Bathhouse Getting Ready......

We will be adding the roof to the bathhouse this week, and then following up with internal fixtures.

In addition to this building, we will be finishing the 1st home at this project, and the outdoor cooking and laundry area.

Construction for Orphans Continue....

We should be prepared for Orphans to begin moving in this November some time.

Man digging is the soak away. Drain fields are not used here, and these soakaways are easy, cheap, work great, and are easily fix in the unlikely event of a problem.

Orphans Home Progressing

The septic tank only needs plaster, pipes, and concrete lid.

This septic tank will handle the entire House of Faith Orphanage in Silembe, Zambia, which will eventually be home to over 70 children.

All of the construction is being handled locally, using local labor, and materials such as bricks are being purchase after being made in the local village.

Silembe, Zambia, is a village one-hour north north-west of Kalomo, and is home to about 99 families.

Zambia Update

Work continues at House of Faith Orphanage where the exterior of the home is nearly finished.

More from Mike

More from Mike in Zambia (edited):

The septic tank is being built, pictured above. The septic tank should be finished next week, and the roof should be on the bathhouse. The soak-a-way (African drain field) is being dug, but the picture wasn't very good.

I'll share with you what I believe to be priorities for getting the orphanage open and you can tell me if you have other ideas.

The house interior walls may be finished this week. Window glass, doors, and a minimum amount of furniture (including lighting) could put the house at an acceptable level for operations, while improvements continue with available money.

Toilet facilities are a necessity. Since the bathhouse is almost roofed, maybe $700 would get 2 toilets and a place for washing available.

I've put the workers, other than brick layers, on heaping river sand and rocks. Hopefully we can have these on site during rainy season when it may be impossible to collect these materials.

A temporary place for cooking can easily be set up. If we have money to get the roof on the kitchen/laundry shelter the orphanage can manage with ease.

More to come from House of Faith Orphanage in Silembe, Zambia!

News from Zambia!

News from our man Mike in Zambia, pictured here with Chief Siachetima (edited):

Hey Scott,

Your previous email reminded me of 2 things I hadn’t priced. Screen wire on the windows and paint. Screens must be custom made on site (not something made for window frames in Zambia), which we will do. Paint, as in America, is not cheap.

Yesterday we arrived at our mechanic’s shop as they opened. Even though we had an appointment, nothing was done. We bought what we could before the shops closed. In order to make 2 withdrawals I have to go to the bank at the hotel near the falls, which wasn't needed since I had more money than time. We will go again on Tuesday and hopefully will be able to make 2 withdrawals.

When I arrived on site this morning I was handed a letter from Chief Siachetima. I had heard of a land boundary dispute between Chief Nyawa and Siachetima, but was assured we were not given any of the disputed land. It seems the disputed portion of land is growing, and we are in it. I decided to go and see Chief Siachetima (picture above). By the grace of God, Chief Siachetima told us to continue building, thanked us for what we are doing, and promised we would not be opposed or delayed by anyone.

Things are looking really good. I may have mentioned before Chief Nyawa has no orphanages in his area. He will soon have two (another group is also building nearer to the Chief's palace). Chief Siachetima has no orphanages and none being built. Since we are right on the boundary, and we are known, orphans will surely come.

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Malaria is a disease that takes a huge toll on the people of Zambia, and especially the children. In some areas, the children are expected to acquire malaria more than once a year. We are committed to minimizing the affects of this deadly disease on the children at House of Faith Orphanage.

The roof is on!

The roof is on! The news from Mike in Zambia:

Plaster may cost $300.00 inside and $300.00 outside (bricks are flush with the outside. The inside will take a lot of plaster.). Ceilings may cost $300.00 (ceiling boards were cheaper than I thought).

Solar lighting may cost $500.00 each building (times 3). This covers the solar panel, those energy efficient mercury 12v lights with fitting and switch, and deep cycle battery (which only last about a year). I think solar is the best and most efficient lighting over a two year period.

Linda made a great suggestion on furniture in the big room. Most Zambian houses are small and have the livingroom walls crowded with sofas and chairs. They live and eat off of small coffee tables. This is perfect for our situation.