Marianna, Sophie, and I recently went on a Habitat for Humanity build in Ghor Al Safi in southern Jordan. Our team was made up of two teachers, another Junior Fellow Sam Verde and eight students. The build fell on a weekend with bad weather causing all of the previously signed up students to back out so on the morning we were supposed to leave eight new students were recruited in their place.
When we arrived in Ghor Al Safi two coordinators, George and Ramel, gave us a quick orientation with information about Habitat in Jordan and the family we were going to be helping and safety guidelines. George explained that the organization loans the local community leaders money to then loan to families. This is sustainable because the money is always paid back.
We started work at the site that afternoon. Our project was to build an addition onto their house so that they would have enough room for the children to sleep. At the site we were joined by two men both named Ibrahim who have construction experience. First we mixed cement that we would later use to build three new walls onto the house. Next came the "brick dancing line" which involved moving cement blocks. I think my arms got stronger from the all the heavy lifting! The family generously brought us tea ("shay" in Arabic) and Arabic coffee while we worked and helped us with the construction. When we began building the walls we were instructed where to scoop cement using our trowels and how to place the blocks. After working for a couple hours we returned to the guest house where we were staying and ate dinner. The family who ran the guest house cooked a delicious meal for us. The rest of the evening we hung out as a group.
The following morning we returned to the site and continued building. After our portion of the project was finished the leader of the local community organization came for the dedication of the house. He said a few words and the family thanked us and we presented a framed photo to the family and told them what a pleasure it was to work with them. Then we gathered as a group to take a photo of all of us in front of the house. At the end the family gave Marianna, Sophie, and I--the only females--presents! We couldn't help but beam at this was an extraordinary gesture of kindness.
I think that everyone came away from these two days amazed at how much impact a seemingly small amount of work can make.
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"One brick at a time" - I commend you on your willingness and fortitude. How much more peoples lives are enriched by your commitment...I appreciate your openness to experience and life.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, pause to think about what you write here - and am encouraged by knowing that there are people, such as yourselves, who do care enough and are willing to be a part of the solution to help soften the tragedy of the human condition.
With all humility, I do thank you for sharing not only your actions, but your thoughts and feelings...
Utmost regards and love,
"Aunt" Marie