Day 11 was another full day for the Traylor Construction Group team, packed with progress and preparation as we near completion of the Butare Suspension Bridge.
We started the morning with savory French toast and samosas before heading to site. At our usual parking spot, Caleb tossed a rugby ball to the local kids, sparking a fun game that got everyone involved. Shortly after arriving at the tent, the skies opened up again, but the rain was brief. Once it cleared, we gathered for stretch-and-flex, a safety talk, and took a moment to thank the community for welcoming us.
Our first task was removing the safety line—a team effort led by Rick with the impact driver. From there, the focus was on fencing and handrail work, which continued throughout the day. Ashley and Patrick led the wiring and clamping of the fixation cable through the swings, while others bent the upper fencing over the cables and secured it with wire.
Crispin, Caleb, Justin, and locals added a second coat of paint to the piers on the fixed side, while the adjustable side posts were painted after the mason completed the last of the concrete work. During tea, we enjoyed pita bread and hard-boiled eggs, then returned to twist wire ties between the fencing and fixation cable. Caleb, Eddie, and Rick kept the bridge team supplied by setting up a wire tie–making station.
Lunch included goat meat, rice, beans, plantains, and greens. Afterward, the team returned early and kept working on fencing and painting. Abby also helped finalize the bridge details, and the whole crew kept pushing forward.
As the day wrapped up, we began cleanup and reviewed plans for our school visit and the bridge inauguration. We packed up supplies and reflected on one of our last build days here in Butare.
Dinner brought us together for rice, mashed potatoes, goat liver, beans, and vegetables. During our evening meeting, we discussed the day’s highs, outlined tomorrow’s plan, and shared a few laughs as the team winds down an incredible project.
P.S. Here’s one of the cutest goat’s we’ve seen.
