It's been a busy couple of weeks, as we are full steam ahead on the construction here in Tarija, we just celebrated our official inaguration with all 15 families, and I had a chance to go back home to Atlanta for a whirlwind 72 hour trip.
Click here to see all the pictures from the past 2 weeks of progress!
A little over a week ago, I was working on the property in the afternoon with my architect and we missed the last bus back into Tarija, so we walked and hitchhiked for about 45 minutes back. As we walked, we passed many families heading into the "campo" or countryside after their day of work, carrying children and groceries, walking along in the dusk. When we reach town my architect went back to his family and their comfortable home. I headed to a spinning class at an upscale hotel (complete with Spanish techno versions of "I Will Survive"). As my legs were spinning, my head was also spinning thinking of how grateful I was to be heading towards civilization and a warm shower when we passed those families heading the other direction.
Then a couple of days later, I traveled 40 hours by bus, taxi, and 2 airplanes, to be back in the US for 3 days, for meetings with McKinsey and time with my parents. I have to admit, I don't get culture shock easily, but the contrast to the families I passed hitchhiking, and their lives here in Bolivia was a bit hard to absorb.
I'm back in Tarija now, and there's been a ton of progress (in my absence!) on our homes. Yesterday we celebrated the official inauguration with the families. We blessed the land with a local minister, laying a ceremonial brick and concrete, and speeches from the families, Habitat, and myself. The families spoke about their excitement about getting a home, and expressed their thanks and appreciation to all of you for your truly amazing support.
You can see in the photos how quickly we are progressing now. We have 38 construction workers on the ground, including 8 family members who are thrilled to have the work. We will be putting up walls on 7 of the homes this week!
I'm healthy and happy, rejuvenated after my days with my parents, and excited for the progress here. I'm looking forward also to visits from friends at the end of this month and in November.
Saludos from Tarija!
naomi
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