffe seller/grower and has been a wealth of knowledge about San Miguel and El Salvador as well. I can say with truth that his coffee is much better than that served by the hotel.
After dinner  "the Don" took the majority of the team to the local corral where we were treated to an exhibiton of bullfighting / bull riding. While this was not a past-time embraced by the group it was pretty neat to see the throng of happy, excited people watching what is for them a nation past-time and celebration of the "Cowboy" life.
While it pains me to say this....four of us...both Dave´s, John and myself, Chris...participated in a pre-bullfight dance off with a lovely and well endowed El Salvadorian songstress. She had each of us follow her gyrations in the center of the arena and I can only imagine the spectacle we presented for the locals. It was all in good fun and it was capped by Dave Gervais winning by crowd approval. Each participant recieved a lovely cowboy hat and Dave G...well Dave recieved a wee kiss from the singing temptress.
All in all it was a good, productive and fun day.

What would be blog from me without a quote??

~ Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need. ~
                                                                                                   Kalil Gibrand

No matter where you go people remain the same. They all strive to make their lives and the lives of those that they love better. There is no shame in this. It is in fact one of the basic drives of our species. It is no different here. It appears that you either have a job or your trying to get one. You either sell or look for things to sell. (I will admit I curse the vendor(s) who bike by our site incessantly tooting their horns)
But today, I was approached by a man on our site who told me that he had worked as a carpenter in the US and he wanted to know if I had work for him. While I said no I had to admire him for having the courage to ask. Just like I admire the bike vendors who bike from construction site to site selling their wares. I guess what struck me was that I´m not sure I could swallow my pride and ask someone for something.

One is struck by the poverty that exists here. You cannot look at it and not be affected.
One is also struck but the pride, perserverance and effort shown by the El Salvadorian people. One sees the old man sweeping his porch and his garden while raw sewage and garbage lays in the street. One sees the crisp and clean clothing worn by most every person you encounter. One sees the effects of Civil war, earthquakes, mudslides, gang violence and how these events are dealt with, accepted and overcome.
One sees the smiles and joy and yes pride,  in the faces of the families that will for Christmas recieve one of the biggest gifts ever...a new home.
I have no idea how that will feel for them, but yes I feel pride in the fact that in a small way,  I have helped them achieve their dream.

I guess what I want to say is that for those of us who have the means, the will, the desire.... to be generous, do so. Those that recieve your generosity will know...it is not from pity that you give... it is from your heart.

Chris

Wednesday November 24 Part One

Another productive day on site.  We are building the walls now so lots of heavy lifting of cement blocks and  mixing of cement for mortar.  And more of the same tomorrow!  Nice to see the house taking shape and we are all becoming expert masons.  Need to correct my last blog.  The third mason is named Paz but everyone calls him Chino.  Adan and Arminda have 3 girls named Nidia (12), Wendi (8) and Paola (3).  There are so many neighbourhood kids hanging around, it is hard to figure out who belongs to what family!

During our pre-dinner refreshments, Don Ignacio (the hotel owner) gave us a demonstration on roasting coffee beans.  We will get to sample at tomorrow morning breakfast.  Lovely pasta dinner this evening.  After dinner, Don Ignacio and Johnny arranged for all of us to attend the bull fights.  We were given reserved front row seats.  The seats were far from Club Seats at a Sens game but rather wooden planks across metal scaffolding in 8 rows to form a small round stadium.  The place was packed and we were definitely the only gringos in the place.  The pre-bull fight entertainment consisted of a rather scantilly clad, well endowed (not real) young woman dressed up as a cowgirl who was singing.  The last part of her show was to invite down 4 men to win a cowboy hat in a dance contest.  We were all shouting for Johnny but the gringos from Canada were chosen:  Dave G, Chris, John and Dave T.  All I can say is...we were all howling with laughter along with the entire stadium, Dave G. won, and video will follow!!  The bull fight was, shall I say, interesting.  Animal lovers would not be impressed.  After the first round, we were all rooting for the bull!

