When we last left you, we were between some rocks and a hard place - "rocks", quite literally being the pile of rocks collected to fill the foundation and the "hard place" being the lack of sand needed to mix the cement. Passing over the possibility of using a team of donkeys to fetch the sand, we were helped out by a significantly more sophisticated source in the form of Tony, who picked up a bakkie load of sand from Mpame for next to nothing.
Having all the necessary materials of cement, sand, water, and young guys from the village (Makosi and Roy) willing to work as long as there's a bit of money and a few pairs of admiring female eyes - we set to work. Thus far, we've spent two days filling the hole which is about one foot deep and traces the circular base of the rondavel with nearly equal parts cement and rocks. Fortunately, the site we've chosen is on a healthy bed of gravel so we don't need to build up the foundation much more. Even though we've had this turn of luck, I am always conscious of the fact that this building will be housing numerous sleeping babies, and so will proceed with caution. Tomorrow, we will finish off the foundation by making it level, and then it will be on to making bricks.
Also, we've had fate turn our way on another account through a bit of a financial good fortune. I'd like to thank my friends and family who've given graciously in times where I'm sure your earnings are already spread quite thin. What you've given is giving the Creche the momentum it has needed, as it's providing for the labor from the community that's starting to see them take real ownership of this task. You're all the best. Other readers of this blog, I'm sure you're great too. And if you give money, we'll be sure to compliment you as well.
Mike
Makosi with a 50 kilo cement bag
freshly laid foundations
Mike pressing in the last stones
2 comments:
Hey to all the hardworking volunteers! Michael, this is your mom if you get this message. Hey, who has your phone? I got worried about your bank account because of the withdrawal and then someone else answered your phone and they didn't know you. I was kinda concerned, with that combination so I put some of your $$ into savings. Then I read your blog and it all made sense. I put $100 donation into your account for the preschool. I did transfer $$$ back from your savings. if you need more email me.
What happened to your phone?
Anyway, what great progress!! I am glad you have such worthy helpers! The photos look beautiful. Tell all I say Hi from Wisconsin!!!
Michael, if it is better to send a direct donation to the foundation through the website I can do that. Just let me know! Mom
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