Make a difference and see the world with Thrivent Builds Worldwide.
Help families in your own community with Thrivent Builds Homes.
Gliwice, Poland Trip - Terri's Journal
Friday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Tuesday
Friday, August 24, 2007
We finally all made it to Krakow! There were severe storms in Chicago, causing many flight delays and cancellations. At one point, O'Hare airport was officially closed, and our plane was stuck on the runway. James & Michon had to take 4 flights to get to Krakow. Karin, Louie & Bart raced through the International terminal security checkpoints, then ran through the hallways with Terri as Chuck was holding the gate door open. The plane took off late, but we arrived just an hour off schedule. Unfortunately, Karin, Louie & Bart's luggage did not make it to Poland.
After we met up at the airport, we took a train to our hotel. We freshened up and then had a wonderful welcome dinner at Morskie Oko Restaurant in Krakow's Old Town. Here are some of the first impressions from our group:
- Severe thunderstorms and flight delays.
- Long flight.
- No luggage; almost missing the connecting flight.
- Wondering if we'd be late or on time.
- Enjoyed the people-watching during our 8-hour layover at Chicago O'Hare!
- Wonderful weather on arrival. It's great getting to know everyone.
- Beautiful town square at night.
- Relaxing walk through the town square, watching the fire dancers and the horse-drawn carriages.
- Our interpreter, Adam, is terrific. I'm learning a lot of Polish culture, politics, and about the people's everyday life.
- Our rooms were different than anticipated, but not sure what I expected. Buildings are old, but not the furnishings or furniture.
- It seems the people are trying to update their world.
- Wonderful food and hospitality of Polish people.
- A beautiful country!
We had traditional Polish food typical of the mountain region at the restaurant, and our whole team helped Don and Bev celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary with a great ice cream dessert!
Saturday, August 25
Today, we visited Wieliczka Salt Mine (in operation over 900 years) and Wawel Castle (home to the Piast Dynasty). It was a beautiful, sunny day in the mid70's. Here are some of the comments from our group.
- Salt mine tour was great! Enjoyed the evening at a sidewalk cafe, relaxing and getting to know Magda and Patrick. Magda was the in-country host coordinator for the team in Poland in 2006.
- Salt mine was very interesting. Enjoyed the R&R time in the afternoon. Great people-watching on the square.
- Wawel Castle—really learned a lot of Polish history. Had extra shopping time so found numerous amber vendors at Cloth Hall.
- Tried more Polish beers!
- The best of history lessons we are learning, and it is great! On our way to Auschwitz Concentration Camp tomorrow—the highlight of the trip for me.
- Looking forward also to our dinner in homes of six Habitat partner families—3 of us in each home. The families are Habitat beneficiaries.
Sunday, August 26
We left Krakow early Sunday morning to drive through rural countryside on ourway to Osciecim, also known as Auschwitz. The countryside is rolling hills, very light soil color with strip farms of different crops, usually owned by different family members. Adam, our host coordinator, shared a lot of Polish culture, history, and way of life on the morning drive to help us understand better.
We had a wonderful tour guide at Auschwitz—Sebastian. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the camps. I think we were all very moved by what we saw and heard. It is very difficult to comprehend all that happened and why it happened. It was simply horrific. It is our duty now to make sure that it never happens again.
We had dinner with the families who are going to be receiving Habitat homes. The group had different experiences with their families. I think that everyone saw the poverty of people living here in Gliwice. But also, the extreme generosity of the people here who welcomed us into their homes and fed us homemade meals. And the playfulness of the children. I hope that we get to see the families again at the build site.
—Michon
Chuck
"It's difficult to process all that we saw at Auschwitz. Unsurpassed cruelty to humans. The number of visiting Jewish student groups was surprising. Later, in Gliwice, the hosting families were so gracious in providing sumptious meals to all of us. Each of us had a chance to visit with one of the Habitat partner families this afternoon and share Sunday dinner with them. Everyone is so happy to be moving into a new apartment soon that will provide good, decent, affordable housing for their families for a very long time."
Monday, August 27
Our first build day! Work began following an orientation time with Czeslaw and the Thrivent Builds sign hanging. The groups worked on 2 patios by adding to the existing base layers with large and medium rocks. These were transported by wheelbarrow from the rock pile below the Thrivent Builds Worldwide sign. The goal was to finish by noon when the compactor was to arrive. No such luck—we were done on time, but the "woo-woo" machine (as called by our site foreman, Damien) wasn't delivered.