So far everyone has been healthy.  Today Carolyn was the first casualty.  After a day of rest, saltines and peanut butter she is ready for work tomorrow!  Good night to all back in Canada!
RITA 

Tuesday November 23

So much happened today.  Stanislaw, Juan and Julio (new mason to the team) were already working hard to finish installing last of the rebar.  They are very organized and are good at explaining what needs to be done.  Helped them to finish tying off, adding support shims, and removing some of the wooden supports.  And then the fun began...the cement!  We filled wheelbarrows with gravel and sand, and then added the cement.  This would get mixed up and formed into a well or volcano.  We then added buckets of water to the middle.    Oh yeah,  this is all by hand...no power tools or gas powered mixers!! Wheelbarrows full of cement are then wheeled over to the trenches where Stanislaw would tamp and smooth.  It was hard work in the hot sun but we were good to rotate on and off for a rest in the shade.  We really worked hard and efficiently and by 2:30 we were done.  The cement will dry overnight.

We have been looked after very well by this family.  The build site is spotless when we arrive.  For our mid morning break, Arminda (the mother) brought out a plate of Empanadas that she had freshly prepared for us.  The empanada was formed using mashed plantain, flattened and then filled with a rice, milk, and cinnamon custard.  She then fried and sugared them.  For the afternoon break, Arminda prepared a plate of freshly fried plantains.  She invited us girls to her outdoor kitchen to show us how she makes them.  While the girls were getting cooking lessons, the boys were throwing the football around.  Oh yeah, forgot to mention that our snacks are provided to us, so for this mother to do this is so generous.  Throughout the day we were visited by all the neighbourhood kids.  Word was out there was candy to be had.  Arminda and her girls showed us their family photo album.  Grandparents, sisters and brothers, baptisms, confirmations.  The most interesting were the funeral photos.  Her father-in-law passed away quite young and there were photos of family members posing in front of the open casket.  They do not embalm so the body was wrapped in white cloth, head exposed and mouth stuffed with cotton.  There were pictures of the pallbearers in shirts and ties and then of the same pallbearers in work clothes and masks digging the grave.  We almost lost Tony this morning at the build site.  He was kneeling down to tie rebar when Helen noticed a black scorpion climbing up the heel of his boot.  We found out afterwards that one bite causes instant paralysis.  Glad we didn´t have to visit the hospital for anti venim shots.  Thanks to Helen for saving our team leader.   Talked to some of the workers at the casket factory across from the build site.  As you guessed it, they are made by hand.  I think if we give them candy we might just get a tour.  Headed back to hotel at 3:30 where the truly exciting events began...

Rosie was escorted from our room by the armed guard because she had flooded the room.  Water poured out the front door, onto the balcony and down into the courtyard where the rest of the team was enjoying predinner refreshments.  Quite the show considering Rosie barely had time to dress before running from the shower while the guard banged on the door.  Rosie and I now have a suite!  Shortly after this, Bill was locked inside his room.  He called out through the bathroom window and Gerry promptly broke down the door with the help of the armed guard.  Visited the mall escorted by Ignacio (hotel owner) and Johnny (translator) in search of Cuban cigars.  Had our team meeting over dinner where we were led by Carolyn and Terry in a Rebar Dance.  The competition between the two build site teams is ramping up. Currently the whole team is dancing in the hotel courtyard.  The staff think we are loco!  We will sleep well tonight after this eventfull day!
RITA

