Construction, Cows and Completion!

Today we spent our last day in Tamale! We headed to the village first thing this morning to complete the construction on the latrine and pump.

The final latrine design included a latrine seat and hand support inside the structure. This will make it much easier for persons with disabilities to use the facility with no assistance. After making some slight corrections in the cement, the pump was finished as well! 

Completed pump modifications

New pit latrine...anyone want one in their back yard?

The community made a lunch meal for the team which Evie, Elizabeth and Nate were able to try (though some of them might say that the village food is certainly an acquired taste!) Throughout the day, Elizabeth received several marriage proposals from the young (and not so young) men in the village. Thankfully the team had decided she was worth the high price of 50 cows and since no one was able to pay, she was able to continue traveling with the team. 

Tasting some food prepared by the community

The village was very excited for the completion of the new technologies. It was very encouraging to see the community members working on the latrine using their own materials. After completing the structure, the local artisan working with us even indicated that he was going to build a similar latrine in his own home! We hope and pray that many others will see this design as well and build a similar one in their community. 

Since most of the work was completed in the early morning, we were also able to spend some time distributing balloons and bubbles with the children. Many of the children (and adults alike) had never seen bubbles and were excited to give them a try!

Balloons and bubbles

We had an incredible opportunity to pray with the community not once, but twice. Nate was able to offer a blessing before we ate the meal prepared by the village. At the conclusion of the work day, we were asked if we would offer a prayer over the community. What an incredible opportunity to be asked to share our faith (especially in a village which is entirely Muslim!)

Derick and Rodney were able to spend some time at the village but also had the opportunity to film the production of a local radio show hosted by a person with disabilities who has benefitted from the work of World Vision.

Late this afternoon, we drove to Bulga which is located about 2 hours north of Tamale. Bulga is a slightly smaller city and is near where we will be working on the next site. We plan to construct another pump and latrine superstructure in a similar community in this region. We will begin work on Monday and hope to have it completed by Wednesday! For now, we are looking forward to spending the weekend relaxing in Bulga and plan to attend a local church on Sunday.

The team has been extremely blessed to be able to accomplish so much in the first village! Our God is faithful and we are so grateful for the ways He has answered our prayers. THANK YOU for all of your prayers and continued support. We are looking forward to resting this weekend in Bulga in preparation for continued construction and filming next week!