we left the day after christmas for mexico, to help build a house down in rocky point. a family in dan's parent's ward was in charge of organizing the build and it was part of a bigger organization called families helping families. (it's been happening for years - this is just our first year participating) money and time is donated to help build houses for families who otherwise couldn't afford it. three houses were built this year. apparently it's nearly impossible to get home mortgages so this is an opportunity for these families to help build and then pay back just the cost of the house, to FHF. it was neat to see two of the finished houses from last year, right next door, and know that three more families would have the same opportunity.
the foundation and corners were already laid when we got there. volunteers made cement, cut rebar, laid mortar and cinder blocks and did various other jobs. i stayed back at the condo with the girls while everyone else worked but it was fun to go to the work site and see the progress each day. the block walls, roof, and inside framing were finished in just 3 1/2 days, 2 days ahead of schedule. locals will finish the dry wall, wiring and stucco. it was so fun to be a part of! (even though all i contributed was a little mortar on a block or two)
we had a fiesta one night at the princessa club house with really good homemade mexican food and really, really, loud mariachi music. we also sang some christmas songs in spanish. i took the above picture, right outside the club house windows. it was beautiful!!!
the picture above, is the view from our condo and it was low tide at the beach. can you see why rocky point is one of my favorite places to vacation? right before we headed home i got to stop in and visit with the welsh family who were staying practically next door to us. it was great to see them and get to catch up for a minute. i only wish we had gotten together sooner! and christine - grace and i got the laryngitis/cough/miserable cold bug that your family had as well. no fun! 
thank you to the skinners who made the trip possible! it was a blast and we would love to do it next year.
1/14/2009
Families Helping Families
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3 comments:
Oh, we got to do that one year...it was so much fun to experience that kind of service. We love Rocky Point too!!
I am so sorry that we got your family sick! My dad started out as the sick one - and on New Year's Eve, Parker and I felt a little sick too. Thankfully, Rachel has been well and slept off all symptoms that she had. Is Grace okay now? Thankfully, I can assure you that this bug is not what Kaylee had (which caused 105+ fevers), but it was still no fun! I hope you are well now!
I'm so happy you are back to blogging - I like hearing about how things are going in your life.
Love the pic of Madison with her piggy tails - SO cute!!!
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