Well that was unexpected.

So this weekend, I built a house. By myself. Just kidding. We woke up at 6:45 Saturday morning for Sjoerd, Heidi, Marleen, and I to go build two houses with the staff and a team that flew in from Dallas. Awhile into it, a girl named Lindsay told me that I was the host. The girl who was supposed to be the host was at a funeral. I had never done this house builidng thing for Homes of Hope and I did not even know what a host did. So Lindsay kind of explained to me and then I just kind of improvised. Basically I was supposed to tell people what to do, make sure everyone was drinking water/staying hydrated, and keep people encouraged. I was supposed to form relationships with the people. Then when it was lunchtime I had to set up the table and all the food. Then I cleaned up afterward. And after lunch Lindsay left and I became photographer as well as host. So, basically I spent my day passing out waters, watching the kids of the family that we were building a house for, and taking pictures. The little girl, Dana, got super excited every time I took a picture and she wanted to see it immediately. She would then look at it and laugh. She was so cute! We built the house for a family of four- Jorge, Silvia y sus hijos, Irvin y Dana. They were so thrilled with their new house! And Silvia was so awesome!

So we were all excited to have helped, but we were also excited to be done the next day and go to church, sleep, and just relax. Alas, that did not happen. Sjoerd and I were told that we would be working again. So I went to bed at 6:30 and slept till 6. That was incredible and I really needed it. Then I went down to breakfast. We drove to the hotel to pick up the team from Dallas, then we drove them by the base so they could see where we lived, and then we went to the site. I had told Silvia goodbye the day before, so she was all excited and we talked some more. They had woken up early and started making lunch for us. They worked on it from about seven to 12. Some of the woman on the team took Silvia and the kids to the store to buy food, clothes, shoes, and bedding. Sjoerd drove. I had to stay and help with lunch and other stuff again. When Silvia came back she told me she had never bought so much stuff in her life. She was so excited about all that they had. Each of the kids received a toy and they were both super excited as well. I spent the day taking pictures again. It was wonderful. And it was awesome to see the house done and give them the key and watch them walk in. Silvia made it through the team's thank yous and gifts (Bible and team picture) fine, but she wanted to say thank you and then she started crying. She was beyond thrilled to have this house. She said it was her biggest dream come true and she couldn't express how greatful she was that her kids would no longer be cold and electricy-less. It was wonderful to see her face then. I will be posting pictures just as soon as I get them. I used the base camera because they were actually for a slideshow. But I'll get them tomorrow. So then I drove back with my new friend Martin. It was so good to see my girls again when I got home. I missed them a lot the past two days. It was semi-overwhelming, but at the same time so fulfilling and wonderful. Plus I became better friends with all the guys I worked with. I worked with Steve, Cody, Martin, and Lindsay. And I got to drive once with Oscar, so I got to know him too. It was a blast.

On top of all that goodness, Sjoerd is starting to learn how to be with six girls. He has started to give hugs and not freak out when we get somewhat near him. Last week he was asking us why we're always touching each other. But this week he is not flinching when we get near, which is terrific. My girls are only getting better. I love them all so much and I hate when I can't be with them. Ok well I'm kind of sore and I'm sitting uncomfortably, so I'm going to end this abruptly. Pictures are coming on facebook soon. Love and miss you all!

Que Dios les bendiga!
Coray