Today was mud day! We started mixing cement (mud) to coat the walls of the houses. It is hard work, and it was hot today, but what kid doesn’t like playing in the mud and getting dirty?
We started the day off with a great reflection from Fr. Matthew, then we headed out to the two building sites. We had a lot to do—we needed to have the first coat of cement on today. Once the concrete mixers started up, they wouldn’t stop until lunch, or for the end of the day. Since the farm house is a bit more accessible, they got a little further today, and were able to get the whole first coat on! The Calvary house got most of the first coat on. Tomorrow we should be able to get an earlier start, and still finish everything on time.
After another great dinner prepared by Fr. Dan and a few volunteers, we had a holy hour back up at the Calvary church/tent. We started with the Rosary, followed by a reflection on the Gospel about confession. Fr. Matthew and I were then available for confessions in the time of personal reflection that followed. How awesome to be able to come on a mission trip, build a house for a needy family, and be nourished spiritually at the same time! Hopefully this holy hour was a time of spiritual enrichment and an experience of God’s love and mercy. God bless!
In Christ, Fr. Andrew Kolenda, LC
Attached: Fr. Matthew directing the morning meditation; a view of the town from the patio of the Calvary Church; mixing concrete and mudding the walls.