jakorte's blog

One of the nicest surprises we received on this trip was the presence of a cook from another team who offered to provide our meals on our budget. This meant no grocery shopping, no time spent cooking, and a full team on the site each day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sometimes an evening snack, were always ready for us. Clean up was shared amongst teams; everyone had a least a turn or two.

Not having to rush to make lunches before we left our camp, and not having to lug an extra lunch cooler with us, cut down on the regular “let’s get going!”stress. It also gave us just a little more time to socialize over morning coffee. We shared plans with other teams, asked for advice, and listened to stories of how we all ended up in Louisiana this particular week.

Breaking from the work day to head back to Aldersgate for lunch was a strange experience for those of us who were used to grabbing a bucket and a soggy sandwich and sitting down for a 15 minute wolf-it-down-let’s-keep-working lunch

It didn’t seem right at first – to waste precious time traveling, and eating meals that required utensils. But after each lunch break, there seemed to be a new energy. Taking stock of our advancements for the morning, and planning our afternoons became the lunchtime ritual.

Returning to the work site with fresh eyes, and nourished, semi-rested bodies resulted in accomplishing more, more efficiently.