Thoughts from Argentina

From Donna:

DONNA (L) AND BARBARA (R)

Prior to departing for Buenos Aires my mind was filled with apprehensive thoughts:

• Would all the months of preparation and planning be executed flawlessly?
• And what about the team, would we all mesh into a cohesive group?
• What about the wide mix of ages, four under 23 years of age, six over 60 and others in between?
• Arriving in the city, my apprehension escalated to trepidation when learning that our worksite neighborhood had been flooded and there had been mass evacuations....

Now, two weeks later, and preparing to head back home, I am reflecting on our time together. And I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

As I evaluate team Paterson:

• We were able to complete our work on the 3 houses and made a lasting impact on the lives of three families, despite neighborhood flooding and mud.
• Our group of 14 strangers and acquaintances became friends and had a wonderful experience together that we will remember for a lifetime.
• Working with the under-23 group, I learned that indeed our country is in fantastic shape with its future leaders. 
• I also saw firsthand that our group members over 62 kept pace, and then some, with our younger members. And to think I was worried about that...

We came to help our tithing partner, Habitat Argentina, build houses.

We leave having been enriched  by the local team of Anna, Connie and Victoria. They taught us how to be creative in finding housing solutions in a housing market that offers very little opportunity for low income families. I am thankful for the crash course given us on the history and culture of Argentina. It helped us navigate the land and understand the people who live here. We leave with facts not impressions.

Thank you team Paterson, for making the time and effort into planning this trip as it was worth every second. I am proud to have been a member of this fantastic team. We stood out as individuals and worked as a well oiled machine. We accomplished the job that put in front of us and made Paterson Habitat shine as an affiliate.

This team leader exits with pride and a big smile on her face. 

 :-)