We awoke to warmer temperatures (30F) but also a fresh coating of light snow.

We were all moving a bit slower this morning, which is understandable with the hard labor of demolition and the hiking we did over the past couple of days. But we all were willing to do what we could to continue the demolition of the Physics/Chemistry lab space.

Two contractors were there by 8:15 a.m. jack-hammering a layer of concrete from the floor and the dumpsters were being hauled away and replaced with empties.  There was one more wall to demolish which the guys took care of in what seemed like just a few minutes.

Then we were informed that there was a truckload of cement blocks that needed to be unloaded and carried to the 2nd floor.  AARRGGGHHH!!!!!  We decided to create a human ‘chain’ to get the blocks off the truck and unto the first landing, and a 2nd chain to get them up the stairs and piled near where they would be used to build a new wall.  We’d like to think we saved our knees and backs from destruction by not having to tote the cement blocks up 2+ flights of stairs one by one!

We decided to only work a half a day today as we had another important activity to do…a SHOPPING trip to Žilina. Tomáš and his two boys escorted us on our adventure to the big city and most of us found something to purchase. We arrived back in Martin in time for dinner and a quick trip to the grocery store BILLA, before we sat together for a evening game of Farkle. We all need a little more downtime… which is just a day away!

Mark has spent many evenings with his cousin, David and his wife Slavka, to get more family history on his Slovak roots.  Saturday, David and he drove to eastern Slovakia to see the town where their grandfather immigrated from. It has been an amazing reconnection for them.

We were informed today that we may be involved in a ‘challenge’ of floor hockey tomorrow with the Slovak teachers. None of us have a clue about floor hockey…including the Slovak teachers. It will be an interesting event, most likely more laughter than scoring. Speaking of the teachers, today was the start of a NATIONWIDE teachers strike in all of Slovakia. Many teachers went to Bratislava today to protest their low compensation (just slightly above poverty level). Not sure how long the strike will be, but to have the opportunity to strike is a victory in itself for the Slovaks. We are experiencing a historic event for Slovakia.

Our time here in Martin is almost done, and we have done a goodly portion of hard labor for the renovation of the new High School. Team “Hardy” started out being named for the weather they needed to endure to come to Martin in the winter, but they are clearly a hardy working team. The next time you see them give them a handshake and/or a hug for all the muscle power they have expended here on behalf of students who will be the recipients of this labor of love.

Thanks be to GOD!