Clearing the Site

Sometimes in life we have to do a good clear out in order to make room for new beginnings. The clear out always stirs up old memories - sometimes good and sometimes bad. But inevitably it brings some pain and some relief.

So too it is for our families in Brazil. Yesterday and today we knocked down three houses. These houses were one room with sand floors and either plastic or clay held together by a frame of wood. We had cleared the three sites in less than 5hours!! One of the Brazilian volunteers helping Serve told me that the families (children included) eat their food off these floors. 

But for the families, this one room was their whole house. Their children were born there and raised there. The pain and pleasures of family life were all played out in that one room. And here we are knocking it down.

The demolition did not just affect the human families. As we knocked down the houses we displaced 5 toads, a lizard, at least four mice, a few cockroaches, God only knows how many spiders and...wait for it...a scorpion!!

The families watched as we worked with the builders and some family members to take the houses apart bit by bit. But for them the pain is worth it. In a week or so they will have a brand new house with two rooms and a solid structure. The germs and diseases and havens for creatures will no longer be. 

But more difference is made than just a new house. This new accommodation improves health, self esteem, prospects, opportunities...for the owners and their children.

What a blessing for us to be able to share this moment with them!