Day 4 - Pools and Shovels

Well today was our first day of construction! Before we actually showed up to the site at AMAD, none of us had any idea of what we'd actually be doing. All we knew was wake up and be out the door at 8:30. Piece of cake.

We arrived at AMAD as scheduled, but were surprised (at least I was) to see the entire swimming pool sitting on the ground in front of a fairly large hole in the ground. Cool, we actually would be putting in the pool. We thought that it might have already been put in by the time we got there.

Before setting right off to work, though. We took a tour through the AMAD facilities. Imagine a side street on a city in Eurpose, walls enclosing houses, each one a bit different looking. Now, one of the AMAD buildings is more of a clinic-type setup, which works pretty well because there are several small rooms to work with the children and their different needs. However, the other building is much more like a house with very narrow walkways and steps leading into the house. Definitely not ideal. Plus, these buildings are separated by 2 houses that have nothing to do with AMAD. Again, not ideal.

After a walk-through of the facilities, Nathan, Vince (Joel's dad, a missionary here), and I were able to meet with Rosa, the head of AMAD, about the video. The more our ideas come together, the more exciting it becomes! We will be filming an interview with Rosa in the morning tomorrow, and in the afternoon, head back to AMAD to film interviews with some of the specialists there (psychologists, social workers, physical therapy workers, etc). All of the interviews should be done by Wednesday at noon. After that, we will get the rest of the filler shots that we need to complete the video project. Along the way, I will still be filming our group's work in construction and in our other activities. I feel a bit guilty for not contributing to the physical labor side of this trip, but I believe that the video will be a great tool in spreading AMAD's vision and needs.

When the time came to lower the pool into the pit (which took the entire day), we realized (after putting it in the hole), that it would not fit. Our team took it out, the workers picked away at the wides of the pit, and we tried again. And again, it was not big enough. As is the way that life sometimes works, the third time was the charm, and from there, we came back to our respective houses. As far as watching my team work, I was impressed with their work ethic and helpful attitudes. With virtually no knowlege of construction work, they were willing to do as they were instructed until the job was done.

For those who did not have jobs to do (there was only a limited number of people who could work on construction projects because of physical room), some of us spent our time observing and interacting with the children at AMAD. It was really touching to see the love that the nurses had for the kids and the extent to which they invested themselves into their lives. A lot of the kids don't make it, which is extremely difficult for the workers, but they press on and continue to give of themselves daily.

Well, I think those are the hilights from day 1. Check out the new "links" section I added in the left column. It has a link to Asbury WGM's blog with pictures from each day. I hope you all are doing well! Much love,

Elisa