Habitat for Humanity

Almost done of our first week of our Habitat build, which is also our only week of our habitat build. Because of all the turmoil with relocating from Thailand to Cambodia we were only able to schedule one week. I don't know if my body could have handled any more.

The week started off splendidly. We have a great team of 14 people, and it's been a tonne of fun. The build itself is interesting. I have never tried to work in such heat and humidity, and I have a newfound respect for construction workers. The key is pacing yourself - knowing when you need breaks - and when you miss that pace, you overexert yourself like I did yesterday, and you suffer the consequences.

We are building houses for families who used to live around the dump site - definitely not ideal housing, but it also provided some income with recyclables. The average monthly salary for the families is 80-150 USD. The families have anywhere from 2-5 children, and they are also expected to help with the build as well as repay the loan for their house. They have been fantastic; very helpful with the build, and with cute kids who keep us entertained.

To the kids I'm known as "Snick", which sounds like "Snake". I realized when I answered "My name is Nick" I mumbled the S into the Nick too closely and confused them. The good thing is that my name seems to be the only one the kids have actually picked up on so I can always tell when they're calling for me. They give great hugs, play with everything, and are great at amusing themselves. They also try to help build, which is cute as long as it doesn't slow things down too much.

I had to sit today out as I did too many loads of bricks in a row yesterday - I was having too much fun chatting with our translator and playing with the kids. Likely some dehydration and just general fatigue. I hear that we're likely going to get the roof on tomorrow, which is great news. I did miss out on the cricket and frog leg eating though, which is disappointing ;-)

Habitat is an interesting concept. I think the biggest difference we're making is both financial - our donations go a long way to making things happen - as well as the personal experiences and bonds that develop. It definitely is a good way to feel involved, to see where your money is going and to feel something tangible that you're doing. As well, it helps the families you're building for see what kind of people out there want to help, and I think it is inspiring in some ways. I do like the concept behind it all.

OK, time to sign off for now. Wanted to update everyone but also realizing I'm just exhausted. Hopefully a good night's sleep will change all that. I did manage to finish Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", which is an excellent book. Highly recommended.

Cheerio, and stay healthy