Day 5 halfway thru

Hard to believe it's Sunday and that we just have a couple days left to work. Today was a great day to relax, explore and reflect on our collective contributions and learning experiences so far. We still have sanding, staining and painting to do (turns out the stucco has to dry for a couple weeks before being painted! We learn something every day.), but we now have hinges on all the windows, cables run through most of the electrical connections, several rounds of floor cleaning completed, and a continually improving relationship with the community. We are still working on water access and sewer drawings, but hope to buy water and sewer piping and ceramic tile for all the floors tomorrow. We also plan to have a formal meeting with the foundation board tomorrow night (rescheduled from Friday).
Other escapades this past week;
We brought 8 suitcases up to the community on Saturday and distributed toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, tennis shoes and baby clothes to the children and mothers of the community. Probably the most exciting gifts of the day were the soccer uniforms, distributed to children from age 2-10, boys and girls, to form 4 teams. All 4 teams got dressed and played and were awarded prizes of nerf soccer balls to share and continue playing. We recognized the need to clear a better play space, but to see the kids in such fabulous uniforms was very exciting for all of us. Thanks to Darcy Hartman for her efforts in collecting these uniforms in Columbus! We distributed donations to about 110 children and as many mothers as could be present (about 25). The community was full of joy and vigor and showed us all kinds of love with handshakes and big hugs and kisses!
Ernesto, our fearless project leader, also learned that the inner community nearest the home is called San Rafael - seemed fitting since Ralph is called Rafael and has saintly patience for the construction process!
Saturday afternoon we attended a traditional Quechua music festival called Taquipayanacus, a kind of traditional jokester singing contest. We were surprised to be the honored guests and to be seated in the keep at the soccer stadium - the closest possible seats, and to be recognized from the stage several times. San Rafael radio was the sponsor of the festival, too. Rhonda was our official photographer - she is waiting on her press vest, but should have one by the next trip.
Sara and Ralph went to church and met up with Mike Timmer. Many contacts have been made in the past week and resources seem to be within reach.
Most the group will shop at the Cancha tomorrow for souvenirs and Ralph and Connie will shop for construction materials. We'll try again to get photos of the process loaded soon! David and Sarai send their love to Maria and all those at home!