Today started off with an early wake up call and a breakfast of banana pancakes and yogurt. We started our one hour walk to the worksite where we have our three day building project. The countryside is really beautiful.
We met the family for whom we are building the house and saw how grateful they are for our help. We learned about the difficulties this family has been through and how they have been living in a tiny lean-to and were caught in the poverty loop. The father lost his parents and his brother and he himself has had health problems. They have a three year old child called Tien. They seem like a lovely family who are extremely appreciative of what St Leonards College are doing for them.
When we were working on the house our jobs included bringing bamboo and palm leaves to the building site. We then had to split the bamboo into small sections for the roof and floor. We also needed to assist in raising the main house frame and chopping down big bamboo trees for the house construction.
It was very hot and we had to remember to drink a lot. For lunch we had a welcome break. We walked to a village and ate a bento box, with chicken, rice, beans, meatball and a kebab.
At the end of the day we were all very tired but content. Today proved to be very satisfying day. We felt as if we had done something good and were helping a family in need.
Andrew Cole and James Reid
The teachers would like to add that the students did a magnificent job on the worksite today. It was hard work but everyone pitched in and did the best they could.
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