Last Day in Barbados

6:00am and it’s time to rise. We learned early that when it comes to food here at the base, there’s a definite “snooze, ya lose!” policy. It’s worth being at the main house so you’re relatively early in the food serving line. The pickings are slimmer if you’re 20-30 minutes late.

On our way up the walk we glanced over at the monkey tree and saw some more monkeys—this time a bit closer to us! Very cool! We went back to the gazebo after breakfast with Grandpa Bill. Mikela and Sarah also joined us. Grandpa and I read our bibles while Barrett turned the final pages of The Hobbit. We all watched for more monkeys but this time we came up empty.

It was a pretty intensive day of work as we finished off the top courses of one wall, took down its scaffolding and started working on another. Getting the blocks, mortar, and concrete (to pour down the blocks) up the scaffolding takes a lot of effort and teamwork. I’m impressed at how well the construction team works together, particularly since few of us have hands-on masonry experience.

It was a little more difficult for Barrett to participate in the construction efforts due to the nature of what had to be done. However, he still helped with some “go for” tasks and did so with a great attitude. He also made a couple creative movies.

On the way back from lunch we saw a mongoose dart across the path. We walked closer to the monkey tree via a path in the sugar cane field. We could get very close but didn’t see any monkeys. As we headed back to the path we saw Ron walking back from lunch. He didn’t see us so I started making some monkey sounds. He had quite a surprised look on his face until he realized those monkeys were just a couple Kaufman’s!

By the time worked wrapped up for the day, I have to admit that I was totally exhausted. My forearms and shoulders ache. Splotches of concrete on my arms and legs have caused irritation and sores. Most of my work clothes are trashed and won’t leave the island with me tomorrow. Yet there is a refreshing sense of satisfaction knowing we worked hard and did our best to help build this part of God's kingdom.

After showering we headed up to the main house for dinner and hang out. I greatly enjoyed just sitting around and talking with our team members as well as people who are part of the Seeds organization. Barrett had extended play time with Mikaela and Sarah, which was fun for all. Ron used my computer to call home. People shared stories of past trips and exchanged e-mail addresses.

We purchased some Bajan (people & products from Barbados are called Bajan, which probably makes more sense than Barbadian) stamps and currency. I bought a round of Solero ice cream bars for Barrett and his new friends.

There was much joy and laughter in the air.

We headed down to our cabin to pack up for the journey home. For the first time since we landed in Barbados, everyone was in bed with lights out by 9:35pm. Though we have to get up at 4:45am (that’s 2:45am Central!), this will be the most sleep we’ve gotten in a single night on the trip.

It’s quiet now, but not really. The once strange sounds of frogs and exotic birds & bugs harmonize in a way that seems quiet and peaceful. A cool breeze blows through the open windows. We can hear the sugar cane waving in the wind. The door to the cabin remains unlocked and open, like normal. Barrett and I snuggle in the top bunk for the last time and drift into a peaceful Bajan sleep.