It's really starting to look like a house

There comes a time in a person's life (at least I hope so) when one wonders about their purpose in life. For me that has happened many times, most recently in December when I decided that I needed a little change. I decided that I would partake in a Habitat for Humanity Global Village adventure...not only to help those who need a helping hand,  but also to give myself a break from the daily grind. I couldn't have picked a better time to come to Nicaragua. The group that I am volunteering with is completely amazing and my roommates (Deborah and Marta) are phenomenal. 

Today was our third day working in La Gallina and I was totally beat! Today we got up a little earlier so we could get some work done before the heat started to get to us...we have been working in about 100 degree weather and have been sweating through our clothes like no one's business. It's a little crazy how dirty, sweaty, exhausted, dehydrated and smelly we all get, but we all know that what we are doing is really helping this community.

Earlier this week we started the house-building process by sifting mounds of dirt multiple times until it reached a consistency that would be suitable for adobe bricks. After moving the bricks up the hill we began to lay bricks yesterday. Today we made it up to row 10! It is really starting to look like a house now and it's so cool to know that we are building this thing literally from the ground up.

One of the families that we are working with to build a home came over to thank us today. Leonarda shared how happy she was that we are helping the community and it was really amazing. It is unbelievable how much a simple thank you, a hug and kiss, and an exchange where you only understand every other word can mean! :)

My favorite part of the days so far (apart from the midday river wash off and relaxation) is when we all come straggling back to our hotel and head straight to the beach to wash off as much dirt as possible before we do anything else...it really is amazing how much dirt one person can accumulate on themselves. The beach is so beautiful and relaxing, and we are so lucky to be staying in such a great place.

It's a good thing the place is nice because I have never worked so hard in my life, nor have I ever sweated this much! After all the craziness is said and done I am very happy that I am doing this and can't wait to share all of my stories when I get home! Stay posted!