The Re-construction project has begun! Took a walk around the site to try and prioritize the work. Proceeded to the lumber store and negotiated as best a deal as we could for lumber and windows. New(used) windows are of a different size but price was right. Lumber is very expensive, @69.00 EC dollars for 2x4x16. Had lumber delivered to the bottom of the hill and hand bombed all pieces up to work site.

As we were carry lumber up the hill I had noticed 8 year old Micheal behind me carry a 24"x32" window up the 60' 45deg incline. With the broken glass, razor sharp rocks littering the pathway he negotiated the hill in is barefeet with little effort. The grin on his face lit up as I slipped on the path and he smartly walked around and delivered his window to the painters.

Our first task was to cut a new door into the hose as the steps had fallen of the side of the house and the family had no choice but to use the lumber for cooking. They do not have the resources to purchase propane for the makeshift campstove they used to cook on.

Micheal and his 89 year old gradfather were ever helpful, sanding windows or performing any chores assigned. As I took my first water break, Micheal looked at my water bottle and asked for a drink, I handed the bottle and he procceded to pour some into a glass jar, he took a small sip and then disappeared. I followed to see what he was up too, it became evident he was storing water for his 2 brothers and his mother.

Today we are continuing with ripping old siding and windows out while installing new, cleaning, priming and painting! We have a great deal of work ahead of us but the crew remains enthusiastic as we see the project progress.

More news to follow!!!