From the 2008 Trip: Yalla Yalla!

(aka Let's Go, Let's Go!)

Under the hot summer sun, our team of 14 (and now 15 after Imam Saahir's safe evening arrival) spent the day cinder block-ing the soon to be residence of Bilal and his family of six. While we had a great time, we surely hope that after it rains once, the walls will still stand. Our expertise, or lack thereof was found to be slightly lacking, though our persistence unwavering.

The site location is beautiful with a southernly view of a valley complete with fields of olive trees and sloping hills. We had an awesome lunch prepared by Bilal and his family--one that almost required a three hour afternoon nap.

Many of the kids took to the group as the day wore on and kept the group well supplied as far as cement. In fact at times we sent them away--a true sign of our lack of quickness, which we attributed to great quality. The exchanges reinforced the idea that this trip isn't just about the build itself, but also the relationships created with those who just yesterday were total strangers to us.

Tomorrow we will hit the build site once again and learn the ins and outs of cutting re-bar, continuing our walling and praying, in many faiths of course, that our work will stand the test of time...
















Old Amman's Roman Amphitheater, the home of fights back in the day now houses the Jordanian Summer Festival, this year featuring Placido Domingo and Diane Krall.