Yup, it is that time again! Another ‘For Dummies’ blog is here!
Step 1:
See a need.
(Her house was literally straw, and her door had fallen off in the storm a few days before)
The widow and her granddaughter with Brian and Jan (the ones who invited us to help with the house).
Step 2:
Saw timber down to managable sizes, bring them up a 45 degree angle mountain, and then start clearing a space for the new house.
Step 3:
Start digging the holes for the posts, try to avoid the evil ants wanting to eat your flesh, drill holes into the tops of the posts and make sure the posts are even once in the ground.
(Really, we were working!)
Step 4:
After you get the posts up, start putting in the base structure. After that put on the leeds (long, thin reeds) to further support the house.
Step 5:
Go to the nearest water source (2km away) and fill up eight jerry cans. Then drive them part way up the mountain, and carry them the rest of the way.
(Brian (our Australian friend), and a child that decided to help us out)
Step 6:
Use the water to make the mud for the walls. Pile rocks all throughout the leeds to strengthen the layers, then dig in!
Step 7:
Allow the mud to dry, do the top coat, and put on the roof.
(Though we ran out of time because of bad rain, so I did not get to see the finished product.)
This is the most complete picture I have. I know Bri and Josh have one with the roof, but you will have to check out their blog to see it 🙂
This month has been crazy, but in a great way. In Bri’s words, “It was not my favorite month, but it was my most enjoyable.” Building the widow a new house was one of the most practical ways I have shared the Gospel on this trip.
Oh, and the best part?
The last day of building, when Krystle, Matt, Shannon (one of our squad leaders) and I were evangelizing in the villages, The widow GAVE HER LIFE TO JESUS! It was an amazing finish to a very fun and fulfilling project.
Oh, and Shannon and I got to lead another older woman to Jesus in the mountains too! What a faithful God we serve :)
Alrighty, this may be it for Uganda, but there might be one more!
Thank you for any comment you leave!
