The Traylor Construction Group (TCG) team kicked off the day bright and early with plenty of laughter, crepes, and samosas. Upon arriving at the site, we were greeted with a vibrant start—singing, dancing, a rundown of the day’s plans, and a safety briefing that set the tone for the work ahead. Plus, a go team with Bridges to Prosperity’s slogan, “One Team, One Goal.”
Ashley got to work surveying the torquing of the cables while Rick and Patrick led the adjustments, ensuring the top and bottom cable sets were aligned and tensioned precisely. At the same time, Eddie and his local Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) crew focused on cutting and bending rebar, preparing suspenders and assembling the swing components for the cable launch.
Abby and Caleb—affectionately dubbed our “pack mules” for the day—rallied a group of local teammates and began transporting sandbags up to the upper abutment. With incredible balance and determination, they carried the bags atop their helmets, climbing the steep clay staircases. Their energy was contagious, and before long, the entire TCG crew was pitching in to help.
Once Ashley completed her survey work, she and Patrick began backfilling the areas where cables looped into the upper abutment using various sandy cement mixtures. Crispin supported the effort by hauling materials, while a team of locals coated the exposed cables in hot tar to protect them from contact with the incoming rock fill. Elsewhere on site, Justin conducted quality control on the crossbeams, checking that the bolts designated for connecting the decking were the proper fit. Meanwhile, a local mason sealed the abutment access points used the previous day to thread the cables through.
Mid-morning brought a light rain shower, but we quickly gathered under the team tent, just missing the worst of it. The drizzle was refreshing, and the break was made even better with fresh samosas and donuts. Energized once again, we returned to work before lunch.
During lunch, we took time to learn about the process for selecting bridge sites in Rwanda. Each village holds a district meeting where residents propose and prioritize community improvements. If a bridge is considered a top priority, the district works with the Rwandan government to contact Bridges to Prosperity, flagging the location as a candidate for support. As we listened, we enjoyed a delicious meal of pasta salad, potatoes, free-range chicken, pea stew, and cucumber slaw.
In the afternoon, Abby led the effort to backfill the lower abutment with rocks. Ashley, Crispin, Justin, and Patrick joined the local crew to move everything from large stones to small gravel into position. Meanwhile, our B2P Corporate Construction Manager and several others temporarily stepped away from their tasks to string a safety line between the abutments—a critical component that will serve as a tie-off system when we begin installing the crossbeams and walkway panels.
As the day drew to a close, Crispin and Ashley remained on site, carefully placing cement around the cables to protect them from future damage by heavy rock. Just as we were preparing to leave, we were treated to a stunning double rainbow stretching across the lush Rwandan landscape. We paused for a few quick photos, then hustled back to clean up and shower before dinner.
That evening, we shared another hearty meal of rice, plantains, spinach, and a flavorful pea and mushroom stew. Afterward, Abby led a refresher on euchre while others played Uno with some of the B2P staff. It was a full and fulfilling day—packed with purpose, teamwork, and the kind of connection that bridges more than just physical distance.
