Occasionally we are able to partner with other ministries to combine resources and meet greater needs. Many families live in conditions that are unsanitary, unsafe and unlivable. It's unacceptable. We do the best we can but sometimes we lack resources, finances, time, volunteers, etc. and need to combine efforts with other ministries to get a job done.
Last week we were able to partner with a group of volunteers who I had the opportunity to work with a year ago. Keith, Jessica, and Steve returned to Guatemala with some real estate broker friends to help another family receive a home.
This particular family had a space between some concrete walls, but they did not have the means to do much more than place some tin sheets between them to make a roof. The tin that was being used had many holes, leaks and just crumbling away. They were living in a 12' x 12' space. The decision was made to remove the old tin but keep the concrete walls. We were not going to just put a new roof on the house, we were going to add a second level! For the first time ever, the ministry was going to build a home that had a second level, creating twice the space. The
house is a modification of the normal design. Instead of it being our usual 12'
by 16', it was modified to 12' by 12' to fit the space available.
This took three times as long as our normal house builds but it was worth all the effort. I am so honored to be able to help with this unusual build. Praise God for putting together a great team and reconnecting us to help another family see the Gospel in action.
We carried the material by hand down a small alley. The entire build was a puzzle. Trying to fit into small corners and spaces very carefully took extra time and care.
Below is a picture of the space the family was living in before.
In this picture, Mardoceo & Fernando are assessing the plan for the decking of the second level.
My friend, Mardoceo, is a master carpenter at only 24 years old. He's incredibly talented.
Aaron is a great asset to the team at only 19 years old. Such a hard worker!
Fernando is our lead welder in the shop. He led volunteers in building the 2nd level. He's a great team member!
Here is a panoramic shot of the 12' x 12' space.
Not a huge amount of space but a huge blessing to this family.
It looks old but it is strong.
Here is Keith, one of the volunteers who came for the week, looking over the work and enjoying the view.
A customized spiral staircase was installed to best utilize the space.
I really enjoyed working with this team again!
Thanks for following!
Jack
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