Today being the last day at the local community, everyone pitched in and helped out as much as we could to complete the finishing touches on the house. Seeing the familiar smiling faces of the villagers reminded us to make the most of our last day and to seize every opportunity. With most of the house already completed, we just had to finish off the walls and clean up the site. We picked up our tools and got to work on the final task ahead.
After the final nail had been struck, the tools were put down and the festivities began. Firstly, we gave gifts to the children who accepted them gratefully. Seeing the joy from such simple gifts made us realise that even the smallest things in our lives can mean the world to another person. The second stage of the ritual consisted of us walking around the house three times anticlockwise for good luck.
We then entered the house, followed by the family who would live there. Formally handing over the house, we then presented gifts to the family, such as much needed rice, clothing, mosquito nets, cooking pots, floor mats, blankets and pillows. Two representatives spoke on behalf of our group who showed our gratitude towards the people of the village for giving us the opportunity to work, play and spend time with the community. Leaving the house for the last time, we said our final goodbyes and reluctantly hopped on our pink party bus back to the hotel.
By Liam Dalwood and Kiera Rikard-Bell