GINGOS: Jim Greenleaf, Roger Borowick, John Guyse, Tom McNeil, and Kevin Schill.
GUATEMALANS: The were supervised by Nicho and his helper Raoul (also the interpreter), both experienced Guatemalan stone masons.
THE OLD AND THE NEW
They embarked daily via van over the hairpin curves, winding safely up to the small Mayan community of Xepocol in the highlands by Chichicastenango. Once there, they built five cinder block latrines for five needy families. Fortunately, the families and their friends had already dug the holes, which in some cases were 30 feet deep (big-time "sweat equity").
The dream team members helped to lay the concrete foundations, mix mortar (mud) and lay cinder block for the walls. They also helped with the construction of a sheet-metal roof, and helped place a plastic commode into the newly constructed building. Lastly, they helped put in the doors.
The families were greatly in need of the "dream team's" services and were extremely appreciative of having a latrine.
The families were also friendly and invited the guys in to see their homes and their spectacular weaving looms. They even provided some soup to fortify the guys. The women were dressed in their Mayan attire, Roger reports, although the men seem to have abandoned that tradition – at least for latrine work.
(Dictated by dream team member Roger Borowick to Julie Rodakowski; pictures by Roger & Susan )
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