Rubble, Rubble, Rubble

Today was a long and successful day. In the morning I went out to the same rubble site as I did yesterday afternoon. The whole team busted ass and we were able to clear the slab before getting picked up for lunch. For those who don't know, one of the major projects All Hands does is clearing rubble. After the earthquake, some million and a half people were left homeless, and many thousands of structures were left in pieces. So our organization will go out, usually to houses or schools, and clear the rubble. Almost all construction in Haiti is concrete and rebar (steel bars that are used to reinforce concrete), so that's mostly what we're dealing with. Sometimes we begin by demolishing the house if it's needed. Then we use a combination of sledge hammers, pick-axes, shovels, rebar cutters, and wheel barrows to break up and move the rubble, leaving a clean slab that can be rebuilt upon. It's pretty physically demanding work, but I really like it.

So anyhow, finishing the site in the morning was really rewarding. After a quick afternoon nap, our team got sent out to a new rubble site. This one is considerably bigger than the last. It's two stories, twelve rooms. My afternoon was spent on rebar detail, which is a bit like a giant puzzle. When I got back to base, Jolinda and I ran some laps behind the base in the JLB. Then I had make-your-own egg sandwiches for dinner and had the nightly meeting, followed by a cold but refreshing bucket shower.

Now I'm totally wiped out. Typically, I'll be heading to bed early, as I have to get up early for more rubble action.

Missing you all.

Love,

Daniel