Peace House and Project 640

Project 640 is a group of amazing people from Chicago who are supporting Peace House Foundation. Through their efforts they have raised a tremendous amount of money for our cause and created so much energy and enthusiasm wherever they go! Where they went was Tanzania this past week to work at the PHA site. We visited them on their last day before leaving on safari and a well-earned vacation. I think they truly experienced TANZANIA...the wonderful resourceful people, the need, the heat, the wind, the beauty...the dust tornado that knocked down the tent while they were under it...I'm not sure how to express my appreciation and admiration for what they've done...but for those who were here for the first time, we truly understand how they've been changed by their experience. You can read their blog entries from this week at http://web.mac.com/rjz48/iWeb/640Journal/Welcome.html This is the banda(what we would call a gazebo) that the group worked on. Do you see any sizable trees anywhere? No? That's why we need the banda. It is located where the guest housing will be, but we're thinking that a few more of these might not be a bad idea until we can grow some shade!
Yes, we know it's hot and humid in Minnesota, but the heat and wind here at the equator is really punishing. So, the group also worked on these fabulous mosaics when taking a break from hard labor. I escaped without actual pics of their finished products but they are really wonderful. They'll be displayed at the school when it is compeleted and will be a special reminder of their efforts here.

Trees need rain to grow...rain is terribly unpredictable here...so in addition to planting trees, the group also worked on a nursery where we can raise trees until the timing is right to plant them. There are trees here that grow 9 feet a year! So at least we're not waiting for an elm or maple, but it will be nice to give them a head start while we're waiting for optimal weather.

Thank you Project 640--you guys were and are terrific!