Our day began with  rebarring, moving sand and more sand. After lots of tamping, more sand and more tamping our trenches were ready for  the rebar.  While the others were cutting the wires for rebar, the really brave members of our team were working to get the sewage puddles running smoothly. ....... YEAH!   We spent the afternoon twisting wires to tie the rebar while Carolyn and Wendy were making the Ohs for the rebar assembly.  While Cheryl, Terry, Rosie, John and  Jeff  assembled  the rebar for the trenches,
 Paul, Chris, Jill, Dave and Johnnie were moving the dirt again over to the back of the property and Bill kept everyone entertained.  We had lots of visitors from the local community.  The truck driving buy in the afternoon with the music playing loudly helped to keep us inspired and Terry led us in the rebar dance.  We all needed this break and laughter to keep us motivated.  A truck showed up at our site at 3:00 with a full load of concrete bricks to be unloaded before 4:00.  With the help of many community members we formed the chain gang to move the bricks from the truck to the back of the property.  True team work!   We had a great  group of  kids at our site, especially the four little mischievious looking boys that Jill fell in  love with. There was one little guy that used a slingshot and killed a bird which had us all a little squeamish but he was very proud and after hanging it off his bicycle handlebars was going to take it home for dinner. We were all grossed out.  It was another great day and we are looking forward to another rewarding day tomorrow.  Hats off to our team leader Paul  for keeping us moving and keeping our spirts high.
CAROLYN, WENDY & ROSIE

Monday November 22

Rosie had the pleasure of witnessing my Buckwheat hairdo this morning!  Up early for our first day at the two building sites.  Team Tony consisted of Barry, Dave G, Gerry (Geraldo), Camille, Helen, Jen, and Rita.  We were  VERY fortunate to arrive on site which was already cleared and trenches dug.  The rebar was already cut and put together over the weekend by the two masons, Stanislaw and Juan.  We mixed concrete and soil and then added to the trenches to have a level measurement.  We then helped to lay the rebar then began cutting wire and tying off.  The family was on site as they live right next door.  Adan and Arminda have 4 children.  They welcomed us into their home with pride and warmth.  Their current home consists of pieces of wood patched together with a piece of metal for a roof that was held down by rocks.  There was not a single nail holding the house together.  There was no floor just dirt.  Adan built a table while we worked.  They brought the table into their home and Arminda covered it with a tablecloth so that we could eat our lunch in comfort and shade.  Cannot explain how this simple gesture overwhelmed all of us.  We played with the children and took lots of pictures.  Even though we do not speak the same language we managed to understand each other.  Left the site at 4 pm and had our usual meeting, refreshments and much needed showers before dinner.  Might visit the carnival down the street...we'll see how much energy we have left.

Team Paul´s site had not been started, so we (Paul, Chris, Jill, Jeff, Wendy, Bill, Terry, Rosie, Dave, Carolyn, John, Cheryl and Johnny the translator) spent the day building trenches for the walls.   The 6 room (approx. 500 sq.ft) home, took us the entire day to dig.  My visions of tanning in the sun at lunch were diminished by¨nine thirty when the heat and sweat was getting to the majority of us.  We started taking frequent breaks and drinking LOTS of water....and by lunch, Paul was asking us all "have you peed yet"???  This is the universal question during the builds to ensure everyone is drinking enough so that dehydration does not become an issue.  We were greeted twice during the day by a parade of cattle a (with a few horses thrown in) wandering down the street.  We also had the blessing of a real toilet!!!!  There was a home across the street from our build who graciously allowed us use of their facilities, we were very, very appreciative!!  Julia, the mom we met prior, and the recipient of the home, joined us most of the day, as well as her son Christian.  She told Jill of her own visions of building a basketball hoop at the back of the property when the home was completed.  Our masons were Francisco and Alex, who continuously measured our trenches throughout the day until we reached 32 inches.  As difficult as the day was physically, there is no doubting it was a great way to start our week here.  Until tomorrow......

