Just A Quick Note

Just wanted to keep you up to date with what is happening. I went and bought some string today so we can go and mark out some of the site so we can begin clearing the land where need be, making bricks and then building. I wen and spoke with a man who is using the govt. brick making machine that we are hoping to borrow as early as next week. It is labour intensive but if we have almost 30 men working we should be able to make 2000+ bricks per day. This means that if we receive the machine next week should be finished the first home by the end of July. The bricks are interlocking and go together like lego. So once the bricks are made and cured the house can apparently go up within a week. We'll see!

The land issue isn't really over but the neighbours have fenced their idea of the boundary so for now we will work within that. There is still room for 4 homes, an office, shed, play space and vegie garden. Almost a third of what we thought we were purchasing but grateful for what we have and trust the rest wil be returned to us soon. We have big plans for the land surrounding ours but for now we will start with two homes and see how we are going.

Hopefully more exciting news next week as we begin to access soil, sand, etc and begin the building process.

Thanks for sticking with us!

It's June Already!

Once again I'm writing in the dark. Hoping the electricity returns to allow me to complete this. We are moving forward. Slowly slowly. I was on site at the end of the week to take measurements. I had a couple of guys helping out. One who I don't think has ever used a tape measure before and the other who didn't want me to do the drawings or take any measurements down who in the end decided that my drawing was better so took mine to complete the task. They patiently participated in the many measurements only commenting once "Oh, I thought we had finished!" I had said to them that I need more than just the perimeter but also of the structures and entrance points, etc. I bought them lunch at the end of the ordeal so I think they went away happy. They always feel they need to have someone with me to do the work. This is often nice but maybe sometimes It would be easier on my own. But I appreciate their help. Fromthese measurements I have drafted a new site map to fit the piece of land our neighbours are allowing us to use until such time as the courts or lands office grant us what we think we should own. But we can at least step forward and begin to work on building up to four homes this year finance permitting. We will also endeavour to plant crops, make a home for a number of hens and a cow. I look forward to sending through photos of this progress. We are hoping we can begin foundations by the beginning of July and have one house almost completed by end of July. Once the plans are oked by those who need to I'll send them through.

Amongst helping things progress on the land and supporting our visitors I've also been helping a family just down from us who has a lovely boy of 9yrsm Gideon, who has down syndrome. I went to visit the local school and support unit which he attends. It was lovely. They have 15 students ranging from about 8yrs to 28yrs. This first photo is of two students one 28yrs and the other about 10yrs sorting colours using bottle tops. They are endeavouring to teach them life skills. Whilst I'm living in Webuye I'll try to go and demonstrate some lessons and activities. I've put together some activities for Gideon and his little brother into a art book which they are working through with chalk so they can erase what they have done and repeat the activities. This second photo is of Walter and his son Gideon. Gideon enjoys using the blocks although there a only a few. Am thinking about finding a wood worker to make a decent set of blocks for him to use at home or even at school. Resources are almost negligible.

We have been blessed with another visitor, Cory. She has been great, fitting in wherever she can. Teaching scottish dance to the local school where the Robins attend, developing a puppet play and running with the boys. She is a marathon runner. Just did a marathon of 90km in South Africa before she came here. She could hardly walk when we collected her at the airport but is now running between towns. She has become a great talking point for the africans.

Battery power is getting low so I want to send whilst I can. Hopefully next week will be sending photos of more progress on the land.

Thanks for following the blogs.