Day Four

It happened. Montazuma has exacted his revenge. Going into the barrio was out of the question for me today, so I am going to rely on others to bring you news from today's events. (I'll be fine once the Imodium begins to work its magic.)

It rained last night, which means there was even more mud in Aguas Negras than before. I was told by the returning teams that it wasn't too bad, and actually there was less dust rising from the parched areas of the neighbourhood.

One of the more interesting events to occur also happened today: a local pig gave birth to 12 piglets, exciting many of the urban gringos. “They were so cute,” said Cindy Lloyd, advertising manager at the Toronto Star. Cute they may be, but for people in this community, they are a source of income and food.

Christal Earle of LiveDifferent tells me there is a pig program in the community and Melissa Bazely knows all about it. I'll report on this later, when I have a chance to talk with Melissa ... right now she's off on a cigar-rolling tour – the Dominican is famours for its cigars. I know. I enjoyed one last night.

The Canadian ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Todd Kuiack, was also there today with his wife, Christine.

“He was very engaged and excited, Doug Trarry of Doug Tarry Homes in St. Thomas and the current OHBA president. “He was thrilled that home builders came here as a group.”

His presence was enough to draw local media, including the Travel network and a couple of newspaper scribes. Media coverage is very prized to the people of LiveDifferent as it brings attention to the community and to the work they are doing here.

Last night, in a little bit of team building, professional homebuilders were asked to create gingerbread houses from a kit. It was hot. The icing wouldn't dry and many of them collapsed. Alvin Curling acted as judge, but really, who cares who won? It was about fun.

Check back here later, I'll be posting on the pig program, I'll have pics of the piglets, and hope to also have a chat with Kuiack. Also check out Dave Henderson's blog at http://www.humanitarianbuild.com/.