Monday, November 21, 2011

Content by Maria

After what seemed like days of being “locationally challenged” I finally joined the group in Maputo on Sunday and we almost immediately departed for Xai-Xai. My bag stayed behind, along with any hope that I would see it again before returning to Jo’burg. Some of us were still feeling jet lag effects so most went to bed early that evening.

I got word at breakfast today that my belongings will be arriving some time on Tuesday and was literally jumping for joy. Meanwhile, I’ve been making a new list of essential carry-on items and my life has been greatly simplified by not having to make decisions like “what should I wear today?” What an interesting way to separate one’s self from all the “stuff” we carry around. Another way, is to take a “journey of service” to a third (or fourth) world country and recognize how little most of our fellow humans have to call their own.

Today’s drive to the job site took us down the main highway, then onto nothing more than a series of sandy back roads to a collection of homes. Some were made of cement blocks, others only reed walls and thatched roofs. None had electricity or running water. On arrival, we split into two teams with Team Anderson (Dennis, Brett, Deb, Joanne, Judy, Maria, Mel) heading down the road on a short walk that allowed us to see the backyards of many families. It was agreed that this “commute” gave us a glimpse of the real Africa. Tonight after dinner, a comment was made that we’re seeing firsthand the African poverty that only comes into your Western consciousness through your television set. However, we also experienced a powerful sense of family commitment among these people that you would never get watching TV on your living room sofa.

Mel guiding us on the proper method for 'Crack Fill'

A great deal was accomplished just today, in that both teams completed nearly all the concrete block walls of the two houses we hope to finish during our stay. It was hard physical labour and it was HOT! I mean AFRICA HOT! Even one of the African tradesmen told us, near the end of the day, he thought it was too hot for us to be working as hard as we did. They themselves work incredibly hard!

Team Anderson also faced a heart-wrenching moment when on returning from lunch that was brought in for us, served at the other job site, we found our shady table fully set with a meal prepared by our beneficiary mother of four. She was quickly told, by our local tradesmen, to take the food away. Because of the language barrier we were unable to show our gratitude for her gesture. We’ve agreed as a group to try to rectify this tomorrow.

One of our beneficiaries Lizette and two of her four children, twins aged 2

It would seem that the emotional challenges can be as difficult as the physical labour here. Pedro heard all about our long flights to get here, then wondered aloud why Canadians would travel all that way to help build a house in Mozambique. Of course, we all have our different answers but mine happens to be a lyric from the song that brought me to this great continent…

Deb learns that the power of mortar...

... is nothing compared to the power of digital cameras!

“I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become…”

- Africa by Toto.

- Maria