Sunday November 21

We saw the main cathedral and a bit of San Salvador this morning before making our way to San Miguel.  It was a 3 hour drive through the beautiful country side.  We drove past volcanoes.  Drove through San Vincente, site of last years mudslides.  Our hotel in San Miguel is very nice and the people here are very welcoming and can´t do enough for us.  We met the two families who will work with us to build their new homes.  We enjoyed a nice lunch with them and afterwards had our team orientation.  After that we went on a walking tour of San Miguel.  Today is the feast of Our Lady of Peace so the streets are full of people.  We saw the procession from the main cathedral.  It is much like St. Anthony´s Day on Preston St. but multiply that by thousands and thousands of people who lead and follow the procession through the streets.  The people here are very religious and faithful.  They pray to Our Lady for favours and repay by walking in the procession with candles.  Prayer said for Maria back in Ottawa.  We made our way back to the hotel where we had our pre-dinner refreshments and chatted about the day.  The chef prepared papusas for dinner which consisted of a tortilla, plaintain, beans and buns.  Our Team Player of the Day goes to Barry for buying chocolate sweets for all.  To bed early so we are all rested and ready for the first build day.  Two building sites which are just starting so lots of digging tomorrow.
Rita

Saturday November 20

Well the rest of us finally made it to San Salvador!  Those of  us from Ottawa met at the airport at 4:30 am for the first leg of our journey.  After we all had our Timmy´s, we were energized for our 15 hour journey. Good connections, on time and only one piece of luggage stayed behind in Houston!  It was neat to fly into Newark and see the New York skyline, Statue of Liberty and the Jets Stadium.  Houston was very spread out and flat.  You could see for miles.  Lots of chatting and laughs throughout the day.  It was nice to arrive at our hotel and meet the rest of the group over beer and munchies.  Looking forward to seeing San Salvador during the day as we make our way to San Miguel tommorrow.  Goodnight to all!
Rita

Friday November 19

Hola desde San Salvador!

The first of us have arrived in the bustling city that is San Salvador. Chris, Jill, Paul and Barry arrived late on the 19th and after the initial "do you know the name of our Hotel?"dilemma followed by a quick call to Tony we proceeded to Hotel Mariscal. It wasn´t long before the scotch and Pilsner washed the dust of travel from our bodies and we stayed up late discussing what the next nine days will offer.
We agreed that we will be guaranteed a healthy amount of shovel work, with heavy clay loam and cement being the target of the spade. This will be followed by rebar, cinder block and yes... more cement. There will be sweat, blisters, sore feet, sore hands, sunburns, but all in all the pain will be the good kind.
Also agreed upon was the resulting laughter, stories, maybe tears and lasting friendships that are formed when a group of people gets together, without illusion, to work for the benefit of others.

On a lighter note a quote: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
                                      ~Winston Churchill


With this in mind...There are many paths in life and it is my belief that we travel not just one of these paths but many.
These paths intertwine and overlap and it is the amalgamation of these paths that provides us with a sense of who we are and what direction we are going.
Life... your life, my life, is made from these paths. The choice is how you walk them and which ones you take. For me coming to El Salvador is one such path. I am here because I want to experience the culture from the ground, from a perspective that is not one sought by many.
I find comfort in the fact that I have 19 likeminded souls who have chosen to walk this path with me. I don´t need to know their reasons for being here but I guarantee that each of us here will take more away with us that we can ever give.

The joy is in the journey.  Walk the path(s) with your head high and your eyes open. Walk it like it matters, because it does.


Chris

emergency contact info

Global Village Canada


Emergency Contact Information Sheet for El Salvador

For the duration of you trip someone at Global Village will be available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with emergencies. If we are not immediately available we will return your call as soon as possible. You may contact us anytime, day or night if you need assistance.


Global Village Coordinators

Rick Tait and Suzanne Bullock

Emergency phone 613-264-1250 (call collect if necessary)

If you don’t reach someone, leave a detailed message and call the emergency cell phone.

Emergency Cell Phone 613-264-7355 If we are not be able to answer immediately, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Email rtait@habitat.ca or sbullock@habitat.ca

When calling from El Salvador, dial 001- and then the ten-digit number.

