Service Project

We went out to help on building a house.  We got to "work hard" hauling blocks that were being used to build with.  The blocks are made of cement.  The house was a two room house, one room for the kitchen and one for the bedroom.  The total square footage was about 15x20.  It had a restroom tacked on to one end but that will be torn off for an extension of another bedroom.  THis addition will make it an "L" shape.  Everything is cement.  The front step was poured cement that was uneven.  They make it even by applying a layer on top.  The roof was cement too.  Stucko is used to smooth the walls.

THis home had a hand dug well just outside the kitchen.  No water is piped to the house.  There is, however, electric lines run thru the walls for when the electricity comes to this area. 

hand dug well drawing

This is similar to the well we saw.  It was dug by pouring cement in a circle around where you dig.  As you dig it, the concrete cylinder slides down until you can pour another section.  This particular well was about 40 - 45 feet deep.  The top had a cover on it with a lock. 
[Stan] Some of you have asked if you could help in some way or be a part of some specific project.  The short and straight forward answer is, not really.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  As well intentioned as it would be, the church has learned from their failures as well as their successes.  When we send  things we have made or bought or put together we often do not really understand the culture of the people we are sending it to.  Handouts are rarely the best things to give.  Except in the case of immediate need (disaster, for instance) the church has learned that sending items from the US is too expensive, often becomes competing of the local economy and is difficult to manage its final desired destination.  If the people receiving do not have a vested interest and are not willing to do something in return for the items given, then we are just perpetuating a dole.  Even in disaster situations it is best to use local resources.  They are closer, so there is no shipping costs (which often or very expensive), it stimulates the local economy and gets local people participating in the aid given.  The best thing you can do is donate cash to the humanitarian fund or serve a mission.  We need you everywhere in the world. I know that sounds so impersonal when you see the need and want to be part of helping and serving.  But we have been asked not to seek help from family, ward, or friends for specific items or cash for spending on projects.  Those things needed will be supplied by the humanitarian fund under local management. There are also private non-government organizations that do a lot of good and if you know of them and trust them you can donate to them.
My language is improving bit by bit.  I am understanding more and picking up on the accent.  I am looking up words all the time with my little dictionary and internet searches. We have been asked by the mission president to attend the temple preparation class in our ward.  It was wonderful to be there and listen and share in Portuguese and feel the same spirit we all know.  
I found a place to get my hair cut.  He did a good job and charged by 100Mt.  That is less than $3.  But the food is more expensive here.  Teril is going to learn some Mozambican recipes this next week.  We will see how they do things.