Change A Life International recently hosted a team up from Vidalia, Georgia. The team consisted of Sean, former visitor to Peru, his wife Ashley, and their youth team. They stayed from June 11th to the 18th helping to construct the very first panel home Chincha has ever seen. Along with the Georgians, our two interns: Katie and Chrysa were assisting in Chincha as well.
The panel home we are in the process of constructing is to be Pastor Bauptista's new home. He and his family currently stay under the roof of the church, but in case he ever decides to leave the congregation or is asked to leave, he will have a place for his family.
Construction was smooth and a lot was accomplished in a week. We were able to lay the cement foundation, secure metal groves, and resurrect half of the panel walls. The efficiency of the production encourages us to promote this model to other residents. Many in Chincha are currently living in woven, crushed cane called estra with sheets to divide rooms. This has been their "temporary shelter" since the August 2007 earthquake.The cost to purchase all the materials for the estimated 1200 sq ft panel home is priced under $10,000. We are very happy with this figure and believe this will allow Chincha to get back on its feet at exponential rates if they choose to adopt the design.
Besides building, we spent considerable time with Pastor Correa, Pastor Bauptista, his wife, family, and congregation. They took great care of us during our stay.
Saturday night was youth night, and all the teens from the congregation came out to sing and celebrate Christ and the work being done on Pastor Bauptista's home. The Pastor's son led a youth band throughout worship. They did a terrific job; all within the band played extremely well.
Sunday night we had another time of worship, followed by a sermon spoken by Hernan Isla. This was a very powerful time; even those who could not understand Spanish were touched by the sermon.