For the first time all trip, Let it Go didn't ring through the convent at 7:30 to wake us up. Apparently without this daily alarm jingle, the town of Taos is doomed (Cool, thanks Cara..) Elsa reigned down, cursing the land with high speed winds and freezing temperatures (Okay, well it was only like the mid-40's, but we're in New Mexico, COME ON). After eating some leftover brinner, we bundled up and headed to the Habitat worksite.
It was decided today would be Disney Thursday. While not quite an alliteration like #MizzouMonday or #TacoTuesday, it didn't matter. Because who doesn't love Disney?! Even our construction supervisor Mark enjoyed listening to the soundtracks of our childhood. Obviously this included listening to the entire Frozen soundtrack, even though we didn't wanna build a snowman (since it's freakin' SPRING break, yo!) After singing and dancing to get our juices flowing, we finished leveling the wooden window headers and other tasks from earlier in the week.
The next step in construction of the Mares family home was something we had been waiting all week to learn. Drumroll please... WE LEARNED HOW TO LAY ADOBE BRICKS! No that isn't some computer software, it's a real life construction process that 60% of the world uses. We took sun dried bricks of dirt, sand, and clay and used them to build up the exterior walls of the home. To secure them, we used mud. Yes, dirt and water. Just like the mud pies we made as kids. Who knew the same recipe could be used in home construction? Between the mud making and Disney soundtracks, it most certainly was a #ThrowbackThursday.
After our brown bag lunches, we escaped the cold to volunteer at the Habitat ReStore located north of town. The ReStore is like a Goodwill but for construction supplies and raises money for Habitat. Our jobs included dusting/cleaning, organizing the product shelves, and pricing the newly donated items. We were new to the store too, so Cara and the pricing crew gave everyone a price tag. By the time we left the store, everyone was wearing at least five orange price tags. It was priceless.
After returnin' from the ReStore, a few people decided to catch some Z's back at the convent, while the majority headed over to the plaza for a final souvenir shopping haul. Due to supply & demand issues, there were some blanket wars, but luckily Morgan came out on top (Yay me!) along with some other clothing and SOCKZ purchases... And a 'completely necessary' SO FRAT trip to the Patagonia store (or apparently Fratagonia, according to Nick). Afterwards, we headed back to the church to gather everyone together to get ready to head out for dinner.
On the way out to the campgrounds, we stopped by the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church (made famous by the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe & the photography of Ansel Adams), it was beautiful, but not as secluded as we had expected. Once photographer Nick had snapped enough pics, we attempted to head to the recommended BBQ area. After literally going back and forth on the same road 3 or 4 times, we finally called Susan the lifesaver and eventually got on the right track. Once we FINALLY arrived at our destination, after having the drivers and many of the passengers close to tears, we were greeted by an amazing view, which was much appreciated despite the bitter weather.
Many of the gals took a very short hike down to the Rio Grande, while Mom & Dad and the rest of the gang started to prepare dinner. The burgers, hot dogs and veggie patties? were great thanks to Chef Cara, and Sydnie even managed to create a legitimately grilled, grilled cheese. We then all gathered 'round the c-a-m-p-f-i-r-e and roasted some marshmallows and made some BOMB s'mores. After dessert, we all reflected on our favorite moments thus far in Taos. Tears were flowing at the thought of this amazing (and literally life altering week) being more than halfway over. The night sky, filled with thousands of stars, was embraced as we all laid around and just stared (until Morgan thought she heard a possible mountain lion, and had to use Parent Trap techniques to scare it away). Emmitt played Clarity by John Mayer on the ukulele and the whole group sang along. It was a moment none of us will ever forget.
All too soon, it was time to head back to civilization where we sleepily attempt to write this blog, ZzzZzzzZ.. It's crazy how exhausted we are after this week so far, but we are all soooo thankful for this opportunity to explore Taos.
With love and much exhaustion,
Morgan & Nick
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