DAY 2

Today started out nervous. Chairmen had an 8am meeting with the district Commissioner who held the future of the Rebuilding Lives project in the palm of his hands! Irene., Nikki, Kathy and I met for an early breakfast then we headed into town to meet the boys. We arrived to good news. The DC had confirmed that each family would be receiving 20 iron sheets! This means we could use stone blocks! He also wanted to meet us to learn more about the projects we are introducing at Pipeline and requested that we all come back into town and see him at 3pm.
This was all the information we needed to launch into action! We all boarded the van and headed back to camp to make plans. On the way we stopped at the supermarket to pick up some supplies and Nik and Kath decided to load up on pencils and books for the school. I think after meeting the teachers and students yesterday and seeing their commitment and determination to learn they had been quite inspired to assist. The resources they bought were greatly appreciated. Thanks ladies!
Moses met us on arrival, we were all so relieved to see he was feeling better today. The` good news we also brought with us was great medicine. Everyone was excited to start the project.
Then Bo, the malaria prevention guru, turned up with his mate Gamme and we did introductions. We were a little pressed for time` so Samuel gave` them a camp tour while we continued with our building plans. A number of the camp tradesmen came to assist with the calculations for building materials and design. We were ready!
We met with Bo after his tour and he gave us a run down of his ideas on how the community can best prevent malaria given the living conditions. He says treated nets and spray will be the most effective and economical. We will keep working on this one.
The team jumped back in the van and were on our way. First stop – the quarry! We drove into beautiful Kenyan country side for about half an hour until we reached the site. It was a scorching hot day and we men and women were working hard cutting the stones from the earth. It was amazing. Back in Australia we have huge machines to do this work for us but here it is all done by hand using hammers and chisels. We ordered our blocks and then headed off to the nearby hardware store to order the cement. It felt so good to finally be underway!
We arrived back at the camp and headed to the Chairman’s house for tea and bread. I had been badgering him for weeks that I wanted to see his new little baby Bryan so I finally got to see him and have cuddles. Well, it did not go very well actually. When Irene was holding him he was happy and quiet as a mouse but as soon as she handed him over to me he screamed! They said it was because I was the first mzungu to hold him but I swear Irene pinched him, hehe! Oh but he was sooooo cute!
After our tea we all jumped back in the van and headed off to our meeting with the DC. It went fantastic and he was happy for us to all work together. Moses and Paul only told me afterwards that they were very worried and nervous that he would put hold on the whole building project. But he was positive and friendly. He just requested that we officially write to the municipal and health and sanitation informing them of our plans and keep everyone in the loop.
We all left the meeting elated and super excited!
Chaiman Paul said “Today is our day”
Secretary Moses said “Today is our first day of freedom”
On the way back to the camp we all had a celebratory soda and toasted the Rebuilding Lives Project.
When we drove into the camp the truck had just arrived with the cement and blocks. As they were being unloaded the community all gathered around. Chairmen said “People are so happy to see the blocks. They represent hope.”

Tomorrow we start building and rebuilding lives!

Lauren xo