Woodworking Update

I'm Larry Johnson. I'm a medical research technician at UAB. I worked with the 2002 Team #1 in May. I helped out in the medical clinics, interpreting and ushering patients, and even dental assisting. I have no medical training, so those parts were interesting learning experiences for me. My main purpose, however, was to assist in the construction of a new building at the 1-year old woodworking school, or "Escuela Hibanisteria Plan de Flores".

(Above) Here I am pictured with (front row)Melvin, Roberto and Rene, who were the main construction crew while I was there, in front of the existing school building. Our goal for the week was to get building #2's foundation in place and the floor ready to be poured by the next Team. Dr. Camp and friends posed for a photo for a "before" shot so we could compare it to the "after" shot presumably to be taken in July upon completion of the new building.
The pathways you see in the foreground (to the left alongside the existing building, and to the right leading out of the photo) are the paths the schoolchildren take to the elementary school way back in the woods.

The new building is needed so that the school will have plenty of room to store their stock of wood and the products they make. Currently the school building is being used to store the wood, and that leaves little room in which to move around.I learned a lot about construction from Melvin, Roberto and Rene. Rene used a machete to sharpen some steaks for the placement of the cord for the outline of the building (see photos below).

With the cords in place, digging the footing was a breeze, until I gave the ground a few whacks with the mattock and convinced Melvin I should stick to removing the already loosened soil. Here, Melvin demonstrates the proper way to swing a mattock.

(Below) After the footing was dug, the foundation was poured, and Melvin scored it with a stick.

Finally, the first row of blocks was laid.

While we were there we got a chance to see some of the creations to be sold to support the school so that soon it will be self-sustained. Here are some finished mahogany candlesticks, many of which were bought by our team, and taken back as keepsakes and gifts. Other items, such as solid mahogany doors and beautiful china cabinets are being made at the school as well.

My experience in Honduras was very enlightening and pleasant. The weather was hot and sunny, not to mention very windy, and the sights were beautiful, like this one out the balcony of the clinic in Limon.