Day One: Rain, Rain Go Away ...

This morning started with a little bit of rain, but we didn't let that stop us. This was our first day at the work site, and we were ready to work. The house we are working on is over 50 years old and located in the small mining village of Vieiros. We are starting the rehab of the house while we are here. It is currently four rooms, with basic electricity, an outdoor water spigot and no indoor plumbing. When Habitat for Humanity finishes this project, the house will have a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with running water and a septic system. Mrs. Ana Maria and Mr. José will be able to host their grandchildren in the house Mrs. Ana Maria grew up in.

Above, Dave and Ellen help Sr. Rogerio frame up the top of the septic system. After framing, we mixed cement and poured/leveled the top of the septic with cement. Tomorrow, we will dig the ditch/pipe leading to the septic.

Inside, we removed the flooring, windows and doors. Watch out, Amanda can chisel like nobody's business in her Tuff Chix gloves.

We also removed the ceiling in two rooms, and we should start removing the roof tomorrow. The current roof is composed of clay tiles (and leaks), and the ceiling was made of the wood from used mining crates.

Above is a picture of the team outside the house at the end of the first day.

And today's long-distance dedication goes out to: MEG. Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.