In-country contact information

Habitat for Humanity El Salvador

Col. General Arce, Calle Jorge Dominguez, No. H-4,

San Salvador, El Salvador

www.habitatelsalvador.org.sv

http://habitates.blogspot.com

Patty Cordero de Arcia, Global Village Coordinator

PCordero@habitatelsalvador.org.sv

Phone (503) 2298-3290; 2298-3291; 2298-5253 Ext.103

Cell Phone: (503) 7318-8083

FAX (503) 2298-3290; 2298-3291; 2298-5253 Ext.109

Skype name: pcordero_hphes



Canadian Embassy in El Salvador

The Canadian Embassy

Centro Financiero Gigante,

63 Av. Sur y Alameda Roosevelt local 6 Nivel Lobby ll

San Salvador, El Salvador

General: (011-503) 2279-4655/4657/4659

Fax: (011-503) 2279-0765

Email: ssal@international.gc.ca

Medex Travelers Assistance Network

(24 hrs, 7 days per week)

Policy # 9906-0551 Medex code-CHB

In Canada 1-866-832-6930

Around the world Baltimore, Maryland 410-453-6330 ( call collect) Updated Jan/2008

Thanks to im Sheila at Auto Trim Signs in Ottawa for putting together our post team poster

SAN MIGUEL WEATHER

http://www.weathercity.com/sv/san_miguel/

2009 San Vincente El Salvador

Visit our 2009 trip to San Vincente El Salvador

http://habitat4humanity-bennett.blogspot.com/

HOTEL PLAZE FLORESTA

For those of you who may be feeling the jitters about what we will face when we land in El Salvador...
We have a hotel which will be booked for our stay during our build..From the pictures it looks like it will be  a pretty comfortable week..Take a minute to visit the web page for our hotel.
http://www.hotelplazafloresta.com/

As for the build it self, we will be using the basic cinder block building materials...cement, cement, cement,,,some steel bar and oh ya...cement...
We will be looking into our R and R options shortly...

Here is the update on our R and R for the Last days of our trip...

The Hotel, is a great sea side location offering pools, restaurants and some great down time.  The drinks and service are outstanding..Please feel free to check out the website.  From all accounts it was a big hit last year. The ocean awaits...

http://www.esteroymar.com/ingles/index.html

Paul and Tony...

El Salvador...

Habitat For Humanity

El Salvador

November 20 to November 29, 2010

Our names are Paul Mackillop and Tony Bennett. We have participated on six previous Habitat trips. We have been to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador. This year, along with Chris Tessier,we are leading a team of approx 20 people from the Ottawa area to San Miguel El Salvador.

Habitat for Humanity El Salvador built its first 29 houses in 1992, in the department of Santa Ana. Since then, much program renovation and organizational growth have taken place. As a result, the national organization has been able to provide increasingly more effective responses to the frequent loss of homes to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and the earthquakes in 2001.

The national organization’s work is performed through a central national office and six branches in Santa Ana, Sonsonate, San Salvador, San Vicente, Usulután and La Paz.

Housing need in El Salvador

After being struck by recent natural disasters, the housing need increased rapidly in El Salvador, both in urban and rural areas. Of the total number of houses affected, 60 percent corresponded to homes with an income of up to two minimum wages, and the remaining 40 percent are households with incomes greater than two minimum wages.

El Salvador is still in the process of rebuilding. According to data provided by the Vice Ministry of Housing, the country’s current qualitative and quantitative deficit totals 630,000 houses, or 51 percent of the total population.

Local governments, state institutions, non-governmental organizations and international organizations have made great efforts to respond to the housing needs of affected families. Support from these institutions concentrate on the most affected zones.

Through the work carried out by its affiliate branches, Habitat El Salvador has reached both sectors, concentrating its efforts on providing support to those families in need of adequate housing, without discrimination.

*One monthly minimum wage in El Salvador is US$144, so a family earning two minimum wages would have a monthly household income of US$288.Please join us if you are interested in meeting great people and making a difference for our friends in El Salvador.

