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Yibin All Canadian Build

All Canadian Build in Yibin
March 5, 2006 - Eleven Canadians arrive in Yibin for the first all-Canadian HTS build.
They make quite an impression with the number of bags they bring.
The back streets of Yibin.
Children and chickens wander the streets and there is lots of laughter.
The Yibin Social Welfare Institution before the Canadians' arrival.
Children with no idea of how their lives are about to change.
The children's rooms are stark and colorless.
Sichuan province is known for its spices.
The market outside the Yibin Children's Welfare Institution.
Day 1 - Ready to start work.
Some of the children have medical needs still to be addressed.
Seeing the children brings home the importance of the build.
Arriving at the SWI, the volunteers are not sure what they'll find.
A volunteer at work.
There is a lot to do to set up an entire center - the 26th in China.
It's a true labor of love for the workers.
One nine-year old boy helps with sanding and becomes the crew's assistant.
The SWI was ready for the crew.
There are many willing helpers.
A quick break from work.
A volunteer jokes with the children.
Crew and helpers are having fun. Now back to work!
The crew at the end of Day 1.
A volunteer sanding with helpers.
There is much interest in the newcomers from the elementary school next door.
Becoming pros at painting walls.
Making shelves to store the new toys and supplies the Canadians have brought with them.
There is a growing connection to the children at the site.
A break for lunch and a quick hello.
Taking a rest.
The main room for the special needs children is right near the work area. They love to watch the work.
The children can hardly contain their excitement.
Everyone, from the woman at the front gate to the director, is warm and friendly.
The crew at the end of Day 2.
Day 3 - Envisioning change is part of the transformation.
Everyone has a job to do.
Our busy crew takes a moment to carefully observe our newly trained caretakers and teachers interacting with the children.
The caretakers clearly love the children.
HTS trainers and caretakers sharing ideas with one another.
The children are alert.
It is clear the children are already benefiting from the increased support.
The crew takes a trip to a nearby village.
Through back streets
There's a visit to a private home.
Some of the local inhabitants.
Memories of this trip will last a lifetime.
Day 4 - It's starting to look like a totally different place!
Toys and art supplies are unpacked.
Freshly painted shelving is moved into place.
The preparations for the end-of-build / opening celebration kick into gear.
A volunteer sings a song in Chinese to the new caregivers. HTS's Dr. Janice Cotton joins in.
Another song.
The caregivers join in the singing.
Its been a lot of hard work and lots of fun.
The crew at the end of Day 4.
The rooms are transformed beyond recognition from earlier in the week. They have fresh paint, new toys, and air conditioning.
It is wonderful to see the children and their caretakers enjoying their new surroundings.
The crew at the end of Day 5.
Now the true work begins.
It's hard to say good-bye.