This is the fifth and final instalment regarding the inaugural UBC Athletics / Habitat for Humanity Global Village trip to San Vicente in El Salvador.
 
The last few days of the week were spent, firstly working hard on finishing the four of five homes on the site, and secondly working with our mason, (the building supervisor), laying the concrete bricks for the walls of the house that we started from scratch.
 
On Thursday evening, we were entertained by five young Salvadorian dancers, with their brightly coloured costumes and lively native music. They even included the team in the dancing which was fun!
 
The highlight of the trip was Friday when we stopped work at noon and had a celebration with the families whose houses we were building, the 5 masons, and both the local and head offices of the Habitat for Humanity El Salvador. There were many tears as as the family members and all the masons thanked us, with their hearts, for our hard work and committment to helping others.
 
Yes, there was a lot of love among the 30 or so of us that Friday afternoon!
 
The UBC team presented two trees to Paulo (the head of the family ) to plant on the property, as well as a gift bags to each of the masons. In addition, team members handed out some of their own used (and in some cases job site smelly!) clothing to other family members.
 
Indeed it was a powerful couple of hours which will leave positive memories for all. As we departed the site for the last time - and the words " love " and " generosity " will be firmly entrenched in the team's minds and hearts!
 
In summary, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Habitat for Humanity Canada Global Village Program folks in Toronto for their outstanding job in coordinating the logistics regarding the trip. I would also like to thank Bob Philip and the UBC Athletics for his support from day one. When I first approached him over 1 1/2 years ago, there was no hesitation in supporting this unique initiative!
 
I would also like to thank Deb Huband, the women's basketball coach and team member. She was a big help in taking care of some of the logistics.
 
Finally, I would like to thank the respective parents of the team members for bringing up such outstanding young athletes and citizens. They exemplified, in every respect, the best of the best! Hard work. great sense of humours, terrific team work (of course!), and respect for each other and our host family, are just a few of the words that come to mind.
 
These UBC athletes (now  the UBC Habitat Global Village Pioneers), are truly a credit to Canada, UBC, their respective teams, (represented by five varsity sports), and of course, their parents.
 
So what next? Well if my old body holds together, (I am 66 today as I write this), I would like to not only continue the program, but expand it to involve more student-athletes. The key in doing this is to encourage other UBC coaches to to get involved. If there is any interest in the UBC coaching fraternity, I would be pleased to hear from you. I can be reached at bill.humphries@telus.ca
 
Muchas gracias and adios!
 
Bill Humphries BSc.,1968
 
Team Leader
May 14th, 2011