Christmas 2010: Email sent Dec 2, 2010
13 Dec
A must read if you are coming to Mexico this year for the 2010 Project
Dear Volunteers,
Status:
We just returned from two days of preparation work in Puerto Penasco. We are excited to report that we have made arrangements and paid for the foundations and septic systems for two new houses this year. While we were inspecting the job site of on Tuesday morning, a fire erupted in the neighborhood. The people in the small wooden structure escaped without injury but the house was destroyed. We are following up with this family to ascertain their needs and rebuilding their home may be one of our projects. Information on the families we are helping will be sent later. We also met the Carrillo Family. During the last year, another group from Families Helping Families started a home for them but was unable to finish the roof. We should have enough volunteers to complete the Carrillo home this year along with the other two we will begin at Christmas. We can always use more help in the construction.
Finances:
As of Thanksgiving, we had received $25,000 in contributions. We have paid $12,000 this weekend for the foundations, septic systems, and to get the projects underway. Based on the financial commitments from all of you, we expect to have enough money to purchase the materials to complete the work on the two homes as well as the Carrillo house. That is “IF” we receive everyone’s money. It is very important that each of you send the rest of the contributions in as soon as possible. Ralph will be going back next week to order and pay for the materials so we will have them onsite when we get there. Please send those checks (and please be generous) so that we will have enough money to finish these projects after our initial construction is completed during the holidays. Please make checks payable to Families Helping Families, Inc. and send to W. Ralph Pew, 1744 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 217, Mesa, AZ 85204. We have suggested that each family donate a minimum of $3,500, but more is better.
What to Wear:
The weather this weekend was cool, 60 degrees, and windy. Bring layers of clothing to work in. It will be cool to start, warm in the day, and cool as the sun gets closer to going down. The first three days will be dirty. We will be working with concrete and block and it is dusty and messy. Please bring gloves. The fabric gloves with plastic dots on them work best. Everyone will want to have multiple pairs. You could easily use a pair a day per person, more if you don’t keep track of them, and they are inexpensive. Please bring safety glasses. Dust and sand are miserable in the eyes and it is easy to prevent. Hats are a very good idea. We highly recommend them as well. Even though it may be cool, the sun can still burn. Please make certain you have sunscreen.
Tools:
We inventoried tools and equipment in Rocky Point this past weekend. Each family should bring the following items to use and to be donated for future use:
Per family
- 2 hammers
- 1 inexpensive plastic 24″ level
- 1 inexpensive plastic 48″ level
- 1 roofing wacker tacker with staples
- 2 two-gallon plastic buckets with a metal handle
- 1 large and 1 medium diamond shaped mortar brick trowel
We are also in need of some larger items:
- 6 wheelbarrows with solid tires
- 6 six-foot step ladders
- 4 plastic red 3- or 5-gallon gas containers
Please contact either Jared or Ralph and let us know if you can obtain or donate these items used and if you cannot transport them, we have trucks and trailers coming down that can carry the items.
Accommodations:
We have arranged for discounted condo rentals at Las Palomas as a group. If you would like to participate in these group rates please email or call Jared Parker with your arrival and departure dates.
The rates are approximately as follows:
1 bedroom is $105 for week nights and $130 for Friday and Saturday.
2 bedroom is $140 for week nights and $165 for Friday and Saturday.
3 bedroom is $190 for week nights and $ 215 for Friday and Saturday.
Food and Water:
Each family is responsible for its own food and water. There are lots of typical Mexican taco stands and other places to eat or snack for lunch located not too far from the site. The work site is about 7 minutes from the condominiums and the RV park on Sandy Beach. Two grocery stores are close by. Families can make their own dinners or many families enjoy going out to dinner and experiencing the restaurants in this shrimping town. You will want to bring drinks, water and snacks to the job site, for your family, each day.
Bathrooms:
For the convenience of all participants, there are gas stations/convenience stores within close proximity to the job site. The condos and RV park are also only 7 minutes away.
Party:
The party is going to be Tuesday evening Dec 28th. We are planning to meet at the local LDS meeting house and will cost $10 per person. There will be food, live music, dancing and lots of fun.
Tee Shirts:
Tee shirts orders will be final December 5th. If you have not ordered your shirt by then, you won’t get it until you return from Mexico.
Devotional:
Prior to commencing work on Monday, December 27th, we will all meet together for a short devotional, safety instructions and work crew assignments. We will let you know the time and place for this pre-construction meeting soon.
Paint Cans:
We have 25 (five gallon) cans of exterior paint that we need to transport to Rocky Point. It is much easier and we avoid impact taxes crossing the border with one or two cans of paint per vehicle than having one vehicle or trailer taking all the cans. If you have room in your vehicle for a couple of cans of paint and you are traveling through the Phoenix/Mesa area on your way to Rocky Point, please take the time to coordinate with Ralph to pick up a few paint cans and transport them to Rocky Point.
Thanks to all.
W. Ralph Pew
480-461-4670 (office)
602-432-2329 (mobile)
T. Jared Parker
801-860-8686