Another group worked on painting/treating 1x2" slats to be installed on the attic ceilings as the framework for the slat siding to finish the ceilings. Bill, Layne, Don and James worked on the framework. Bev, Laurie and Marie worked on treating the slats. Michon, Bob, Diane, Karen and Terri worked on the rock pile and patios. Karin, Louie, Bart and Chuck were our ditch diggers—there's ALWAYS a ditch!—to prepare a good edge for thesidewalk cement curbs (100 kg!). Everyone pitched in—rotating to other jobs to help wherever needed. The team has very good camaraderie—everyone likes to laugh, and everyone worked through their frustrations with language barriers and instructions with flexibility and humor. A very good team indeed!
During lunch, we were surprised when a HUGE dump truck delivered 27 tons of rock (on our diminished rock pile). These new rocks were to be placed by hand in two layers at the bottom of the sidewalk ditch. As people finished various jobs, they came to pitch rocks into the rock bed. The rocks appear to be rubble from a destroyed building. At the end of the day, the rockbed was complete and is ready for compacting in the morning. Let's hope the woo-woo machine arrives!
Group dinner was typical Polish mountain meal—family style—plenty of food and fabulous desserts!
Good weather today, some sun, some clouds and in the 70's with a nice cool breeze to keep usrefreshed!
—Terri
Tuesday, August 28
Today, Adam had an urgent phone call from a local school serving children & young adults with physical and mental disabilities. School starts next Monday,and several school rooms needed to be painted. A group of 5 ladies (Laurie, Bev,Maria, Michon and Karen) went over to paint. They painted 2 rooms (one with 2 coats). Both rooms had 12-foot high ceilings. Karen painted the majority of the ceiling in the first room with a roller on an extender. It was difficult & exhausting work, and we asked the men working at the school to finish it for us. The school staff seemed very happy to have us and frequently checked on our progress. They served us a great lunch with pierogi, dumplings filled with pork, and salads made from cucumbers, beets and cabbage. They also brought us wonderful rolls from the bakery—you should have seen Karen's eyes light up! The headmaster sent the school's English teacher to take video and photos of us working. We had great conversations with him. We asked if they had blind dates in Poland, and he told us that he had a girlfriend, but he wasn't "blind" anymore! =) The school is working on their website—expect to see action picture of us painting there soon!
The other group back at the build site finishing digging the trench for curbing and filled it with rock and gravel. They also put small rock and sand into patio areas and used a power tamper (the "woo woo" machine arrived!) to pack the rock tight. The "woo woo" machine was aptly named by Damien, our German- & Polish-speaking foreman, who used the word "woo woo" to describe how the machine operated and sounded. Also, part of the group continued to work in the 2nd floor putting nailer strips up for the ceilingsiding installation.
Tonight, we are going to tour the Gliwice radio tower where WWII was actually started. It is the tallest wooden structure in the world—111 meters—made entirely of larch wood and 16,000 brass bolts. The radio tower is still in operation today. CCM—the Contemporary Christian Music radio station started by Adam's brother several years ago, broadcasts through this tower.
—Michon and Terri
Wednesday, August 29
As Chuck said this morning, this is hump day. Well, we had a few humps and bumps, and you could tell it was a "full moon." The "woo woo" machine died, and it was quite a challenge to replace the pulley rope with wrenches from 3 different tool sets. Bill used his aircraft-restoring skills to have it up and running with minimal delay.
Laurie
"Paint, paint, paint! 2 days in a row! Our "painty" clothes can now stand alone! But the lunches were terrific! We had a great time!"Bev
"Second day of painting at Special Needs school—one more day to complete 4 rooms—13-foot ceilings. A good feeling to help those whoare handicapped as the state gives them a very low budget. Staff is very friendly and, although no English, we communicate very well—we become experts at charades!Diane
"Three patios are nearly finished. Making good progress in all areas. Food is not expensive, so I'll have plenty of Zlotyto spend when we go shopping tonight. 'Woo woo' machine broke, so there was a slight delay. Wheelbarrowing is a regular thing we do."
Habitat Gliwice utilizes a training program through the local union for on-the-job training of construction skills.Several trainees have been working with us, side by side, and we're learning together to excavate, dig trenches, install curb stones in cement, in preparation for sidewalks and building access. We have surpassed Czeslaw's (sitesupervisor) expectations and from Damien (site foreman we affectionately titled "Herr Inspektor" since he speaks only German and Polish) who comments we are doing "Soouper!"
