First Impression: 

The most welcoming group of people I have ever met. So many of them were there to greet us at 2am in the airport! Even though I was overwhelmed by spanish (all I could say was sî and hola, me llamo Kaylin!) right off the plane I was so happy to see them. 

The Worksite:

It's hard labor but I see it more as bonding time for us all. It also makes me feel so accomplished. So much progress! 

The Hotel: 

The hotel is great and comfortable but the walls are just a bit thin. I can hear our neighbors clear as day- Ippy's Maroon 5 songs, Kiko blow drying his pants and Cory clipping his nails. Weird but funny.

The Driving: 

Nestor says "In Bolivia red means GO". Enough said. 

The Food: 

I got to eat any and all parts of a chicken- heart, stomach, liver oh my! And I took a bite of alligator- never thought I would do that here. But my favorite thing would have to be the homemade emapanadas and all the lunches the ladies of the church make for us. 

The People: 

Genuinely kind and incredibly humble. Period. 

The Church: 

It's all in Spanish. But even though I can't understand every word I can still feel what they feel. It doesn't matter where you come from or what language you speak we can all worship together. 

Special Moment: 

I had the chance to play the piano for a couple worship songs during the Youth Night. Afterwards, my new friend Jose came up to me and was telling me something about me playing the piano, but I couldn't quite understand him. With tears in his eyes he wiggled his fingers as if to play the piano, then pointed to my heart, up to God and then to his own heart. No words were needed. I knew what he meant. We embraced. He thanked me. I said "No, thank YOU." It was the moment I realized why God has me here. 

What a humbling experience this has been for me. I can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of this trip. 

Love, Kaylin "Kimchi" Hwang 

PS I'm totally a trendsetter here with my hot pink Crocs! 

Kaylin is so excited to mix cement! 

ON DAY 7 WE...

Stained the beams. Justin was a champ!

Began laying bricks. The walls are going up!

Mixed cement. Kiko was a machine.

Worked side by side. Juntos.

Started figuring out this whole brick laying business.

Were precise.

Brought a game that was a huge hit with the niños. 

Capped off the night with some volleyball and soccer. Oh yea, and some nail painting.

Now to get some sleep....