More on the Nicaraguan Seed House

To give you a feel for our build site, here is a short tour.   Worksite Tour

On the first day, we were given instructions on how to mix the concrete and mortar. We were then instructed to mix only half that amount and sometimes got confused.  We soon became more efficient hauling filled buckets by hand or using a wheelbarrow.

Each of the building sites had an oil drum filled with water, and there was a water truck located on a site three houses down from us where we sometimes had to go to get more water.  We would fill our buckets and walk back to refill the water drum.  Surayda easily carried a full bucket of water on her head, while I found it easier to carry two buckets, each about two thirds full.  At one point during the week, we ran out of water and several of the team went to the river for more.

We completed the walls of the home in three days.  The house was slightly higher in the back to accommodate a flat, slanted roof,  which was installed after we left.  Then we laid the foundations for a small sidewalk in the front and back of the home.

Jeff taking a much needed break

Kari and Jeff tamping the floor

Finally, we brought in many wheelbarrow loads of dirt into the house, and tamped the floor down, spraying it with water at the same time.  Then we formed a line and passed in bucket of concrete to pour the floor.

At the house dedication ceremony, we presented Surayda and Cesar with a bible, and we all placed our hands on the house as they said the Lord's Prayer in Spanish. Surayda made a tearful and moving speech of her gratitude for her new home. Surayda's Speech

Completion Day!