An update from Viv.

Our team of Ted, Warwick, Pauline and myself Vivian, were fortunate enough to have been allotted a house build on the edge of the communal village fields on offsite side of the village to the other two groups. Around us are scattered trees, a few houses, goats, cattle and an expansive view across the valley floor.

It's been hot, humid at times, dry at others, and our bosses are many and various. From the lady of the house to be to the uncle and other elders. To the younger women and men who have their skills on different areas.

Piles of mud bricks were moved, chain gang style with two to six in the line, then thrown to the upper floor layer and redistributed for use there. Clay mixed with water and stomped to make cement. Buckets full of clay cement were relayed up to the floor we were working on. Corners carefully built up by the two experts using the most even bricks, plumb lines and a straight edge.

Generous amounts of clay cement were used to spread over the previous layers. Bricks were carefully laid in patterns over each. You had to choose your bricks carefully, to ensure they fitted properly.

Some highlights included:
Always there was the constant chatter of the Nepali people, the family the house was being built for, their friends and extended family. Young ladies are carrying twice the load of Warwick. The smiling faces, the figure 8 head wobble which means yes or ok. A snake hiding in the brick pile. The first upstairs window put in. The plastic covers over the bricks in the rain. The hard working house owner.