Today
We are guests again. I enjoy our visits with our friends in Tete, but it is time to have a home. We have looked at some really BAD houses... impractical, small, junky, new, buggy, hot... this house-hunting is just what we thought it would be... and more! I'm glad we had an extra month to find a house!
Because of an incredible amount of economic development in this off-the-beaten-track part of the world, there is a housing crisis in Tete! There are several mining companies coming to town... just outside Tete, there seems to be a large quantity of world-class coal. So, these companies are snapping up all available houses for prices that would have seemed rediculous 2 years ago- $1,000/month for places that aren't very nice OR very big. So, those of us who refuse to pay such prices are left scratching around for whatever is left over. I have heard that these companies knock on doors, offer $1000/month for people to move out of their family homes.
Now imagine, a school-teacher who normally makes just over $200/month and supports his family and even a whole batch of relatives suddenly being offered that much to move out. He agrees, moves his kids to relatives houses, lives in a small guest flat, and gets land where he can build a new house for himself while renting out his residence. It is happening all over town. So the housing crisis is spawning a building boom for better or worse.
We are also wanting to build, but we have to live somewhere in the process. We have a rocky hill without water or electricity, yet. So, we will start hauling bricks up there when we are able to supervise progress. January. Just waiting for January.
We do have an option. We can live in a small house that is OK, but not so very nice. It is really cheap and safe and temporary. So, we are thankful for this provision for our needs. It will make us happy to unpack somewhere for a longer period of time.
Thanks for your continued prayers! Merry Christmas! Bake some cookies!
Because of an incredible amount of economic development in this off-the-beaten-track part of the world, there is a housing crisis in Tete! There are several mining companies coming to town... just outside Tete, there seems to be a large quantity of world-class coal. So, these companies are snapping up all available houses for prices that would have seemed rediculous 2 years ago- $1,000/month for places that aren't very nice OR very big. So, those of us who refuse to pay such prices are left scratching around for whatever is left over. I have heard that these companies knock on doors, offer $1000/month for people to move out of their family homes.
Now imagine, a school-teacher who normally makes just over $200/month and supports his family and even a whole batch of relatives suddenly being offered that much to move out. He agrees, moves his kids to relatives houses, lives in a small guest flat, and gets land where he can build a new house for himself while renting out his residence. It is happening all over town. So the housing crisis is spawning a building boom for better or worse.
We are also wanting to build, but we have to live somewhere in the process. We have a rocky hill without water or electricity, yet. So, we will start hauling bricks up there when we are able to supervise progress. January. Just waiting for January.
We do have an option. We can live in a small house that is OK, but not so very nice. It is really cheap and safe and temporary. So, we are thankful for this provision for our needs. It will make us happy to unpack somewhere for a longer period of time.
Thanks for your continued prayers! Merry Christmas! Bake some cookies!
We're praying that you guys can find a more long term place. I know you are sick of transition and suitcases. I would love to read a post about your families' Christmas traditions if you have a chance. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWe baked Danish Wafers and Monster cookies and made cherry flips yesterday (Mon.).
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are able to make something. Will you stay in Tete for Christmas or are you going back to the other house 4 hours away. I am having a hard time following where you stay and with whom.?
May you have a very merry Christmas. Our love to Katie, Jakob and Johnny.
Love, Pam for Joel, Elaina, Lauren and Jessie.