End of build

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Beginning of week 2 - Nov. 7
Saturday we had our first experience applying the chicka (mud) to the walls of a structure. A mixture of fine dirt, water and straw is formed into balls and thrown against the stick frame wall, then smeared to fill in the spaces. There was much apprehension towards this job because of what we knew to be in the mud around most homes here. It was explained that this chicka dirt is obtained from quarries and cleaned before it is delivered, as well as the straw. It turned out to be quite fun, although incredibly messy, especially when one is inside the room, handing the chicka balls to the chicka plasterer. The Habesha work barefoot and bare-handed, while we're all covered up, including gloves. Mud is literally flying and I got globs all over my clothes, shoes and face. We finished the interior walls of a kitchen room for a woman reportedly mentally ill. Before we began the job she came round and warmly greeted each one of us. She was dressed in beautiful traditional clothing and we later learned she probably dressed up specifically to greet us and that if she did not own suitably fancy clothing, she would have borrowed it.
Sunday we had the day off and took a day trip to a small resort area south of Addis. We spent most of the day at the Kuriftu Resort which is on the shore of a small lake. Some team members had hoped for massages at the spa, but unfortunately, all appointments were booked.

Nov. 11
Yesterday was our last work day. We spent the morning building the walls of a latrine in the shared yard of 2 families, where we had worked several days digging the pit and laying the foundation of the structure. By now the family members are comfortable with us and we share laughs. I brought an instant camera.I took photos of the families, police officers (assigned to provide security for us) and workers, some wanted photos of themselves with team members, others wanted portraits. After lunch we attended a farewell ceremony at the community center. The women were dressed in their best traditional dresses. We had a coffee ceremony and the usual speeches, which somehow always bring tears. Then music and a little dancing, with the famous shoulder-shrug moves, we are incapable of imitating. WE filed outside for a group photo. One of the local community workers, Amaninje (spelling is doubtful) who came on site daily as our health worker, gave me an injera basket, totally out of the blue. Apparently, she had noticed me admiring one that our first homeowner had been weaving. Needless to say, the crying began again. It was very sad leaving the area for the last time.
In the evening the group went to Yod Abysinnia, a restaurant with traditional food and dance performances, for a farewell dinner. We were joined by the Habitat staff, including the two interns. The place was absolutely packed, mostly with locals. Sable's cousin, Emebet met us there and invited the whole team to her home for coffee on Friday. Due to stomach problems, I couldn't eat much. The show was wonderful. The dancers were incredible - indescribable energy. They circulated through the main floor inviting others to join the dancing and some customers matched moves quite competently. A fitting end to the build.

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