Three brothers standing outside of what once was their only shelter.
During our last team we went to see a family living in a tent. Actually, it is better described as sticks wrapped in tarps in which thirteen people lived. Samuel, the father, was outside trying to dry his birth and marriage certificates and other important documents as it had rained the night before and the tarps leaked badly.
Through the kindness of a donor, we were able to build them a small, four bedroom home. Pastor Etienne hired a “boss” to build it after our team left in early May and when we arrived in July the project was completed.
The growing family of 14 now has a home for shelter on their land.
The new home, beside what once was their only shelter.
Today we took a four-wheel drive up the mountain to the home and talked to Samuel. He was using a stick as a cane and said that he had hit his foot with a pick axe. It’s really hard for a family when the main bread-winner is out of commission.
Samuel, pictured left, is so thankful for his new home.
Samuel was so thankful! He really just hung his head trying to come up with the right words to say to express his gratitude. He then took us inside to show us his beautiful home and also a surprise. One of the aunts living there had a new baby, two days old, so now it is a home to fourteen.
Ellen, one of our team members, holding the two-week old newborn…the 14th member of the household.
The change in their countenances and the joy on their faces showed just how blessed they were feeling. It is pure joy to help lift a family up who has been beat down by circumstances beyond their control and I look forward to continuing my relationship with this sweet family.
“For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat” Isaiah 25:4
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