Monday, June 21, 2010
A Foundation to Stand Upon
Today, the foundation was completed. Construction here takes time. I originally thought the foundation we dug last week would be entirely filled with cement, as we do in America. However, this is not America, this is Africa. Instead, a six inch layer of concrete and stones was poured into the trenches, upon which a thirty-six inch wall was erected on top of. Then the exterior walls were plastered. As you can imagine, this all took much longer then I had originally envisioned. But non-the-less a foundation is in the ground. Tomorrow we begin laying the steel and brick that will reinforce the floor of the classrooms. I've learned that construction here is like stepping into a time before all forms of machinery and everything is built with with your hands. It's been quite an experience learning how you do things when you don't have things like cement trucks and cranes.
I'm sure you are all more interested in learning more about the people and the students whom we are helping with these classrooms then the actual construction itself. I have had an incredible time getting to know the local people and am still learning how they live life on a day to day basis. I have learned that life here can be incredibly frustrating at times. However, it's been amazing to experience how the people here are able to focus on the things that truly matter. They don't get upset with their circumstances, but rather care more about spending time with their family and friends. I've developed some incredible friendships in a short amount of time. My next few blogs will be dedicated to introducing you all to these amazing people.
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