Futbol con Los Gringos

Soccer with the Salvadorans

Before we challenged the masons and children to a serious game of futbol, we actually did attempt to get some building done...

They started putting the roofs on House #1 and House #3 today. (Of note, the roofing that took four Americans to move took only 1 Salvadoran to move...) This allowed us some time to paint House #1, mix concrete at House #3, and break ground at House #4. We also discovered another house in process, House #5, and there was some work that needed to be done there. That kept us busy, plus I think they were trying to tire us out before the big match in the afternoon.

We continue to be blessed by the children at the worksite. They are just so open, friendly, and full of joy and innocence. Each night around the dinnertable, there is talk of which child made us smile today. The older children mind the younger ones, and the mother of one will reign them all in. They are the lifeblood of the community.

We worked until mid-afternoon, when we stopped work for the much-anticipated futbol match. I think we surprised the Salvadorans when we showed up in our matching jerseys. It was all about the intimidation factor. At first, it was the Gringos vs. Salvadorans, and after you-know-who scored their first goal in a matter of minutes, we mixed the teams up. It's a challenge, knowing who's on what team, but we seemed to figure it out. It was so much fun playing with the masons and children, but also just watching them play. They are SO good. And they play in sandals or Crocs. One may kick the ball and their shoe will fly off and they'll stop, put it back on, and just keep running. They were also kind enough to really let us participate in the game. I'd like to think I was the secret weapon of my team, and every once in awhile I'd hear my name called, or "gringa". Many of us had some great shots on goal. We survived with just a few minor injuries. I think the game ended in a tie, but it just depends who you ask.

While the big kids were playing on the large field, the young ones started their own game in the corner of the field. The boys were probably 4-6 years old and ruthlessly playing a great game. It was just such unadulterated fun.

The game and the work wore us out tonight. We all retired to our rooms by 8:30pm. It's all this fresh mountain air...

Buenos noches, amigos.