This morning began with a hearty breakfast prepared by the incredible staff at our hotel — a welcome boost of energy before our first day on the build site. Spirits were high as we piled into the van and set off from Nanyuki, heading toward a small community in Laikipia County. The drive was just over an hour, but it was filled with meaningful stops that reminded us of the depth and impact of Habitat's work here in Kenya.
Our first stop was the Habitat office in Nanyuki, where we met several local staff members who would be guiding us throughout the build. It was our first chance to see how many hands — both local and international — are involved in this effort, and it reminded me again that this is so much bigger than just one house.
From there, we visited a Habitat project completed in 2023: a water tank and kiosk that now provides the surrounding community with access to clean water. For just a few shillings — the equivalent of a couple of cents — families can now access safe drinking water from a simple, solar-powered machine. In a region where drought hits hard every few years, this kiosk is more than a convenience — it’s a lifeline.
But nothing could have prepared us for the welcome we received when we finally arrived at the build site. As our van pulled up, we were greeted by the entire community — singing, dancing, clapping, and grabbing our hands to join them. The joy was infectious. We marched together down the road to the concrete slab where Regina’s new home will stand, united by music, rhythm, and something deeper — shared hope. It was one of the most heartwarming moments I’ve ever experienced.
Even though we are building a home for just one family, it was clear that this is a community effort. Their support for one another is extraordinary. The energy never waned throughout the day — music played, people danced and sang, and everyone was involved. Women in skirts and sandals were pushing wheelbarrows like seasoned pros, and the men were right there with us, mixing concrete, hauling rocks, and shoveling all day long. Even the small children were helping — many of them came over by the wiring and helped measure it out, and our team members would cut the wire where they pointed. The teamwork was inspiring, no matter someone’s age.
Our goal today was to lay the foundation. We started by shoveling a massive pile of rocks into wheelbarrows and spreading them across the slab. While part of our team cut wires to secure the rebar, others laid down a plastic covering, then positioned the rebar in a grid pattern to reinforce the concrete. We tied it all together by hand — wire after wire — square after square.
Once that was complete, we began preparing the concrete. We moved rocks, sand, and bags of cement into position, then hauled bucket after bucket of water to the mix.
During our lunch break, we shared a delicious local meal, exchanged laughter, and soaked in more moments of connection. Women and children came up to me throughout the day smiling and asking for photos, and in some cases, mothers would gently place their children on my lap and ask to take a picture of us together. Many were fascinated by my long hair, reaching out to touch it and commenting on how different it was. Later, they became equally fascinated with Daryl when he let his long blond hair fall down from under his hat — some of them asked for photos with him too, smiling and saying he looked like Jesus!
After lunch, we mixed everything together by hand to form the concrete, then shoveled and wheeled it across the house, filling in the foundation layer by layer. Just as we were wrapping up, the skies opened and the rain poured down. We had to stop before the roads became too muddy for the vans, but by then, we had accomplished so much.
It was a long, physical day — and every bit of it was worth it. There’s something incredibly powerful about working side by side with the very people who will benefit from this project. It’s not just about the cement or the rebar. It’s about the effort shared, the smiles exchanged, the way we lifted one another up — quite literally and figuratively — to build something lasting.
I’m ending this day tired but so full. Full of gratitude, full of connection, and full of anticipation for what’s to come tomorrow.
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