March Brigades and Construction

Team Goyo worked well and with a smile

The first of 6 groups of Global Brigades volunteers arrived to help with the Bano units (compost toilet, shower and wash sink) in Ipeti. Todays’ group of 24 was from Northeastern Univ. in Boston. Other groups will be coming later in the month from U of AZ, Yale, Stetson, UC Santa Clara and Auburn. They come for just a week

Team Captains - all expert masons - are also my good friends
L-R: Secairo, Don Pablo, Carlos, Oscar and Didiel

of “Voluntourism” – not like the Peace Corps experience of being imbedded in a community for 2 years, but still a good taste of development work and many experiences packed into the week. Nor do many speak Spanish, which really limits their interactions with the local folk. Most of the Brigade started construction on 6 new units, while Team Goyo put the finishing touches on another 6 and trained the families in how to use the composting toilets properly.

Drying coffee beans

My team got to see the coffee plantation and coffee fruit drying in the sun and how each fruit must be peeled to release the bean inside. Starbucks will never be the same for them. They also watched the community sawmill in operation and got to experience the “full nasty” of a conventional latrine – most couldn’t get within 5 feet before retreating. They will never look at their nice

Coffee tree in full bloom

clean flush toilet without a little appreciation. That is a big part of the week-long Brigades experience – seeing another culture up close and personal – not like most tourists.

Kitchen sink and countertop

 Neighbor’s house construction is moving right along. At just the beginning of week 5 since they broke ground, the floors are done – tile will come after the newlyweds move-in. Kitchen sink and countertop complete, along with septic tank and back patio. Electric still needs work and the bathroom will get tiled and completed this week. So it looks like a 45 day construction project; $5000 for the house and $6000 for the land. No mortgage. Sweet.

I always enjoy seeing the Kuna women out and about. They wear their traditional outfits so proudly. All similar, but all unique – black skirt with green print, light blouse with VERY elaborate and unique “molas” front and back, beaded calves and forearms and red scarf. In the village, they usually just wear the skirt and are barefoot. But this is their “out on the town” outfit. Gold nose rings used to be the fashion and many older women have them. But, not so popular with the younger generation.