We have learned that no matter where you want to go inGliwice, it is a "10-minute walk" according to the locals. Well, they walk a lot more that we do at home! =)
At the end of the work day, we were invited to visit one of only four Lutheran private schools in Poland. The dream of several Lutheran church members in the area came to fruition 13 years ago. The school building built in the 1920's currently accommodates 70 students ranging in age from 13-19 (middle- and senior-high school). The principal, Maria, is Czelaw's wife, and together with Marcin (assistant principal) and other dedicated church members continue to dream about growing this educational phenomenon in a 95+% Catholic country.
Evening time was "on our own" and, even though local shops are closed and we have many places to eat, we seem to always run into each other on the streets and spend the time together sharing stories, laughter and meals. Just like family! Definitely a great team!
—Terri
Thursday, August 30
Michon
"We have found the people in Gliwice so gracious. The staff at the special needs school were no different. On our last day of painting, they invited us for coffee in their teachers' meeting. They presented us with appreciation certificates and ceramic ornaments that had been made by the students of the special needs school. At the end, they sang to us. We didn't know what they were saying, but it was very touching. We also found out that us 5 ladies will be featured in the local newspaper—on the front page! It is hard for people here to believe that we would pay money and spend our holiday to come here. I only wish that we would have been able to meet some of the students."
Bev
"Our experiences at Special School #7 for the handicapped were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were so warmly welcomed by the school staff. After 3 days of painting class rooms, we were feted at their teachers' in-service meeting with fancy cakes and coffee. We each received a certificate, a CD of school history, and two pieces of ceramic made by the students—then all of the staff, including Richard (Habitat's Board President), sang to us a rousing Polish song, gave us a standing ovation, and there wasn't a dry eye among the five of us! School starts Monday and the company they hired left and went to England to work so they were in crisis. This was truly a rewarding 3 days! Back to the site, we women walked to finished units where one lady invited us in and gave us a tour of her beautiful finished Habitat home.The Polish people are so gracious."Karen
"I've been at a Polish school painting. The administration could not do enough for us. They were so thrilled to think they would have clean walls. What's more amazing is at the end of our work days they prepared the most amazing party for the five of us. Gifts, speeches, songs and desserts of a magnitude you cannot believe. One of my greatest experiences. Such a small thing we did, yet received like we accomplished a miracle. Exciting!"Laurie
"Our taxi ride to the town square was hilarious—practicing the six words in Polish that we actually knew! The driver was having as much fun as we were!"Diane
"Free shopping afternoon—bought shoes! Ended up at the great pizza place (Dominium Pizza) on the square again. Still surprising how inexpensive food is here."
It was truly a God-incidence that we had 5 ladies on our team who were flexible and willing to devote their work time to help a school in need. They were truly "saved by the bell" and the school is now ready to open on Monday for the special needs students. These ladies were such a blessing to the staff, and yet they feel so honored and humbled for their efforts. They were great representatives for our entire team, for Habitat, for Thrivent Financial,and for the U.S. The greatest achievements are those in which you help others!
—Terri
Friday, August 31
Our whole team is back at the build site for Day 5, Friday. We cannot believe that we have been here a week and have made such incredible progress. We continue to dig trenches for sidewalk curbs, prepare access areas to the entrances of the flats, especially those to be completed in September. Among the tools utilized included a "magic stick" with markings at 15 cm, 21 cm and 30 cm for the "Amerykans" to accurately excavate. This quality 1x2 piece of wood received Damien's "Soouper" seal of approval: "Eet's goood!" (Damien is our site foreman who speaks only Polish and German, so Chuck has been expanding his knowledge of the German language with a Polish accent. It is hilarious to watch the two of them communicate, "Tak, Tak, Ja, Ja", and "Sooouper!"
The "woo woo" machine broke down again and not even "Farmer Bob" or "Fix-It Bill" could bring it back to life. We rechanneled our efforts to re-leveling 3 rows of patio pavers that were too low and preparing ceiling 1x2 slats for installation in the next apartment flat.
We sent a small group, including Louie and Bart, to order supplies for our last-day celebration BBQ tomorrow with our hosts and Habitat partner families. Louie was especially helpful in selecting the meats to grill. Michal was called away, along with the "painting ladies" to meet with a newspaper journalist and have their photos taken for a front-page story. This left Terri, Louie and Bart alone, without an interpreter, to purchase lunch items for the team today by themselves. Their combined efforts resulted in another excellent lunch with maybe a little too much cheese (although Bart didn't think so).
