The walls are growing, albeit more slowly than any of us
anticipated. Building started “on time” at nine, but the first few hours were a
methodical exercise in precision as the two lead builders checked angles and
levels repeatedly.
Once the base layer was in place, the pace picked up
dramatically. The next three layers of bricks taking the same amount of time as
the first one.
Abuti Sama cuts the plastic to the correct size. |
The miscommunication showed itself as my friend and I
discussed what he told me before I went to the supply store. When he described
the plastic, he said it was “for the floor” so I bought enough to cover the
entire floor. What was actually needed was to go around the edge of the floor.
Out came a hacksaw and we cut the edge of my giant roll to achieve the needed
dimensions. Internally I lamented the waste of money until my friend told me we
would use the plastic on the floor too, since we have it.
Watching the precision and craft that went into making
everything level and strong, I feel much better about paying the builders
today.
I spent the day trying to help. Women do not typically help
in construction, so my efforts were not always encouraged. The guys, most of
whom are my friends and one is my brother, would tease me until I jumped in to
load, unload, or carry the bricks. Then, they would stop me, telling me I am
strong my hands are too soft.
The chicken coop at the end of day two. |
MCCC’s Egg Laying Chicken Project has been in development
since March 2015. After many delays, MCCC and I were able to write a successful
grant proposal for a VAST grant through Peace Corps. VAST grants are funded by
PEPFAR to help with HIV-related work and OVC (Orphan and Vulnerable Children)
care. It is due to MCCC’s work with OCVs that qualified us for the VAST grant.
Otherwise, we would have applied for a PCPP [Peace Corps Partnership Program]
grant and would have been asking for assistance in funding this grant proposal.
I encourage you to consider supporting other PCPP projects.
Posts about this project include:
Workshop Woe, Busiest
of Birthdays, Checking
Out Chickens, A Day with
Bo-’M’e, Chicken Coop Construction Day
One, Day Two, Day, Three, Day Four, Day Five
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