Project Overview and Update:
When we first arrived at Rancho Tezal in late December,
we spoke with the family and it became obvious that it was necessary
to revise the project based on their more immediate needs. Christóbal
and Chrysalia are now living in a small house in nearby Los Barriles
where they work, so they are doing fine. However, it was sad for
us to see that the cob house from the 1st year's project is still
unfinished. With the arrival of baby Javier shortly after the
workshop in '04, Jose Juan and Yadi had extensive medical bills
for his pulmonary problems. The money for the roof went to pay
those expenses. He is doing better now, but Jose Juan and his
family are still in need of a good push to get the house to move-in
condition. Following our personal vow to "let no cob house
go unfinished!" we have decided to shift gears and spend
the month finishing what we began in 2004. During this month we
will be adding an additional room onto their house, building a
fireplace, and plastering where needed. In addition, we will also
build Yadi the little roadside cob restaurant that she has dreamed
of owning!
We have a tremendous tribe of cobbers for this project!
Participants have joined us from Canada, the U.S. and Estonia.
We are also fortunate to have apprentices from Cob Cottage Company,
House Alive! and Cobworks join us as well. They are an energetic,
fun group who have come to Baja ready to work, play and laugh!
As often happens on a cob project, we are already building friendships
as well as a house.
Photos will be posted once or twice a week as we
are able, so check back often to follow our progress!
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