Home Builds

Our mission group fundraised over $60,000 and thus we were able to buy the materials to build TWO houses in Chimbote as well as purchase and deliver 24 beds and stoves. Through Friends of Chimbote: Father Jacks mission, the families in need work through social workers and are on a "list" for receiving items purchased through different groups like ours. There are over 100 people on a list for home, bed, stoves, and more. 

We split into 2 groups for the home build. The first day was mostly tear down of delapitated shelter.  It's really indescribable the conditions the family was living in. The family was Clara, Miguel, their 6 children and one on the way due this month. The next two days were installing the studs, bamboo rods, and attaching estera walls with wire. We searched the neighborhood for bottle caps to act as washers to secure the nails (the trash on the street is also indescribable, along with the dogs/dung). Estera is a woven reed or hay type of material. Refer to the pictures, it's hard to describe exactly what it is. Luckily we had the funds to provide a roof that was metal rather than estera to keep the rain out. The previous estera was completely molded. We built three bedrooms onto the existing "galley kitchen" in quotes because there are no lights, stove, running water, appliances of any kind... A few Tupperware and cups with a 5 gallon plastic tub to collect water. Anyway, the walls created three separate bedroom spaces and a small living space. Then we had the privilege to deliver 2 beds an donated some sheets, towels, toothpaste toothbrushes and dishes. We got to return this morning and the priest blessed the home. The entire group was in tears!

It was a bittersweet feeling leaving, because Clara was so thrilled and appreciative but it felt like so much more was left undone. 2 beds for 8 people, dirt floor, contaminated water. But it was more a feeling of hope and fresh start. The family will continue to work with their social worker with upkeep of their house and beds (they are not allowed to sell their bed) and to find a source of income. 

Each delivery of bed or stove to other families was unique!  Each had a story. This afternoon we rented a couple buses to take some families to the Vivero, basically a fun park/play place. It will be nice to spend some time with them somewhere they don't normally get to go!

The front of the house we rebuilt 

Putting up the roof

Bamboo rods, framing the bedrooms

Cleaning out the girls bedroom

The kids (minus one). I hung out with them outside the house. Wendy is 17 and wants to be a teacher. We spent a lot of time with a Spanish-English dictionary.  She is a quick learner and was patient with my poor Spanish!  Although they were all pretty excited with what I did know. We also went through their new coloring books an said the Spanish and English word for each animal. I am pretty attached to them:) PS- Sergio is wearing a Hawkeye hat, thanks Jason Gulbranson!  They each have one to represent our beloved Iowa!

Regular street view. The houses in the background are 100% estera.

We travel to Lima tomorrow then fly out at 2:00 am. I am looking forward to seeing my baby boy and hubby!