Other build memories ...

* Corn being harvested and the stooks set up beside the build site


* John being shown home plans by an excited Judit

* Pisti taking his family to see the finished slab of their future home

* Rescuing a hedgehog that had fallen into a hole


* Regular visits by a very friendly, shaggy dog who had five of the most gorgeous pups

* Rane (from Portland, Oregan but currently living in Munich) buying doggy treats for the above to enjoy while we consumed the goulash

* Linda listening attentively while one of Attila and Marija’s children spoke so earnestly to her - a lengthy conversation with no common language

* Then seeing her tying his shoe lace


* One little boy at ease calling John, ‘Janoš’ - John had introduced himself by the Hungarian version of his name - pronounced ‘Yahnosh’

* Colourful blossoms of plants in pots by the paths of the unfinished homes

* Family names on front doors

* Various shapes, sizes and styles of vehicles coming to the site including bicycles, horses and carts, innovative trailers, trucks and cars


* The size of some of the nails


* Happy conversations walking to and from the site (about 2 klms from where we were staying)

* Excitement at seeing the concrete poured (how many of us would have had any interest or knowledge a month beforehand?)

* Chatting and laughing while working and at breaks


* Hearing Attila and Marija’s heartfelt thanks, not only for our contribution but thanking God for the opportunity of owning their home and the impact that will have on their children’s future

* Karen (from Yellowknife, Canada) being told the best way to check for the correct consistency of the mortar is to taste it


* Walking away from the build for the final time


* Paul (from Phoenix, Arizona) performing wonderful antics for Judit’s daughter’s delight - no language necessary


* And listening to his great accent (he grew up in the Bronx, New York) as he told the funniest anecdotes


* Rane’s photography and her idea of a “Women of Habitat” calendar - later extended to include the men

* The homeowners’ children having a ball - what a wonderful community


* Sharing and generosity among the team

*Plans for Portugal 2010