The real work begins

Trabajo Primero
Our work began in earnest today with lots of digging, interior painting and exterior prep work. One of our tasks is to create a cement walkway for three doorways at the church. These will also be handicap accessible ramps. Today we dug out the had pack and burried rocks and bricks. We did not let the early demise of our pick ax slow us down - the handle snapped on the third swing?!? I wonder if there is a warranty? Anyway we were able to get all the trenching compleated, the re-bar cut to size and the forms ready to install. We were not able to leave any of those things out overnight, lest they grow legs, so with all that ready we should get to a pour in the afternoon on the first ramp.
Meanwhile inside our fantastic paint team did a great job brushing and rolling the walls in the salon (parish hall). Tomorrow the accent trim will be painted and we will be done with thta room. In the middle of our work, Edward took Father Marco into the chuch to present a patten, chalise and stoll. These gifts are from our parish to his and they were warmly received. Marco said he will begin using them at thier July 25th parish anniversary. BTW, the chalise was a gift from Mary Gwen Brummit.
Outside prep work for painting the exterior have been compleated except two places- the upper section of the church facade and the bell tower. Tomorrow two additional sections of scaffolding will be picked up and we will prep and paint the upper facade and then move to the lower portions. The window openings are currently filled with wood slats that we have sanded and will varnish. Susan says that stained glass is on the wish list! The bell tower is another story- after I tried to awkwardly access the tower through a roof opening, I discussed the relative safety of this maneuver with the team leaders and we decided to ask for local assistance. It seems the plan is to use a rope to tie the painter on the the tower as he works. A young man from the neighborhood has been engaged to tackle the task. Safety First!
We headed home under our first sunny sky of the trip and stopped to get some additional supplies at the hardware store. In the same shopping center was a Metro market which I can only describe as Albertons on crack. It is not very far from the shanty towns and "invasion" settlements to a gleaming shopping mall overflowing with Peruvian shoppers. What a contrast. Meanwhile, your youth team stocked up on sodas, chips and various local cookies and chocolates. The bus ride back to the convent was home was a junk food buffet!
Will Funk, Colin and I took a walk after getting back. We stopped for an empanade de carne on the way. The bay was beautiful with the setting sun, a first for us, and the surf was delivering for the 20 or so out for their sunset board meeting. The area is undergoing a great deal of construction and the pedestrian bridge is really beautiful. The closed for the winter food stands just off the sand reminded me of the winter time photos of Coney Island, without the snow.

We returned to the outdoor patio for reflection tonight and began a several day series on the Lord's Prayer. Most shared fun experiences from thier work tasks, especially from the piant crew. We all ate well, had a nice reflection time and most are ready for a bed. More tomorrow and the photos should reflect some real progress.