Firstly, we have been working very hard for the last day and a half at the building site. We have mainly worked on the floor of the church. Its involved a lot of digging and barrowing- backbreaking!
However, this afternoon we fed the whole of Los Algadones with some supplies which will last a few days. In total it cost $1000, but what cost a life?
The village is a maze of muddy alleyways between the small shacks which are 'home' to these wonderful people. The village has been mapped and each house given a number. The task was package and distribution. The system is a little rough round the edges and needs to be improved, but the intent, endeavor and determination carried the group through.
The supplies consisted of the following:
A bag of rice
A bag of Sugar
A bag of Salt
A tin of sardines
A carton of UHT Milk
A bag of beans
A bag of coffee
4 stock cubes
cooking oil.
An onion!
This was packaged and then individually delivered to each house. Another privilege to be able to serve them. I don't think the team fully appreciated what they have done. But (subject to there not being an incredible act of selfishness) the village can guarantee full bellies for the next few days. Think about how you feel when you're hungry. They live with that constantly.
No, people aren't dying in Los Algadones, but take my word for it, this is a harsh, unforgiving environment. And although nothings changed, just for a day or two, we've eased the pressure and have made a difference.
Consider the fact that food is going up in price too. This has put a greater pressure on families and has meant families having to cut back. Little has recently become less.
This whole aspect of making a short term difference is an interesting one. I don't feel empowered enough to make political or social change, but I have been given the opportunity to make some short term difference, and I've been talking with the yanks about this, swapping ideas. They come back in October (I'm jealous) and they're excited about the following suggestions I've made:
- Take the children from Los Algadones to the beach
- Give them a firework display
- Buy the service of young female prostitutes and let them watch movies and eat ice cream.
I'm not getting many comments, where are you all? I've changed the colour of the background as one or two who have emailed are saying its hard to read. Don't forget you can email me at jon.cobb@live.co.uk
4 comments:
Wonderful - and lovely that people who have supported you can hear about it hot off the press -
Be Blessed
Phyllida
hey John,
I've really been touched by reading your blogs...it's very humbling sitting here in my comfortable house, laptop in hand. I am so glad that u are getting on well with the Texans and that they are taking care of Jason. Spoke with Deb the other day & heard about her lovely flowers. Happy belated anniversary! Take care. Remembering u to the man upstairs-no, not Kev!
Love
Jo
Mate
Yes he really is that shallow!! in joke but reading your blog I think that this is definately not true.
Shallow Jon no more but Big heart Jon now lives on.
Great to hear what's ging on, well done for asking the other flight attendance along, you never know how much you change a life by asking and being real with them.
It's good to read that you saw some familiar faces out there and they rememberd you with Joy.
It sounds like the yanks are playing their part and your getting on with them all(Well I assume so!)
Keep up the good work and keeping being BOLD my friend.
God Bless you
Graham
Ps I don't feel that confident writing these out because there is no spell checker and you are not able to check it before it goes out!
Hello mate good to see things are going well.
We all need to leave our foot prints in the sand to say we were here, your selfless work in DR has meant that you have left your mark. I'm still searching but may just have what I am looking for, but that is a conversation that can wait until your return.
I love the idea of hiring the working girls brilliant and typical of you to think outside the box I have been thinking about what else can be done but haven't come up with anything that original other than buying balls and what have you for the kids. I fully understand that there are more important things that they need but in places like DR children have to grow up over night, sometimes its just nice to allow them to remain children even if it is just for one more day.
All the best geezer take care.
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