I'll let Andy describe how the stoves were actually constructed in his next post. I'm sure the Sullivan clan will want to here from him ;-)
One thing that was quite obvious, from both of our families we helped and the other families our friends build for, was the difference of attitude between the families. Our first family was a gem. The children watched us the whole time and very much wanted to help and talk with us. The papa was on the roof helping us by cutting a whole and finishing the chimney. The mom (Carmin or Carmina...) was talking with us as we explained how to use the stove and what we were doing and what she liked to cook and how healthy it will be now for her family.... we talked about almost everything. She said SOOOOOO many time how beautiful it was and how excited she was... and she showed us the finished drawing for the house she wants for her and her family. Right now, they have one shelter with one room with 2 beds for 4 people and now, her brand new stove. She wants more rooms to sleep in, a garden, and a stable for each type of the animals they have (so three). I will be honored if i can help her do even some of it. When we were finished, Corey carved a heart into the side of the new chimney, and the mama shoved cheese and potatoes at us. Its all she had to offer us, and she was so grateful. We took as much as we could, and I let all the kids take a sip of my water bottle, then we left to eat lunch and make the next stove. I was so happy. I felt like i had really DONE something. This family has a stove, a real wood burning stove, and we helped them do it. And i think we made a real connecting with the family. Later in the day, Corey and I returned to play with the kids and take pictures. It was amazing to say the least.
The next family e went to was completely different. Corey and I tried to start conversations with them, and we did our other beautiful family, but they did not respond back. They stood watching us almost the whole time, whispering in Quechua and basically making sure we were doing it right, even though they didn't know what to do. I was nervous and felt rushed, and kinda unwelcome. We finished in an hour and a half, and left (that's when we returned to our otra familia :-) )
The difference? The first family wanted a better life. The second family wanted a better stove.
So the boy on the left is Eddie and the two middle children live in the first house
This was our first families first stove....
And This is the one Cory and I made.
Yes! We are alive and well here in Occoruro. And dirty.
Try not to be too hard on the second family, Libby. Not everyone in the world is as able to be open and dream in their poverty. There will be few thank you's as you do this work...Not because the people are ungrateful, but because their eyes are, all too often, stuck in the dirt at their toes. It's hard to have the strength to look above the ground when you were born, raised, grow your food, and buried there. In all the mission trips I've taken, and all the reconstruction I did last winter for hurricane victims...I might have had one or two families that said Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSome families, unfortunately, will also judge you for being American and wonder what you really want, what you rich pretty people are doing in their homes. It is hard for some to believe. Be their light, be smiling and caring and open. Do something beautiful for them :) It's all you can do.