El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated of the Central American countries. Two volcanic chains run down its center, rising from the Pacific beaches and lush lowlands up through fertile hills to rugged mountain chains. The country’s lovely landscapes, fascinating history and genuinely friendly people easily win over visitors.
Since its beginnings in 1992, Habitat for Humanity El Salvador has built over 3,900 homes and has established affiliates in six of the fourteen states. The seismic resistant houses are made of concrete blocks with structural steel reinforcement, Roofs are made of fiber-cement sheeting over industrial tubing and floors are made of poured concrete. Each home has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen/dining room, and a latrine or toilet with a floor area of approximately 40 sq m. We will be working under the direction of local masons, who will teach us how to build in the El Salvadorian manner.

Itinerary:
November 20 Arrive El Salvador
November 21 Travel to affiliate/ Welcome activities
November 22 – 26 Build
November 27 – 28 R & R
November 29 Departures

The Team

It's November and  the team is coming together VERY WELL.....San Miguel here we come!

TEAM MEMBERS:

Dave Gervais

Hello fellow “Habitatters”. My name is Dave Gervais and I live in Ottawa, ON. I am married with 1 daughter (22 years old) who is currently in college. During the week, I work at TD Commercial Bank…+ 25 years. I love to travel and meet new people, experience new cultures, foods etc…. In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer and golf. I’ve been on several trips with Tony and never a dull moment. This is my second trip to El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity. I look forward to seeing my friends from last year’s trip and meeting those new for this year.

Cheryl Petit

Greetings everyone,


Cheryl Pettit here....I am one of the newbies! The only one I know going on this build is Jenn Ouellette. When she told me what she was planning to do, my first question was "can I come too???". I have always wanted to do this, and am eagerly anticipating our trip. I am married, have a 12 year old daughter, live in Ottawa with the majority of you, and work for the Federal Government. My hobbies include golf, volleyball, yoga, cooking, and drinking wine. (That's a hobby right?) On a more serious note, one of the biggest reasons I wanted to join you all is to 'give back' a little.... As a 'working class' Canadian, I feel incredible fortunate. I have never gone hungry, and have always been healthy and well-cared for. Not everyone can say that....especially, I imagine, some of the people we'll meet in El Salvador........looking forward to meeting ya'll and stirring some cement!

Cheers, Cheryl

Jeff Darwin



Hello, my name is Jeff Darwin and I’m a 47 year-old (Ottawa-based) retail banker.  My newfound passion is flying, and this Spring I earned a private pilot license.  Both Tony Bennett and Dave Gervais were brave enough to go flying with me recently, and only one of them got sick.  This will be just my second Habitat trip, and I’m delighted to join my wife Wendy on this one, as well as reconnect with last year’s unbelievable El Salvador building group.  We’ll leave behind three kids and a dog in Ottawa, but we hope to bring back exceptional experiences that will make us appreciate even more how great we have it here in Ottawa.  Angry bowels be dammed – here we come!

Tony Bennett

(co-leader)

Hola. Greetings to our Habitat team. My name is Tony Bennett and I am from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I am married to Carolyn and have three children, Steven(married to Julie), Lauren and Jordan. I also have three grandchildren, Jakob, Brayden and Austin (but those are not them in the picture above).  My days are spent as a VP and Regional Director with BMO Harris Private Banking.
I enjoy travel and meeting new people. Outside of North America I have visited Europe, Central America and South America. I have completed Habitat builds in Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador. I look forward to leading my second trip with Paul. We have an oustanding team of volunteers who are going to do great things in El Salvador.

Terry Byrne

Hi

First time to try this experience! Looking forward to it! I worked in HR in Federal Government before retiring in 2005. Since then I have taken temporary jobs for a few months during the winter of each of those years. Divorced but still travelling with my former wife Marsha, we’re just back from Vegas. I live in the country in Clarence Creek. Love gardening (have ten gardens), history, (wrote a book since retiring), genealogy (writing another book), building (renovated 110 year old house I live in) and astronomy. Looking forward to meeting and working with you all. Terry Byrne

Paul MacKillop

(co-leader)

Hola...

