Today we went out to help with a Habitat for Humanity project located up in a mountain overlooking Kota Kinabalu. The ships van was like an offroad atv as we ascended up a narrow dirt path to the house. Along the way we stopped to help a couple guys push their pickup truck out of a ditch.
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the family whose home we had come to help build. They had been living in church housing located just down the hill. Since July (many teams including a few from the Doulos) had come to help with the construction.
We helped with clearing out the stones from the driveway area. Many of the rocks appeared to be quite small on the surface. But most of them were just the tip of the iceberg. As we dug we unearthed many large stones and had to smash them up with sledge hammers in order to remove them. It was really hard work but a lot of fun.
The family had four young sons all under the age of six. Despite their age these kids were tough. They picked up sledge hammers and helped us break apart large stones and haul them off. It was amazing to see how the kids were able to entertain themselves for hours with simple things such pushing each other around in wheel barrows.
Heavy rains came in the afternoon and they tried to catch water droplets from the roof
Growing up I remember whining if I didn't have the latest and greatest gadget and I'd say most children do the same. These kids appreciated the small moments in lifemade do with what they had.
After a full day, the family thanked us for our work. Often those you help, end up helping you in ways you can never imagine.
No comments:
Post a Comment