Help Me Build a Home & Hope
Most of you know who I am. I'm retired and have the time and motivation to give back and help others. I am going to Guatemala for 9 days in March w/11 others to help build 2 homes for needy families w/ Habitat for Humanity. Families receive a credit of US $5,800 to be used for construction. Repayment occurs over 8 to 12 years w/a low interest loan. The homes are built from steel-reinforced concrete block and cement, designed to be resistant to natural shocks and tremors. Corrugated metal sheet roofing keeps the family dry during Guatemala's brutal rainy season. The houses are simple 3 or 4 room structures w/att bathroom. I will be unskilled labor under the supervision of Habitat staff and a native superintendent. I'll mix cement and mortar, pour concrete, ty rebar, move and lay cement blocks. We'll have a full work week with a break for lunch, just like any work crew. We will meet the families, and our luggage allowance (we'll do carryon only) will be used to bring books for a local school, which we'll visit. I am excited for this opportunity and hope to continue in the future.
