Day 5: Cemented Together

After dinner last night, the owner of our hotel surprised us with a cake his wife had made that read “CEMENTED TOGETHER.” It was the team name we had decided on earlier that day — a fitting tribute to both the cement we’ve mixed and poured, and the bond we’ve built throughout the week. The gesture was incredibly thoughtful and another reminder of how welcoming and kind everyone here has been.

This morning, we gathered for breakfast and then set out for the build site one final time. The ride was filled with quiet reflection and a mix of emotions — pride, gratitude, and the bittersweet awareness that our week of building was coming to an end.

Once we arrived, we began working on the foundation of the latrine. A few team members carefully lowered three large culverts into a hole about fifteen feet deep — the space that will serve as the toilet pit. The shower will be located inside the same structure, giving the family a private and sanitary space with running water for the first time in their lives.

Next came a familiar task: mixing cement. We filled thirteen wheelbarrows of sand and eighteen wheelbarrows of rocks before adding the cement mixture and blending it all together. Then came the water — bucket after bucket — until we had the perfect consistency for concrete. Once mixed, we hauled and lifted countless buckets up to the construction crew on the scaffolding, who poured the concrete into the roof supports we assembled yesterday. It was demanding work, but everyone stayed focused and steady, moving together as a team.

And then came one of the most emotional moments of the entire week: our goodbye ceremony. The celebration began with music and dancing from the women, their voices carrying across the site. One by one, they came to each of us and wrapped us in lesos — beautifully patterned fabrics that hold deep cultural meaning in Kenya. Often used in weddings or gifted to new mothers, lesos are symbols of love, respect, and connection. They can be worn as wraps, aprons, or even used to decorate a home — but above all, they represent care and belonging. After we received them, the women danced with us, their joy and warmth surrounding every member of our team.

We then listened to heartfelt speeches from the Habitat staff, from Regina, and finally, from me. By the time I stood to speak, few had dry eyes, which made it especially difficult to find my words. But, I expressed our team’s heartfelt appreciation for how warmly we had been welcomed — through songs, laughter, and shared work. I thanked them for allowing us to be part of something larger than ourselves. Their strength, resilience, and joy will stay with us always.

We closed the day with one last lunch together and lingering goodbyes. It’s hard to describe the emotions that come with leaving — pride in what we accomplished, sorrow that our time together has ended, and deep gratitude for the connections we’ve made.

This week has changed us. We came to build a home, but we’re leaving with so much more — a shared experience, lasting friendships, and a bond that will always keep us cemented together.