San Juan, PR – March 2-8, 2025

Samantha (PD), Ronald (CL) and Gerald (CL) were primarily focused on Miss Raquell’s house for the first week of March.  The new team had to first tear off the old roof metal and purlins. Next, they reformed the top of a bathroom wall. When this was done, they could add the top plates and anchors and pour concrete to finish the bathroom walls.  Now, they were ready to install the ceiling joists and bracing.  Finally, they were able to finish with strapping, anchoring, decking and underlay as well as finish some concrete repair on flooring in the back.

The leadership team was blown away with how hard this week’s team has worked in the face of incredible heat and blistering sun.  Some of the weekly volunteers had rented a car so that they could do some sightseeing…there are so many beautiful sights in the area.  The beaches were a very strong draw.

As the movement of volunteers to and from the airport was not nearly as hectic at the end of the week, the leadership team was able to do some sightseeing.  We visited a local historical fort and attended a musical/cultural event in the old part of the city.  This was an invitation only event – some of the musicians (primarily drummers) and a singer/dancer were staff of the TECHOS group with whom we are re partnering. The substance of the drumming/dancing and singing relates to slaves of old communicating vital safety information among the neighboring tribes.  Just to be invited to this event is a tribute to how much MDS is respected in the area.

The two cooks and the office manager are finding it a challenge shopping for groceries.  There is a Walmart Supercenter and a Costco within a short drive but these two businesses seem to be incredibly busy at all hours a day…finding a close parking spot is like winning a prize.  The cooks, as always, provide incredible meals but they have had to adapt as some products that are common on the mainland are not available here.