This morning we were all so anxious to begin work we were up and ready long before we had to be. We quickly boarded the bus and set off to pick up Rita and her five children for what turned out to be our very own version of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! The white school bus pulled up in front of the house and we waited in anticipation to finally meet the family that had brought us all together. They were so gracious, not the running and screaming you see on TV but rather had a quiet and proud demeanor as they made their way to the bus. Rita informed us that the kids had been up since 6AM and were just as eager to meet us. They boarded the bus, their arms full with the lunch she had prepared for us, her way of saying thank you, for coming to build them a home. I thought of how hard and long she must have worked to pay for it, likely an entire week’s wages. Had we ever been near as thankful for anything like this? You could see the excitement build in each of their faces as we got closer to the work site. And our day just kept getting better!We spent the morning cutting wood, framing out the four walls, and painting the sheets of siding. Not a moment went by when work wasn’t being done, not only by the group but by each family member. It was heartwarming to see each of my students bond so quickly with the family, having them communicate not through words but with the kindness in their eyes and the patience of their actions. We worked long and hard all day and not one complaint. How could we when we knew why we were there and the impact it would have on this family?
As we sat around the kitchen tonight discussing our first impressions of Mexico and the highlights thus far, I realized just what an impact it has already had on our lives as well. I feel so proud and blessed to be sharing this experience with such an amazing group of students and look forward to see what the rest of the week holds for us.
Posted by Tina Smith
Hi Kathryn, just finished reading Miss Smith’s comments on day one. Sounds like you guys are settled in and ready to work. What a great bunch! It’s so nice to visit this blog and see all the familiar faces. It’s a sunny here today but chilly, frost is just melting off the deck. You’re doing such a great thing there in Mexico and I’m really proud of you. Love you and miss you. Love Mom…..XXXXOOOO
Hi Ms.Smith,
Just finished reading your blog and even though we are so very far away from you and your group of students,your description of meeting the family that you are building a home for gives us a small glimpse of the positive impact of human kindness. A Smile in any language has a universal meaning. Hope that each step of your journey creates a smile for you,your students and the family that you are sharing this wonderful experience.
Hey Mom,
I just wanted to say how proud I am of you and that you’re doing a wonderful thing for Rita and her family. Keep working hard and have fun!
Love Chris
P.S. Chewy’s doing good!
Hi Michael,It was great to see all of you guys working so hard for
this wonderful family.Your mother and I are very proud of you and all
of your group and what you are doing for this family.This is what Easter is all about giving of yourself to help others.Keep up the good work guys and
don’t forget the sunblock. All our love, The Mcdonalds
Happy Easter everyone. We’re so proud of you.
Keep up the hard work but don’t forget the suncscreen .We are so proud of you all here at home. Love you, see you soon .
It brought tears to my eyes to see the group helping to do their part to give this family a better life. What an Easter blessing. You are all real Heroes.
Rita and her children will never forget all of you for that.
I’m very proud of all of you.
HAPPY EASTER to all of you.
Love you Rebecca
LOVE
LUCK
LAUGHTER
Mom
Hi Michael,
When I got on this site I didn’t expect to see what I saw and feel so overwhelmed by the hard work of your group. You guys are truly an inspiration to all other teenagers and the thought of the difference you will have made is truly phenemenol. Keep up all the good work.
Michael McDonald’s Aunt Deanne
Hi Kathryn,
Happy Easter! Hope you found the Easter eggs Mom packed for you! We missed you in church this morning. Hope you’re having a good time. We were looking at pictures of you from last week. I bet there’s lots of sun down there - and all we have is fog and rain!
Love you and miss you,
Nanny Cole (written and edited by Jessica Guy)
ps; it’s Nan birthday! ‘imagine I’m 77 today!’
pps; kisses and meows from Ash and Noah (who is siting in the window..)
Hi Neil,
HAPPY EASTER to you and your group. Seeing the wonderful pictures and the blog from your teacher was certainly heart warming to us, we can only imagine how you all must feel. You are a wonderful group of teenagers with an amazing teacher. It is what Easter is all about, giving new life, and that is exactly what you are all doing for Rita and her family. Take care, be careful, and enjoy every minute. We would love to hear from you!!
Lots of Love
Mom, Dad & Todd
Hi Bob,
Yes, I totally agree with all of the above comments. A very fine group of young teenagers. They sure are spreading the true meaning of Easter. What a wonderful experience! What better thing is there, than to give of yourself to help someone else? I’m sure you will treasure these memories always! We are so proud of you all… I can’t help it Bob, so I have to say it: Please use your sunblock and enjoy every moment. Dad is wondering how you are with mechanics. lol Have fun!!!
Love Mom and Dad
Mike, Kenny, Bob, Becca, Brittney, Amy, anyone else down there I forgot, honestly I’m so glad to see the happiness you brought to this family. I don’t think a day will go by where i won’t regret not going on this trip, the privilege to change someones life only comes by once in a lifetime, embrace it, and keep up the good work.