We've coined a new phrase—"Habitat Diet"—which means you eat 3 full meals each and every day no matter if you're hungry or not. Plus, cookies are a part of every meal! Our work and activities have consisted of 8-10 miles of walking each day, so our appetites are great!
We had a shortened work day to allow the team to visit and tour the Tyskie Piwowarska (Brewery) in Tychy. The group enjoyed the tour, especially a 1/2-liter taste test and sourvenirs from the gift shop. The trip home was most lively, joyous and light-hearted—and we all highly recommend this tour to future GV teams.
Saturday, September 1
Bummer. The day dawned rainy and misty, and part of our team put on rain gear to work outside while one team worked on finishing the ceilings in the first flat, and a third team started the ceiling framework on the second flat.
The sidewalk curbs were a bit of a challenge today in the rain, but we made progress and cleaned up the jobsite in preparation for our celebration BBQ. Several ladies accompanied Michal on the last walk to the market area to purchase the meat to BBQ, along with all sorts of goodies to round out our feast. We managed to get the grill started after several tries, and Maria and one of the future homeowners grilled the meats while our hosts presented the team with t-shirts, coffee mugs and certificates of appreciation, along with many well wishes, many thanks, and many kisses in Polish style (Czeslaw is very good at this!).
Terri and Chuck surprised Adam and Rychard (board president of Habitat Gliwice) with an additional gift of $6,500 from Thrivent Financial to be used to fund future housing projects, along with an additional $3,000 of funds from the team's fundraising efforts. Adam and Rychard were speechless and so very appreciative, knowing that work needs to go on to help so many more families in Poland.
God has blessed our efforts, kept our bodies safe, gave us the strength we needed each day and warmed our hearts as we worked side by side with the families and the volunteers of a different culture yet of a similar faith. This has truly been a labor of love!
We're ready to get started again! Djiekuje bardzo! (Thank you very much!)
—Terri
Tuesday, September 4
All of our team members (with the exception of James, Michon and Layne who are continuing their travels throughout Eastern Europe) have arrived home safely. Our team was A+A = Amazing and Awesome! Chuck shared that this Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip to Gliwice, Poland was THE most rewarding experience in his life, and he is ready to lead another team whenever we get a chance to do so. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we'll be invited to lead a TBW team in 2008!
Some thoughts and fond memories about our trip:
- Adam's many talents.
- Czeslaw's dry sense of humor.
- Damien's "can-do" attitude.
- Michal's and Jagoda's helpful translation skills.
- Meeting up with Magda (2006 host coordinator) and Patrick in Krakow.
- Sebastian's passion during the tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
- The knowledgeable historian at Wawel Castle.
- Morskie Oko Restaurant at Krakow for our welcome dinner.
- Sharing Sunday dinner with the Habitat partner families in their current homes.
- Forum shopping mall and the cinema.
- The "parking lot" dog—our 3:00 AM alarm clock!
- Singing "happy birthday" to Miroslaw, our prompt bus driver.
- Singing songs in the choir loft at the All Saints Catholic Church (750 years old!).
- Piwo and kielbasa.
- The Habitat "diet!"
- Tyskie Piwowarska in Tychy.
- Dominium Pizza on the town square.
- Gliwice radio tower.
- Great reflection times!
- Our build site mascots—Mickey & Minnie Mouse—who bravely and faithfully ate our crumbs under the table.
- Duct taping the fingertips on your gloves.
- "Woo woo" machine and the difference between 2- and 4-cycle engines.
- Dragging our "dupas."
- Debut of our "painting" ladies in the local Polish newspaper, Dziennik.
- Getting dirty and working hard.
- Rewarded with praise for our work with words such as "Soouper" and "Perrrfect!"
- Communicating in ... English, Polish, German, and the ever-popular language, "Charades!"
- Exchanging money and using an ATM in Poland.
- Changing expectations. Changing perceptions.
- Changing perspectives.
- Changing hearts. Changing lives.
- Giving hope! Serving others!
- Making a huge difference!
- What a profound experience!
If reading this blog has intrigued you and you're interested in joining a Thrivent Builds Worldwide team, please visit the Thrivent Builds website for more information about domestic and worldwide builds. It's been a blessing to be a blessing!
—Terri