Finally it is so far. After a long journey we arrived in Lesotho.Our and therefore my workplace for the coming week. We are going to build 2 new houses for the handicapped local residents with our group.

Arriving in Lesotho I noticed the villas and golf courses and I thought for a moment "what am I coming here"? A few moments, because on the way to the building site I immediately got an answer to my question. The needs and poverty are really big.

Fortunately, all materials were present at the building site, so we were able to get started right away. The foundation and the concrete floor were realized in the morning so that we could start building the walls in the afternoon. I regularly heard "takka takka"! This means cement and that had to be produced in considerable quantities and at a rapid pace. With water somewhere out of a lake. So do not tap from a tap. The local population also helped. They were very friendly and very helpful. I was pleased to hear that the local community itself has nominated the future residents of the houses. It is therefore really awarded to them.

Every afternoon around 2 pm, after school, the children came to the construction site to blow and sing and play. Great to see and good for the spirit.

What amazed me is how big the difference in rich and poor can be in a small area. This became clear when we visited with the group Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, about 30 km away. Land rovers, men tight in the suit, shops, eateries. A stark contrast with the village where we worked.

Thursday, the roofs were on, the interior walls were plastered, the outside toilets were realized and the keyhole gardens were created. A keyhole garden is a round garden with a notch and a tube in the middle. From above it therefore looks like a keyhole. We also dug a hole with stones in it. Here the waste water is thrown. It is a simple but effective irrigation system for the garden.

We also played a game of football against the school team. As said, the school goes out at 14.00. We drove around 15.15 towards the school. But once they spotted the pickups and our vans with those white noses from us, they turned and ran back to school to greet us, dance, sing and admire the football. Because there is no toy. They play with stones, sticks and plastic what they find on their way to school. A nice moment.

On Friday morning we put the last dots on the i and cleaned up the building site. At the end of the morning we could deliver the houses. Singing and dancing 87 little girls in uniform came to the construction site. This was so impressive. Really a chicken skin moment. Will never forget. We were of course also warmly thanked by the residents and we all got a traditional hat.

It is difficult to capture in words what it has done to me. It was an unforgettable week. Because of the beautiful location with the grand vistas. The moments with the children and the knowledge that we were able to make a new start with this group for 12 families. I went to Lesotho very blank. Without expectations, not knowing what to expect. I have returned and am truly an indelible special experience. Also realizing how well we have it here. As far as I am concerned, it is worth repeating and certainly recommended for everyone. With or without job experience.

I would like to thank Habitat for humanity and the group members for the cooperation and of course all sponsors for the financial support and positive reactions that I received. Without you, this would not have been possible.