It takes a village, which was very convenient today! Wednesday Aug 13th

It takes a village, which just so happens to be exactly where we were!

All I can say is “WOW”.  Ok that is never true.  I always have more to say.   Today we got an education and an internship all at the same time.  We helped to begin the building of a 2 room home. 

Now we have hired a team of 5 workers including a “contractor” but its best, we have learned, to be on site to help “motivate” people to put in a day’s work for a day’s wage.  Don’t get me wrong, Ugandan’s can work very hard, but when you are paying wages by the day, it complicates the initiative and energy of even the most talented.  So we showed up at the job site about 10:30 after picking up food to be prepared for the day. 

We had arranged delivery of 4,000 bricks, a load or 2 of sand, cement mix, stones and stones in two sizes.  By the time we arrived, the trench had been dug.  Next step was to put a layer of rocks in the bottom of the trenches.  The pile was about 10 yards from the trench and thankfully “white” faced Muzungus attract a LOT of children.  They were not afraid or hesitant to join in on anything we were doing, so with a small tribe of children we picked up and carried about a gazillion pounds of rock until the trenches were sufficiently filled.  

Our 15 year old John NEVER took a break start to finish.  Most of the time he did the hardest physical labors During the very few moments he did rest, he stood watching and learning.

 

Then bricks were needed so our same small tribe, like little ducks, did exactly the same thing moving a brick or two at a time until we had about 1,000 bricks surrounding the perimeter.  I am not exaggerating when I say that 3-year-olds were carrying bricks and rocks with such joy.  Concrete was mixed with sand, then water was added to the mixture and using hoes, mixed in. 

 
 
 The water came from jerricans that the kids brought from some swamp source nearby.  That was poured into a 55 gallon drum and scooped out, which means that it never really got low enough to reach in or tip to pour.  

The cement was delivered to the brick layers by shovel or one rented wheelbarrow ($2.00 per week), and the first course was laid. 

 There is a corner expert who was doing some string stuff that may have been leveling and marking the height for each row of bricks.   












Dann filled the space between the bricks and the process went on for 6 rows or about 900 bricks.  Back breaking for him, not so much for the rest.  All the while we were moving bricks closer to the ones laying them refilling for them so that they had one in easy reach at all times.  

Our kitchen crew worked tirelessly all day making sure the children and workers had plenty to nourish them, probably another reason these little ones stayed close.

Truth be told this picture is of these women eating, our Sarah and Olivia did all of the cooking and dish washing today giving them a day of rest in the kitchen.

None of the children left us all day.  They alternated between playing with us and jumping right in to fetch and carry the next thing.  The smallest of children, even a couple of toddlers were joining right in with us, not slower, not complaining and not a single foot fell victim to a heavy dropped brick or stone.  

Grandmother Ruth said so many things to us at every opportunity, but we have no idea the specifics, just that she is unbelievably grateful.  I sat for a while with her while Olivia translated and we talked about Jesus and his love for her.  Her life in a way resembles Job’s story.  She has lost so much, a husband and a number of her 6 children.  Her desperation in trying to provide for the 5 grandsons is evident.  So “why God” is her question.  We focused on Job’s realization that life itself is a gift, who are we to question God’s purpose and that our suffering is temporary compared to eternity.  She has accepted Jesus as her savior and promised that as she sits next to God in heaven, I could sit just next to her on the other side.  I reminded her that it is God who has sent us, God who directed people to give to help and God who loves her no matter the circumstance.  She seemed so genuinely understanding of his love, but I realize that she is no different than the rest of us.  When good times come, we praise Him and feel so loved.  When loss and struggle are the order of the day, we wonder, question and feel like he is distant.  

Dann found himself at one point sitting and entertaining the children.  He would point to a part of the body, say its name and they’d repeat it…picture a dozen giggling children.  I don’t know why but as we were listening to them, at one point he was saying words in Spanish which I found ironically hilarious.  With a language barrier anyway, why not give them a little “muchacha”.  To be honest, I’m not sure Dann knew what he was saying but the hilarity amongst them all was so joyful.

Olivia and Sarah came along today to help with cooking and washing dishes for everyone.  John and Yoweri came to help with the building.  John worked so hard all day, rarely stopping.  Yoweri had to be encouraged a bit, but when told he may not get to come again tomorrow, he pushed into high gear.

Olivia and I joined them the young children during a lull in the carrying,  and taught our VBS favorite “Jesus Loves Me”.  Its not the traditional melody but full of fun.  

At one point during the day, a motorcycle “ice cream” or flavored ice in cones guy drove by with music playing, just like the ice cream man would stateside.  We ordered for everyone at 4 cents a cone.  Crazy but true.

Once the 6 courses of brick were up (above ground level) we broke for lunch.  It wasn’t long before work resumed.  The interior needed dirt to be filled and compacted up to brick row # 5 and what a job.  Throughout the day, though we did not understand much of what was said, they welcomed us to work, though I am sure less efficiently, side by side and these men laughed, and talked to each other all day in what seemed more like small talk and laughing, the environment was filled with excitement and just joy.  They were entertained my our occasional antics. 

Shovel after shovel was thrown in and then they beat the dirt with 4 foot long logs as if raising an ax over their heads then pounding the ground.  Both rooms compacted and brick layers continuing their task, we began again, children too, carrying more rocks and tossing them into each interior room.  This will be filler as to reduce the amount of cement which is very expensive.  After 5 more rows of brick, and the clock reading 5:45pm we called it a day having laid more than 1400 bricks today.

 

It crazy to me but I have to tell you that these men worked for 9-10 hours and their daily rate is $8.  They are happy to receive it.  

We are exhausted, but grateful for a bed tonight.  Sleep will easily come, but so will the aches and pains when we wake.  God grants us the time and ability to work, its just that these bodies aren’t meant for forever and we will not acknowledge that we are anything but able…so we’ll suffer tomorrow.  But there is just no better reason to do so.  Jesus suffered so much more for us.  I believe we can put in a few more days to honor him and create a safe and clean place for 5 of his favorite kind of people to live.  

Each time, each trip I wonder why on this earth he would choose the two of us, mended from brokenness, but still so flawed.  Grace is like that, undeserving participants make up the entirety of the kingdom.  My heart overflows with the joy of today.  With being with our own Chayah children who willingly serve others…all day, back breaking work, and hoping to “get” to come again tomorrow.  To God be the glory…great things He has done…

Today was backbreakingly AMAZING!  There is no other joy like serving someone so appreciative and so unworthy and yet so worthy all at the same time.  

We learned a lot today…but mostly that God allows us to love others in a way that also feels like undeserved love to us.  To those of you who contributed financially to this project, I can only say “thank you” and may the God who sees bless you abundantly for your sacrifice.  It matters, it makes a difference and God is glorified. 

Good night!