Today was one of the most rewarding days yet, as I had the opportunity to officially sign paperwork for our land in Tarija, and rented a bus (oddly, with Japanese graffiti on the side) to take the families out to the land. I wish you could have seen their faces as they realize that they have their very own parcel of land for the first time in their families' life, and then in just 2 short months they will realize their dream of having their own home.
All the parcels of land are quite pretty, the land is near trees and a little river. But to be fair, we had each family draw straws for their parcel, then they got t
o decide where to position the house on their land.
It was a great honor to get to welcome them on behalf of you all, and they each took turns expressing their thanks for you donations, well wishes, and support. It is hard for them to believe people from all over the world are helping them have a home for their family. You can see the joy in their faces, despite the hard work of moving heavy rocks and tree stumps to prepare for construction.
CLICK HERE to see more pictures of our celebration with the families in Tarija.
Monday morning we will start the "replanteos", a process I know quite well now from my month in Villamontes. This is the first step to creating the foundations for the homes, and is the first part of the "sweat equity" each family has to invest in building their own home.
On Wednesday, I'll put on my 1 nice dress, and have an official negotiation with the local government about the timeline to get water and eletricity hooked up. I've yet to figure out how to be charming in Spanish, so I am hoping my Habitat team will give me pointers before then. (I'm open to any legal suggestions you guys may have as well!)
Then on Thursday it's back to Villamontes for 2 days to push forward on the 15 homes in process there!
Saludos and papaya soda toasts to you from Tarija,
naomi
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