Saturday, February 11, 2012

Today was the final day of our Journey.  We returned to Esperanza, where 2 duplex apartments were given to 4 single men.  Since one of the duplex houses will not be completed for a day or two, we only moved 2 of the men.  Each man received a bag of food and will be getting a new bed.  After the dedication ceremonies a ‘party‘ was held for the community.  Pop and cookies were distributed to all and bubble mix was given to the children.  Following the festivities, a work crew headed over to Los Algodones to move the possessions of the 2 men.  Try to imagine all your worldly goods barely covering the bed of a pickup truck!!  Most of us throw away more than that every month.  Following the move, a tear-down of one shack was accomplished in less than an hour.  This activity gave a feeling of great satisfaction.  Where once stood over 200 shacks, only a few remain and they will be gone soon as well.  Next week a team from the University of Guelph arrives to bulldoze the site in preparation for creating gardens for the community.  And another chapter will be written in the story of Elio Madonia and his 'Samaritan Foundation'.  http://www.thesamaritanfoundationdr.com/

Dennis Translates as Pastor Jim Dedicates the Homes

Pastor Dale Blessing the New Homes

Everyone Loves a Party

Joselito Leaves His Shack for the Last Time

Worldly Possessions in a Pickup

Tear-down Begins

All Materials are Saved

Gone for Good