Oh my goodness. What an amazing 3 days we’ve just had. After traveling for what seems like forever, we finally arrived to Mexico and I’m so glad we did.
This is our third working day and it was the best so far. All four walls, a roof and the windows are in! We even had time to build a playhouse for the smallest girl, Rosie! She had been setting aside a pile of wood all week to create her personal dream home, complete with chair and table!
This Easter Sunday has been the most memorable we’ve ever had. After getting covered in tar while constructing the roof, we made our way to the beach with the family for a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean. This day was incredible for both us and the Lopez family because we were able to have even more bonding time with the adorable children away the work site. When everyone was dried off (and thawed out) we went back to our dorms where we shared in a lovely supper. It was amazing to see the look on Rita’s face as all of the food was passed around and the smiles on her children’s faces as they shared laughs with our group.
It’s hard to believe that a bunch of teenagers could get together and build a full house in a matter of days. But, what’s more amazing is how our memories are not from the nailing and painting of the new home, but of the times shared with the amazing family we were fortunate enough to meet.
Even though we have all learned a few construction skills such as, how to tar and how to frame a wall, we’ve learned so much more from this wonderful family. Although they don’t have a whole lot of material things, they have enough love to last a lifetime, and each of us can feel that. The bond of their family and love for one another is amazing and we all hope one day to posess a bit of that compassion. They impacted our lives just as we have impacted theirs, but our memories of their love will last longer than a house.
Written by: Kathryn Guy
Hi Kathryn,
Just finished reading “Havin’ a Time”. Your time there sounds amazing and I’m so glad everything is working out….well except for the tar thing! It’s wonderful to be able to share Easter with the Lopez family and bring back unforgettable memories and stories. The work you and your friends are doing will surely stay with that family a long long time.
I assume the Pacific Ocean is a bit chilly there? Pictures are great, stories even better. Take care. God Bless. I love you!
Did you find all your eggs?!!!
Hey Kenny,
Still no email from you.I can only assume you must have hit your fingers too many times with the hammer and they are too tender to use a keyboard, or maybe you have forgotten how to use a computer. In that case you won’t mind if I donate yours. Dad says I shouldn’t write you anything mushy because it would be embarrasing so I’ll be critical instead. lol
I know I told you to protect yourself from the sun but whats up with the big black hoodie at the beach? All the girls are in bikinis and you are covered from head to toe.
Kyle had to work yesterday and Dad and I went to Uncle Blaine’s for more turkey dinner and peas pudding. Missed my two boys not fighting over the candy dish.
Can’t wait for Friday ….. take care and remember how much you are loved.
Ya Mudder
HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY EVERYONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
Now as soon as i saw havin’ a time i didn’t even have to think twice about which blog i needed to comment on. haha soo funny! Looks like you guys are having an amazing trip! I can imagine how messy tarring that roof was and i’m sure we’ll hear many stories when you’re all back! I also looked at all the pictures and they’re so nice! (i also found out where all the sun is hiding haha!) I’m so proud of you guys and keep up the hard work! Can’t wait to hear all the stories!
Take care!
- Laura : )
ps: Kath: mission may 2nd is underway hahaha! oh and i died when i read your mom’s comment about you cats hahaa! Meg: you better be registered for spring ledgue haha! Kirb: show them how to play soccer down there! Katie: i officially have material for my grad dress hahaha and Ms smith: don’t worry i’m doing math homework every night to stay on my game!
Hi Kathryn
Thank-you for sharing this story with us. You guys have celebrated the Easter Season in its truest meaning, by giving the gift of human kindness to others. The impact of what you have accomplished will be life changing for all of you. Your group should be very proud of all the good work that you are doing. Here at home we feel tearful as we see your pictures and read stories of your accomplishments. The emotions that you are feeling must be amazing as you get to see first hand the results of your work. Hope that the next two days in Mexico continues to bring further joy to all of you,especially Rita and her family. I am sure that Rosie was delighted with her new playhouse. So very proud of all of you and the positive change you have created in the lives of others.Have a safe and wonderful trip home.
Hi guys,
Kathryn we just finished reading your post. What a wonderful job you did in putting it together. We were so moved by what you wrote. It brought tears to my eyes…so proud of you all! I can’t imagine how Rita and her family must feel.
Take care and enjoy the rest of your stay everyone.
Bob’s Family
Wow!
Looks like you guys are havin a time!!
The house is looking great, you’re all doing a fantasitc job.
Kenny what happened to your cornrows!!
I miss you guys!, But can’t wait to see a picture of the finished product
See you all on friday!
Hi Kath,
Just here at work (it’s 3:06pm) and thinking about you all. I guess tody will be exciting as well as emotional. I just can’t imagine how each one of you guys must be feeling as well as the Lopez family as you finish off the house and have the dedication. I can’t wait to see a picture of the finished product!! It must be a great experience for you guys. Hope you all made Ms. Smith proud of you, as I’m sure you did. Take care and enjoy the rest of your experience.
PS….I’ve been looking around for a necklace, shoes & purse for grad….no luck yet!! Lots of love! Mom
Sounds like you guys really are havin a time! It sounds like an amazing experience.
Good luck with finishing it up, & enjoy the rest of yo time!
See you guys soon!
~T-Bomb
Hi Kathryn: Kyle just showed me your blog and it made me cry..happy tears! It is so rewarding and promising to see that a group of teens, when brought together, can achieve such amazing results! I am so proud of all of you! I am sure that the bonds you have shared with the Lopez family family will last a life time!!!! This is truly the way to share and assist others in need! What a journey of personal growth and fulfilment!!!! Thanks for making a differnce in this world! We all need youth like your group. Safe travels home!!!!
Tracy Butler
BUILDIN’! (Havin’ a time). SWIMMIN”! (Havin’ a time). EATIN’ (Havin’ a time).
MEM’RIES! (Havin’ a time). BLISTERS! (not so much havin’ a time)…
Keep up the great work guys.
Tracy Follett
Aw you guys seem to be having so much fun! I’m super proud of you guys and I love you!
The house is looking great, you guys are super skilled at… house..buidling.
Aw I miss you guys, please be safe! Wear your seatbelts! And don’t forget sun screen! You guys are great. And wear proper footwear! And hats! And don’t look directly into the sun!
Love, Staci