cement sun tan lines.

It was a cloudy morning in Tijuana today, kind of misty in fact. I slept through my alarm (again!) and rushed to prep for work. My coworker was honking the horn at 7:45 and I was ready by 8:05. great. Then I was informed that I would be riding with one of the men who was not leaving at that time. So I started my day with "hurry up and wait." The first trucks had already left and we lagged behind: stopping at the hardware store for wire, the gas station, and a OXXO (the most common convenient store, kind of like a 7-11) for sodas. Than out to the countryside to Colonia Santa Fe.

It was the first construction I have done with just community members, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Once again I was standing on the scaffolding heaving buckets upward, but this time that man that drove me to work was filling the buckets. And they were heavy!! But, with about 30 people working together we poured the roof and cleaned up within about 3-4 hours. Then we ate some amazing tacos prepared by the family, and afterward the women went off an an adventure.

The terrain in Santa Fe is hilly and covered with grass and spackled with strange rock formations that make me want to investigate the geographical history of the area. We were led into a nearby cove in the hills and found ourselves at the footsteps of an immaculate cabin-style mansion (if that makes sense). It was such luxury with the 3 pools, the murals on the walls, the indoor fire-pits, the large bars and living spaces, the jacuzzi tubs, loft and several bedrooms. There were wood floors and spiral staircases. And all of it had been ransacked. Cupboards were pulled out, windows covered, appliances missing, clothes spread all across the rooms and other remnants of the former owners remained: a used bar of soap in the shower, a toothbrush, a hat on the bar counter. Apparently it was a house of narcotraficantes that was seized and is now government property. It gave me a sickening feeling in my stomach being in that house, especially when the surrounding community is ridden in poverty and homelessness. I took home a Spanish version of the New Testament that I found in the hallway. It would have otherwise been trashed with everything else.

We did go see a natural spring however, and I made friends with a few horses on the way back to the worksite. I finally met some of the women that work with Esperanza-the social workers-because I rode home with them. Unfortunately for most of the ride I was dozing in and out of sleep. We were able to discuss their role a little bit and I was invited to join them for their work in the community! This is very exciting because I really want to learn about community social work and was happy that my interests were so well-received. We'll see if my boss will let me off the worksite sometime to learn the social work role here.

I started working on my paper this afternoon, but was soon distracted by friends online and my own fatigue. I hate this cold. I taught my campañera how to make chile relleños tonight and we had a lovely dinner. Now, I am avoiding homework some more. I think I will try the waking up early thing again tomorrow. We shall see. I am also meeting the rest of the staff tomorrow.

Love,
aly