Build - Day 5 (last day)

The day started normally except for a slight detour enroute to the supermarket for “sodas” and biscuits for our dedication party later on. After we arrived on site, we heard two songs from the builders and then we sang twice. Quite a few of the guys were on a different site today and we didn’t get to say goodbye to them which was a real shame. They weren’t needed on our site because there was so little to do so I can understand them not wanting to lose a working day, but it would have been nice to know the night before!



We worked for about three hours and I managed to slap a bit of mortar down, place a few bricks and almost fall off the scaffolding (Chas rescued me) before it was time for the dedication at midday. A man called Craig from CompassionArt had arrived on site to observe the work being done, so he was able to see our finished product and hear all that was said.



I got a bit emotional thinking about the fact that this was the last day on the site. We all laid hands on the building, dedicating it to God and asking for blessing on those who will dwell there… I cried again! It is amazing to think what we’ve accomplished in just a week. We were told that there are a total of 115 confirmed teams coming to build this year alone which is just phenomenal… the project surely is being blessed by God! A few people spoke, Moses the foreman and one of the men from KPC, all thanking us for our work and telling us how much of an impact it would have on the community. Not only for those who will live in the house, but for the builders who need our money to stay employed.



After the dedication and a few photos, we treated the builders to refreshments, with music from the minivan to add to the party atmosphere. Some local village children (not Watoto kids) came and danced with us and we celebrated for some time before the builders had to go back to work and we left for the day.



One year ago, this was all the beginnings of an idea… a “what if?” Now here I am, praise the Lord! I don’t look forward to returning home, life seems dull and cold in the UK. I know this will be just another travel story all too soon but I hope the memories of this trip stay sharp and last a lifetime.