Day Five: Final day of Building

Somebody has asked for more pictures ... and their wish is my command.

The homes are taking shape and most of them are completed. The 14 piglets are doing wonderfully, and the community is excited by their new arrivals.

The volunteers here – both from the OHBA and the locals – are pumped about this adventure. Asked if I'd do this again, my response was “in a heartbeat.”

This experience has been life changing, not just for me, but for most of those involved. When I think that a child in Aguas Negras cannot go to school because their family cannot afford a uniform, it breaks my heart. I spend more money on coffee in a day than the price of a school uniform. I will think twice before I order another double-shot Americano.

So, here, in 12 pictures, is a day in life of an OHBA Humanitarian Build. Forgive me for missing so many of the participants, but there is only so much room (and the Internet access here is spotty at best).

The first of the community's piglets -- 14 in total.

Brian Loder of Brookfield Homes has fun with some of the local children.

Lumber is scarce here but these roof trusses are put into place.

Bernie Torchia of Monarch and his three daughters worked hard throught the build. All four told me it was an amazing experience.

Dick Brouwer and Frank Giannone of FRAM pitched in to build this home for a very deserving family.

Doug Tarry, OHBA president, braves the mud of Agua Negra to, er, supervise the volunteers building houses.

This young man, who was disabled while driving a moto-cab (a motorcycle taxi) will move in to his new house tomorrow.

This house, which sits in a low-lying area of Aguas Negras, has been lifted out of the mud and will welcome it's new homeowners tomorrow.

Language barriers aside, homeowners Maria Garcia put her hands togethered and said "blessed." I knew that she meant that she felt blessed by the OHBA buildng her a new home.

The homes are basic -- with cement block walls covered by parging -- but they have flush toilets, running water and are above the level of the flood water. 

Many of the volunteers came from the community and did whatever they could to help.

The children of Aguas Negras are totally captivating, open and loving. When you take their picture, they want to see it on the back of your camera and laugh and giggle. 

I will post more pictures of the children later today.

Tomorrow, there is a dedication ceremony and the homeowners will receive the keys to their new, safe clean homes -- and have a door that locks so they will be safe.

Also tomorrow, I will be going shopping with some of the volunteers from Hero Holidays so that the new homes will be be furnished with a washing machine, beds, linens and groceries. I will report on that tomorrow.

 

Comments

[Cindy Lloyd]

Incredible photos and stories. Thanks your for your hard work. Everyone on the "build" appreciate your efforts and for creating a daily diary for all of us!! And for sharing the stories of Aguas Negras with the world!