Day 5: Final day on site and closing celebration

Today was going to be our last day on site.  We had a few tasks to complete before we were done for the week.  These included painting roof tiles with tar to help with waterproofing, tamping down the rubble we had place inside the house, plastering the septic drain and hauling plenty of brick.

We also painted on a layer of tar on to a brick course to create a capillary break, which keeps water from leeching from the soil into the house.

We completed the plastering of the septic system, hauled load upon load of brick closer to the site and completed painting 700 roof tiles.

We were treated to an amazing lunch of chorizo and steak, cooked by the homeowner Julio.

After an amazing lunch, a small siesta was in order.

We then participated in a closing celebration, where the family, volunteers and members of the affiliate had the opportunity to share what this week had meant to them.

Rosanna thanked us for coming out and making such an impact on the progress of her house.  She also spoke of how grateful her and her family were to participate in this experience, meeting the members of the affiliate and our team, and getting to know us during our stay here in Paraguay.

Ken spoke for all of the volunteers, telling the family how much of an honor it was to be able to come and help them accomplish their dream of getting their house completed.  He also spoke of the gratitude we felt towards the affiliate for being able to spend so much time with us and growing that relationship for the future. 

Milena interpreted for another affiliate member, who spoke about how the mission of Habitat is to put God's love into action, and that us coming to help their affiliate build was a sign of that.  She also spoke of looking forward to continuing to strengthening the relationship with our affiliate and was very positive about our combined futures.  

We were presented with certificates for our service in Paraguay, and were also presented with a small gift from the family.  

Nanduti, which means spiderweb in Guarani, is a traditional lace made only in Paraguay.  It has multiple origin stories; the one we were told was about multiple tribes were in competition for a princess.  The one  who came up with the best offering would receive her hand in marriage.  When the mother of one son heard about this, she plucked gray hairs from her head and woven them into this pattern.  While other tribes offered up cows and other gifts, this one won due to it being the most unique.  It is given as a token of affection to others, and is held in very high regard.

The family was also presented with a certificate from HPHPY for participating in our build, and were also given a bible that we all signed for them to keep in their home and as a remembrance of those who came to help build their house.

We wrapped up the day talking with the family and masons one last time, and found out that they should have the house completed within the next 2 weeks.  

It has been such a great experience for all of those involved.  We were blessed with such an amazing team and we look forward to all that the future holds for ourselves and HPHPY

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