That's a big truck!

Today my building project officially began. However, the two other volunteers working on the building project this month went to South Africa for the week, so I am working with only Swazis for now. My day began at 8:30. I caught my first Kombi with the lead builder Michael and two other volunteers who were working in the same place. Beautiful African gospel music was playing on the radio, and hearing it made me happy. I'm not religious, but I love the style. After each song the announcer would speak in siSwati, with an occasional "In the name of Jesus Christ" thrown in in English.

When we got to the school, children instantly surrounded us and began to fight over who got to touch more of our arms. The other volunteers were working with the kids, so they were all set for their programme. I on the other hand had to make my way through and follow Michael to begin building. Swazi children like to grab your hand and pull down with all their weight; and they are much stronger than you would think. They also like to grab one hand each and pull in opposite directions. All in all, they are completely adorable, but a bit of a struggle to walk past.

When I finally made it to Michael, he was waiting by a dirt trail up the side of a mountain. The trail looked barely wide enough to walk down, but in the distance I could see a massive Nissan Diesel dump truck making its way up the mountain. When it got to us, Michael talked to the driver in siSwati, and eventually climbed into the back of the truck. I joined him. Ducking and dodging branches is one thing, but when you need to keep your balance while standing and driving it is something else. Standing on top of dirt doesn't make it easy to balance, but I managed. Michael does it almost every day.

I rode on top of this truck and helped fill it with dirt. The school is in the background. 

When we got to the top of the mountain, the truck began to roll down. A few large rocks behind the tires solved that problem. Once it was secured, it was time to empty the truck. Though it was a dump truck, three guys hopped into the back and began to shovel it out. I joined them. When it was empty, Michael and I hopped back in the truck and headed to the school. As we passed, all of the students began to chant "That's a big truck! That's a big truck! That's a big truck!" We parked in front of the school where more dirt was waiting for us. This time, we had to shovel the dirt into the truck, rather than out of it. With the hot African sun beating down and gravity working against us, we felt very sore by the time the truck was full. I brought three water bottles, and we finished them almost instantly.

Ekuzukekeni

Michael showed me all of the tools I will use for home building, and by 11:00 he said we would go. Children came out of the school and began to throw balls at me, and they were all very excited when I threw them back. But I was tired, and somewhat relieved when recess ended and I could just sit.

I got home with Michael around noon. He said we would start working hard tomorrow. If today wasn't working hard, I don't know what is. But overall I feel really good about this programme. I am not treated any better than the locals for being white, and I like that a lot. Volunteer work should be real work, not fun and games. I look forward to tomorrow.

Tata for now!