Arrived Safely

We have all arrived safely at the weekend pitstop. Everyone physically and emotionally drained but ready to crack on with another week. Couple of days rest should sort everyone out.
We are currently in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal on the edge of a game reserve. The Health and safety/Welfare of the service users has taken another twist - the sign directly outside the hotel warns of Snakes, Monkeys, Crocs and Hippo's.
All now have 'Staying away from Hippo's' support plans with associated risk assessments - the risk being death by Hippo munching on you.
Service users are missing the site already and indeed Princess - almost every hour someone will pose the question 'I wonder what Princess is doing now' - Admiring her new home no doubt.
We observed another house very close to the site that appeared unoccupied - this is due to the family requiring to slaughter either a goat or a cow as a move-in Zulu ritual - we are not sure if Princess will insist on this ritual before moving the family. Should a cow or goat not be available for Princess we have offered Shaun as a suitable replacement.
Matt, Alex and Sam have had our first 10 minutes together (All service Users are in vision) - Although Matt seems to recognise the soles of the trainers sticking out of that Crocs mouth - We have just managed to stop and reflect on the effort, committment and dedication shown by each and every service user - Alex said that she has never been on an expedition with a group of young people who have been so dedicated, shown such spirt and gelled together so well.
Matt said that his arms are about to fall off. Some of the gang has other aches and pains - but instead of complaining - everyone is proud of their pain - in respect of what the pain achieved - amazing.
Alex Matt and I are really looking forward to leading the next part of the trip which includes painting and cleaning up a school in Shongweni.
4.30am start tomorrow - and they think the door knock was loud last week......
Budgie Smuggler has a couple of rest days to top up his tan.

On to the next destination

Saturday morning already - we are just finishing breakfast and shall be heading north for our next destination. We have arranged to meet with Umthombo but are not fully sure what to expect - needless to say it will be another rollercoaster of emotions.
Unsure what internet access we shall have over the next couple of days.

this picture was takeing directly after the ceramony. during the ceramony princess broke into a dance pictures can not discribe the dance but we have recorded it on the camcorder and for those wishing to witness this beautiful moment you will have to buy the dvd that we shall be selling to raise money for our return (hint hint). as a presant and homewarming gift we framed three pictures and a signed t-shirt. i cant describe the emotions that everyone felt but we lost as many tears as we did sweat through the week

not the wrist bands princess is wearing

I never want to leave.

Well guys, Princess' house is finally complete on our part. Today the roof was finished, the outside walls have been bagwashed and the outside rubble of the house has been shifted. I must say, it looks bloody fantastic! Everyone worked so hard today to make every little detail of this home perfection, it was none stop all day for all of us and all this hard work and determination has finally payed off. We built this house for Mama Princess!! Me and Ashley spoke to her today with the help of Pearl (Build leader) and we asked if she liked her new home, she said yes and said that she would move her bed in tonight if she could! It makes me feel so proud to have been given the oppertunity to help give Princess this new and wonderful place to now call her home.
The ending ceremony took place today where we all got to thank the builders and say our goodbyes and give gifts etc. It was the most uplifting experiance EVER. To see the joy in that poor womans face, to see her stand in what will be her living room in a few days time made me proud to be a part of this team. She danced for us to show her appreciation and that was her way of saying thank you for everything that we have done. For a woman with her injuries that woman can move! I have made her a heart shape out of the dagga that was used to make the house and gave it to her at the end and she was so happy it almost made her cry. I hope she remembers us because I know we will remember her, in our hearts forever, most amazing experiance! I am so sad to leave her and hope to come back because I will miss her, I will miss them all greatly and will think of what we have done, what we have accomplished and how we have helped that woman, this has changed my opinions, emotions and outlook compleatly. I am proud to be where I am. Thank you for this oppertunity.

we finished it!!!!

After 5 days we finally did it... it felt so amazing.... the look on princesses face when we gave her the pictures and  t-shirt was amazing think we all cried but it was amazing knowing that we finished that house she really deserves it i hope she has so much happiness in that house......

We did it!!

After years of planning, it took just 5 days (albeit blood, sweat and tears) to complete this wonderful home for Princess.
Every member of the team pull out all the stops to ensure completion today - this even included donning the waterproofs and working through torential thunders storms.
Dagga Dan Harrison continued to mix Dagga right to the end, Monkey Anthony swinging from the scaffolding (safely of course) El Roofio Emma could been seen all morning adding the final touches to the roof (of course) Juicer Tash and Mama Bear Alex mixed the bagwash with such dedication it stuck perfectly to the walls, Panda Josh rubbed each and every brick down ensuring the smoothest of surfaces ready for the bagwash, 'Betty' has not stopped moving scaffolding, tiles and blocks, Brickie has moved more blocks from one end of the site that he could have built a house on the side! - Duke Ashley has been the pied piper - everywhere you looked children would follow her to safety away from the site, Pointer Nat has done exactly that - pointed every brick on the building with utmost care and attention. Bagger West - has mastered bagwash - to the point where Amon has offered him full time employment - sorry Corp Oaks - you could be losing a member of staff. Shaun - no nickname for some reason - but has been great at making tea (when you can find him)..Seriously, without Shaun - we would only be halfway im sure - his abilities are truly amazing and his ability to work from the first second to the last in every square inch of the site has been an assest. Sorry - just remembered Shauns nickname - Budgie Smugglers - Sure the design department will ask.
To all the build for betterlives steering group, to all the fundraisers, to all those that donated....We did it.
9 Service Users from Young Persons Projects will be returning as 9 truly amazing people with a foundation for nothing but success.

BREAKING NEWS - SAM SACKED

Well - I have been sacked by the group - as you will see, they have already found a more mature and qualified replacement.