My name is Paul MacKillop and I am from Ottawa Ontario.  I am married , with no children.  This will be my second shot at leading a build with Tony.  Looking forward to getting to El Salvador, reuniting with those from last year and getting to know our new teammates..

Camille Ewert and Gerry Ecker

Hola! I’m a Nurses Aide working in Geriatrics and Mental Health.  My husband Gerry and I currently live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  My son, who will be turning 25 when we are in San Miguel, became my traveling companion at the ripe old age of 3 when we moved across Canada to Toronto.  Since then I’ve had the wanderlust and spent a lot of time hauling around a backpack !!  This will be my second Habitat for Humanity Global Village Build in El Salvador with Gerry, and our second time around with Paul and Tony as our team leaders.  After 3 years of renovating our home, Gerry and I began building our cabin (cottage) this summer. Since we had our wettest summer in 125 years in Saskatchewan, we are really looking forward to building when it’s not raining for a change!  (fingers crossed, knock on wood and all that!)  We’re are also looking forward to meeting some new team members and reuniting with some we met last year in San Vicente.  Last year, after the build, we backpacked on the local bus system around El Salvador and fell in love with its people and places.  This year we plan on doing the same thing so we can see the places we missed and make more new friends along the way.  Can’t wait for the next adventure

Rosie Milito

Hello, my name is Rosie Milito and this is also my rookie Habitat trip.

I have been married 18 years to Ron Milito, who some of you may know. I have two children, Michael, 17 and Lina, 15.
I work at the Egg Farmers of Canada as a senior statistical co-ordinator. In fact, I have been with that organization for 33 years. And, I hate eggs. Never liked them.
I am looking so forward to being part of this team and embarking on this adventure.

Carolyn Collins-Bennett

Greetings.   My name is Carolyn Collins-Bennett.  Yes, I am Tony’s wife and yes I am Bill’s daughter. It’s finally my time to embark on a Habitat build!   I have been the one left behind for four other builds.  I have sat at home and waited anxiously  for the stories from Tony, my dad, my brother David and our son, Jordan.  Habitat has been a wonderful experience for our family and we can’t help but spread the news.  Tony and I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  During the day I am an elementary school teacher (grade 5).  My hobbies include running, skiing, reading, yoga, gardening and just staying busy.  I love being outdoors during all seasons.  I enjoy meeting new people and I  look forward to being thrown into the culture of El Salvador. 

John Lindsay

This is my second trip to El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity. Tony first introduced me to the experience last year and I had to go back. The smiles on all the faces during the week we there just makes your day.

During the week I work with BMO Harris Private Banking as an Investment Counsellor. I am married and unfortunately my wife Gail can not attend this trip. We have one son named Grant who is 14 years old.

My other main responsibility is driving Grant from one soccer practice to the other 52 weeks out of the year. Before meeting everyone in Houston for the flight to El Salvador I will be flying down to Tampa Florida to watch Grant play in the Super Y League North American soccer finals.

Looking forward to meeting everyone shortly,
Regards,
 John Lindsay

Jill Woodley

I am a born New Brunswick girl, with a heart devoted to the sea, and a residence landlocked in small town Ontario.  Couldn't be happier though, with three wonderful daughters (Morgan 16, Grace 14 and Kyra 11).  They are the light of my life, and I love being a Mum.  My background is Communications and the not-for-profit sector, and last year I left my communications job to take on the challenge of Executive Director of a non-profit youth centre in Osgoode (rural Ottawa).  It is a crazy job, but I love the enthusiasm and energy of youth, and tackle each day to encourage their success.  I have not travelled in a long time, and never to a country like El Salvador.  I am very excited about travelling with Chris, my husband of 17 years, and sharing this experience with him. His emails from El Salvador in 2009 inspired me to challenge myself.  I started Bootcamp in July to prepare to be an asset to the team, and to the families we are building for.  So thankful for this opportunity

Chris Tessier

I am a father of three who has been married for almost 17 yrs to the lovely Jill Woodley. This will be my 3rd Habitat trip, the first being to Costa Rica in the company of our exalted team leaders Paul and Tony. I look forward to the re-living the cultural experience of El Salvador with my wife Jill, and the making and renewing of freindships.

