Today was one of those surprising days when you remember why it is that you do what you do…..and why you enjoy it.
A morning in the Architect’s office attempting to print and convert all my drawings back to imperial for the contractor had me feeling a little drained, but I trotted off to site just the same to check up what was happening with our newly found door and window (to replace the still faulty folding monstrosity). What was meant to be a quick trip to monitor progress ended up being an entire afternoon on site, observing, sharing tea with the builders, lending a hand where I could and appreciating the production of this new little space. Watching the progress of the construction, the entire wall taking shape as I stood there made all the frustrations and difficulties of the last few days just melt away. I have always gotten a thrill from the idea of creating something; something that will house many possibilities, something that will shape lives, something that will offer opportunity – however small or large. That’s why I do what I do. Being there and actually participating in that creation only increases that thrill and as silly as it sounds as the final wall took shape I really felt thankful to be able to do this and experience this project in such a hands on way. I know it’s not the Sydney Opera House or some other grand project, but it still feels special to me.
It was great to watch (and occasionally when allowed – help) the builders work away all afternoon. From watching the women mix the mortar on the site ground, to passing bricks to be chipped and chiseled away at to fit into our new plans, from checking the plumb line to maintain our straightness, to marvelling at the brick balancing act above the window and door heads (lintels? who needs lintels? it’ll be fine) it was so basic, but it was enjoyable and at the end of the day it was also fruitful. By tomorrow morning – all our walls will be done!
Tags: bholu 3, construction, progress
December 20, 2008 at 1:21 am |
Hey, it sounds like an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience!
You’re right, it’s definitely no Sydney Opera House – the opera house doesn’t get to be in the same league as buildings like yours that will so richly and deeply transform the lives and futures of so many under-privileged young human beings . . . love your work!
December 20, 2008 at 9:06 am |
Well done Leeanne, we love your work.
So glad you got your hands dirty, nothing like chai with the builders to bring you back to earth. Enjoy every minute! Also LOVING the new door and window. It has made such a difference. Looking forward to the next installment. Jodie x
June 18, 2009 at 5:58 pm |
[...] The final stages of the Bholu 3 School walls with the doors and windows being installed. The doors and window were carefully chosen on a budget by our terrific volunteers. Read about Leeanne’s experiences (AWF Head Architect Team Leader) volunteering here. [...]