OVENS!

            I’ve finally finished building the last oven in my oven project!  It’s been quite a process, and definitely a lot of work for only five (one of which wasn’t even with the grant money).   I’ve run into plenty of road bumps and it has caused more frustration than I’d care to share.  I have to say though, I’m still glad I decided to apply for grant funds to do this back in February.  I’ve already started getting baked goods made in the ovens (for free), which has been pretty awesome!  I’ve made some pretty nice connections with the community members I’ve built the ovens for, and can now say I’ve completed my first legitimate project as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  Well, I still have to fill out the grant completion report, but still.  I hope that all the women keep up with their ovens and that the baked goods keep coming! 

            Just as a fun side note, the concrete like mixture we use as a mortar is actually made from 2 parts water that has soaked a specific tree bark, and horse manure.  I usually just mix it with my hands, one of the many things I never thought I’d enjoy doing.

Here are a few pictures for those that haven’t seen them on my facebook page.

It's obviously pretty level!

Marisol (a PC Volunteer friend) helped me with 2 of my ovens!

Doña Isabel adding the finishing touches to her oven

Proudly standing in front of my 5th and final oven of this project!