Went to Bulungube and built a mud home for a widow, Christine, and her 6 children. It was in a very remote area and we had to travel some very treacherous terrain to get there. Before Christine’s husband passed away, he sold the house and land that they lived in and left the family without a home. They are currently living in her bro in-laws home and has saved enough money to build a home thru her GFR sponsor.
We arrived on Friday and we honestly couldn’t do much until they put on the tin roof. While we waited we walked approx. 1 mile to a well for water to make the mud. I only carried 1 jerri can (5 gal jug) and I could barely make it back! I got to laughing so hard that every time I would stop, the water would splash out of the container and I ended up soaking my pants…which the locals found very amusing. By the end of the first day, we didn’t do much but carry water and play with the kids. They didn’t have enough corrugated sheets to finish the roof so we had to give them money to buy more to complete the project…basically it cost $60 (120000 shillings) for half of a roof. We were also able to take a sick baby to a clinic for $10 (20000 shillings) which covered her expenses for the Dr, meds and transportation. We also paid off some medical expenses for a man with HIV who had a secondary condition which looked like elaphantiasis…he couldn’t walk and his legs were split open and very swollen. It was heart breaking.
We arrived on Friday and we honestly couldn’t do much until they put on the tin roof. While we waited we walked approx. 1 mile to a well for water to make the mud. I only carried 1 jerri can (5 gal jug) and I could barely make it back! I got to laughing so hard that every time I would stop, the water would splash out of the container and I ended up soaking my pants…which the locals found very amusing. By the end of the first day, we didn’t do much but carry water and play with the kids. They didn’t have enough corrugated sheets to finish the roof so we had to give them money to buy more to complete the project…basically it cost $60 (120000 shillings) for half of a roof. We were also able to take a sick baby to a clinic for $10 (20000 shillings) which covered her expenses for the Dr, meds and transportation. We also paid off some medical expenses for a man with HIV who had a secondary condition which looked like elaphantiasis…he couldn’t walk and his legs were split open and very swollen. It was heart breaking.
On Sat. the roof was finished. When we arrived, they were ready for us to start mudding the hut. It was hot but it was great to finally be able to do something. We made an assembly line and rocked out about 4 walls...until we ran out of mud. It was a bummer that we didn't get to finish but hopefully they will be able to finish the remaining walls in the next few days. However, they are on Ugandan time so it could take weeks, you never know:)
Here is a pic of the house. We attempted to wear gloves but it didn't work so well in the mud so we were pretty dirty. They were very grateful for what we were able to accomplish.
1 comment:
great to see that you're back there again!
elton
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