Co-Worker
Today, our family went to the Roma Refuge Camp outside of town. Chris has been there the last two days helping a family with their temporary housing (actually they have lived there for 7 years). There is a family of 5 that lives in a small 18 x 36 sq. foot one room house.
This gentleman was the uncle. He worked so hard. At first, he would not let me carry out anything or do anything. But, after a while, we were working shoulder to shoulder tearing down sheet rock and old rat infested insulation. Then, we cut and replaced new insulation for this house.
He would fuss at the kids to get out of the house -- he spoke to them in Albanian, so I am not sure what he said -- but they all would go scurrying after he growled at them. But I think that his bark is worse than his bite, because the kids kept coming back! His eyes are kind and gentle. We even took a coffee break together.
Tonight, I took a long shower and washed away the dust and grime. I can't help but be thankful for my running water, hot water, indoor plumbing, electricity, 3 rooms and food. I am thankful for an old man who tried to stop me from lifting heavy things or carry out trash. I am thankful for a family that will have a warm and dry place to sleep next week. I am thankful for other family members that open up their homes to this family so that they could re-model their room.
