Project 2013

Retrospect of Gert-Jan Zijlstra and Nico Lenes
The leave was taken, atv days saved up, the working holiday in Zambia could begin. The great thing this time was that we, the two builders, come from the same village, unique right? Gert-Jan often visits us and one thing leads to another. It started to bubble and itch more and more and take shape with both of us. At work and at home, the light was once again turned green. It was Gert-Jan’s first time and my second time and of course Bas and Herman also came along. The four of us went to Kaoma for 6 weeks, what an adventure and experience. It was as if I’d never left. What a welcome from our co-builders and the board there, wonderful. Father John picked us up from the airport. That hurts you. And what courage and perseverance of the board here and there in Africa. Everything that has not already been realized and built, in a word TOP. The Bouma family, Father John and all the volunteersbehind the scenes. The people who pack the clothes in the sea container, what a time and work it takes AMAZING. Yes 6 weeks exchanging Haskerhorne for Zambia was again a wonderful experience. Also with the co-builders. We were a team, now and then speak Frisian, so that they now know a few words of Frysk “Goeie” and “Oant moarn”. The target on our part has been achieved, the African construction crew can finish it themselves. With many impressions and a good feeling we went home, where the welcome committee was ready at Schiphol.

6 weeks flew by
6 weeks working for your fellow man
build together for each other
thanks co-builders
thank you Bouma family

Retrospect Bas van Elswijk
Now, completely adjusted again, after a week of living here and that goes very quickly. There in Kaoma it took some getting used to as everything is much quieter. The boys there don’t look days ahead, and what we worry about! But if we couldn’t go any further, it was soon said: this is Zambia, it will be fine. And it turned out well, because when we left the building there was a school with 3 classrooms. Not completely finished in 6 weeks, but at height and ready to put the roof on. It’s been a great experience working with the guys there. It was my second time going and it was another great time. Recommend it to everyone to do it. It is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. To all co-builders there and here: I enjoyed it again: a great time that 6 weeks together!

Retrospect Herman Bouma
In order to be able to execute a project properly, the mutual relationship between the four Dutch builders is essential. As hoped and expected, it was again very good this year, there was a lot of laughter. The cooperation on construction between the Zambian and Dutch builders was also great. Foreman Eddy dared to give work assignments to Bas, Nico and Gert-Jan. In this way, another great performance could be delivered in six weeks. As in previous years, I have again met, photographed and filmed a lot. Together with BmB board members I started looking for projects for the future. Had to go to Lusaka for building materials. I tried as much as possible to get the clothes and blankets and other relief supplies in the right place. The entire team worked very hard for six weeks. And the reward? Happy, grateful people, radiant eyes, wonderful. A better reward is unthinkable. Every year, after six weeks, I return home with a smile on my face, but at the same time the nostalgia for Zambia rears its head again.