A Home for Juan Manuel is approaching the finish line, thanks to so many of you! Your generosity and interest in this project have been heartwarming. Juan Manuel and Don Rodolfo are over the moon. It is a great blessing that work continued throughout the holidays; that our builder, Zata, has shown up to work every day; that we haven’t experienced theft of materials or major overruns; and that so many of you have been so generous with your assistance and support. Having said that, our budget is very, very tight coming into the home stretch.

We have collected 86,905 pesos. Thus far we have paid out 59,587 (23,500 in labor, 36,087 in materials), for a remainder of 27,318. We still owe Zata, per his proposal, 23,100 pesos. We had been paying him 5000 per week, but this past week we only paid him 3500 as work had not been completed as quickly as planned and it worries me that work will not be completed before our budget runs out. I would like to have some money left to reward him with a bonus at the end for all his hard work. However, current accounting shows us with only 4218 for the remaining supplies. Click on any photo to enlarge it or see a slideshow.

The architect’s budget did not include doors, windows, electrical, plumbing, any of the fixtures, waterproofing the roof, paint, etc. Live and learn; he only listed supplies for the basic structure itself. Obviously, my dream of putting in a wheelchair ramp for Juan Manuel’s house and for Don José’s next door will not be happening. We have received a very kind donation of a nice used door which, unfortunately, doesn’t fit either of the openings that have been built. We have just found a man who can adapt it to the rear door frame, however, and we are very grateful for that. Another kind lady has promised the final two windows built to size, and we are very grateful for that. Fingers crossed.

This week’s plan includes to finish smoothing the exterior walls, plaster the interior walls, install the junction box, outlets and switches. Next week should be installation of doors and windows. 

Can You Help?
Door measurements are 96 cm x 295 cm for the front door. Should you have an extra door that meets these size requirements please let us know. A used small ceiling fan would also come in handy, as would one of those small under-counter refrigerators. If you or your friends have money you could spare, it would be wonderful to be able to finish this up by waterproofing the concrete roof. One lady has kindly sewn bed coverings and bought sheets for two mattresses, plus is working to furnish Juan Manuel’s kitchen with used pots, pans, plates and utensils. Please help us get the word out; here is the link to the original post with payment options.

Many thanks and may God and karma shower each of you all with warm, love-filled blessings! As Yolanda reminds me, “have faith; God will provide.” I’m grateful to God, and grateful for each of you as well.