Today was an incredible learning opportunity.
Learning. Experiencing much. Working hard. Getting dirty. Connecting with the local people. Having fun. Making a difference. Being together.
There were many "Grams-isms" and "Mom-isms" mentioned today! You were again here in spirit, Mom!
Love Crystal
More to come...we're all in bed early after a very big day!
Part 2:
(Early in the morning on June 11th.)
Mom - so much of who you are and what you stand for was evident yesterday:
1. working hard.
2. not being afraid to get dirty.
3. not even noticing when the rain started that could have dampened our spirits.
4. encouraging one another.
5. having the utmost of respect for the community and people.
6. knowing our own ability and pace and stopping and resting when we needed.
7. finding meaning and purpose in what we were doing (over 60 or 70...and probably more wheel barrels of mud)
8. having genuine compassion
9. being quick to find the humour in the situation - when appropriate
10. always bringing out the best in everyone
We were digging mud out of people's homes and playing with the kids (in a program they have 3 days/week). We also went on a tour of the area and met a man that lost his wife and 2 children in the hurricane in 2005 when the mudslide happpened. He saved 2 of his kids but when he went back to get his wife and other 2 kids, all he could go back to was his house that had just been covered with mud. It was heartbreaking to see his sadness still so evident 5 years later. But we also encoutered so much joy and appreciation. We dug out a family's home that had was just filled with mud (from last week) and the man of the home made a little speech after we were done...and he shook everyone's hand and proudly said thank you. It was quite extraordinary to help in some small way.
Have a wonderful day Mom.
We're all safe and sound here.
love crystal
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