Laundry Report

The day at the laundry started out with everyone full of energy and ready to tackle the job at hand. However, as we got into the grueling work, that energy level seemed to decrease dramatically. The first day at the laundry was a big day, which included forming and pouring an 18 by 30 foot concrete pad. All concrete mixing was done by hand. We provided a large team (11) for this day because of the quantity of work that had to be accomplished. If it weren't for the locally provided team of 4 workers plus Antonio, I don't believe we could have ever accomplished the entire pad as we did.

We were able to perform the mixing under a roof but the pad itself was in the full sun. It did not take long for the temperature to rise. We made sure everyone drank plenty of water and that no one would push themselves beyond their limits.

Everyone worked very well together. When somebody became tired of shoveling concrete, someone else would automatically step in. When somebody was exhausted with the wheel borrow transfer process, someone else would step in. There was also a great camaraderie that developed between the local workers (all quite young - - in their teens or early twenties). They would pull simple stunts that would bring smiles to everyone's faces. When Sumner wanted to be more involved, one of the local workers helped her carry a five gallon bucket of water to help her feel part of the effort.

At then end of the day, everyone was quite exhausted and in need of refreshment. Some went to the Blue Hole National Park for a swim in a beautiful deep pool where the creek rises out of the ground, some of us, including yours truly, went swimming in Jaguar Creek and with a water temperature of 76 degrees was very refreshing, and the others simply showered and cooled off.

We feel truly blessed for the opportunity to perform this mission and appreciate the level of congregational support that allows us to complete this work.

Doug Allen