Dave Thomson

Hi Everyone. I live in Ottawa with my wife, Ekua. I am a pure rookie on this trip. Ekua has concluded that I am almost certainly the least qualified builder of us all. I spend most of my time working for TD Bank and have for the past 17 years. When I'm not at work I love to play and watch sports ... mostly hockey. I'm really looking forward to our trip.

Thanks,

Dave

Wendy Darwin

Hello everyone, I live in Ottawa with my husband of 23 years, Jeff. I feel very blessed to be able to join him along with the rest of you on this Habitat adventure to El Salvador. I have had the privilege of staying home to raise our 3 beautiful children, now 17, 20 & 22 years old. I’m looking forward to experiencing my first ‘Habitat build’ and meeting each of you.

Barry MacKillop

Hello all! My name is Barry MacKillop and I was born and raised in Hull along with my little brother Paul . ! After working for over twelve years with the Youth Services Bureau in Ottawa and a couple of years addressing youth and violence issues in Ottawa, I took a position with the federal government. I currently work at the Department of Public Safety as the Director General responsible for organized crime as well as law enforcement strategies at the border. I have been lucky to share my life for the last twenty-nine with a beautiful and wonderful woman and we have two teenagers to keep us busy. This will be my 2nd build and I am looking forward to what promises to be a great experience.

Bill Collins

After a career in marketing, teaching and management spanning 40 plus years, I retired ten years ago and now enjoy the opportunity to pay back to society for a great life.

This will be my sixth build in Central America and second in El Salvador. I look forward to joining my daughter, Carolyn and son-in-law, Tony on this trip. In the past one of my sons, David and my grandson, Jordan have also joined me on a Habitat build.

It is only in sharing our lives and fortune with those in need of our help that we find true happiness. I really enjoy spending time with people of a different culture and beliefs to mine. I look forward to our time together and know that we will return re-energised.

Helen Charron

I am very excited to be part of this year's build in El Salvador. Building for Habitat has been on my life's "little to do list" and here it is.

In a past life, I worked with individuals and families where finding stable housing was a struggle and a dream. It taught me that feeling secure about where you go home to is the foundation for building a life and independence. Being a small part of helping an El Salvadorian family feel this security is a gift.

The work and play at the cottage keeps me fit.... especially, the judo/wrestling/tickling matches with the big and little kids. The winter months find me snowshoeing, skating and long walks along the beautiful Ottawa River and Gatineau Park or travelling.

Rita Conti

Hello Fellow Travellers:

My name is Rita Conti. I was born and raised in west end Ottawa. I've been married to a fantastic husband and terrific father named Steve Ryan for 16 years. I have to butter him up because I've left him at home with the kids and dog! We have two children, Liam (11) and Sarah (9) and they can't believe I'll be helping to build a house! After a stint as stay-at-home mom, I now work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as an Administrative Assistant. This will be my first trip with Habitat. I'm very excited to have this opportunity and be able to experience something new...out of my comfort zone. I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

Jennifer Ouellette
  

Hi!  My name is Jennifer Ouellette and I'm soooooooo excited to be a part of this great group of people travelling to El Salvador to help some families have what we take for granted every day!  I have been a stay at home Mom for the past 10 years working part time doing something that I love... interior decorating!  I have two wonderful kids; Matthew and Renee, a very hard working hubby, John (some of you might know), a dog (Sami) and a cat (Freddie).  I love to spend my free time golfing, gardening, hiking (Sami loves that), camping/cottaging in the summer and downhill skiing and more hiking (Sami really loves the cold weather) in the winter.  I enjoy getting together with good friends (and a glass of wine)...which is sometimes disguised as “book club” or “cooking club”!  I can’t wait to meet everyone and start working with that cement and rebar!