Playground Progress

The first day work has been very productive! It is hard to do the work with such a beautful background and with the weather being so perfect. But were doing it. WORKCAMP 06!!!!
-Daniel Lawson

Yesterday was an intense day. We started working on painting the church walls and re-constructing the play structure in the back (seen here in this picture). Our work included digging a 7 by 5 foot hole in the ground that was about 3 feet deep! Good times. Towards the end of the day, Pastor Rachel came to talk to us about the history of the Klamath Tribes and the situation for natives in Chiloquin and the surrounding areas. The Klamath tribes as it is known today is a merged group of Modoc, Snake and Klamath natives. Rachel went into detail about their history of oppression and hardship--a commonality that far too often clouds the legacy of native tribes all over America. She explained how the U.S. government broke a treaty in the 1950's with the Klamath people, and the terrible ramifications that resulted. Rampant alchoholism, poor nutrition, and loss of identity were among the consequences of the government's actions for the natives here. Our work took on a special significance when she informed us exactly how important it was for children in the area to have a safe haven--a place to play in peace. I feel blessed that our hard work will directly result in helping those children. Peace out for now,
Chris McCoy