Building a Home

It is not often that one is given the opportunity to thank a friend for intangible kindness with something tangible in kind.  But, along with delicious curry, India dished up this chance.

Ammamma and her nephew, Abishek, 2011

Ammini Phillip, or “Ammamma,” is the headmistress of the women’s dormitory where I lived while volunteering in Mavelikara, Kerala from 2006-07.  We stayed up late playing ludo, we told each other about our families and she took care of me when I was sick.  We became great friends.

A former volunteer visited Mavelikara in February 2011 and told me some bad news.

Ammamma’s house collapsed in July 2009.  Her family has been renting a house since then, while saving money for a new home.

“Building a new house costs five lakhs ($11,100),” Ammamma said.  Her family lives in a fishing village in the backwaters of Allapuzha, Kerala.

Ammamma and her family at their rented home in Allapuzha, 2011

“Could you help me find a sponsor in the U.S.?” She asked.

The cycle of poverty has a harsh grip on families like Ammamma’s.  Already poor, a tragedy like this one could leave them in dire despair if, say, her 79-year-old father falls ill and the family earnings are required for health care as well as monthly rent.  Ammamma realizes this danger and is problem-solving her way through a financially tumultuous situation.

When each of the Mavelikara volunteers began our time in India, we asked our friends and family for support.  We come together now, years after our time in India, to ask for your financial support once again.  Our donations won’t solve her problems nor will it prevent them in the future, but it may help her bridge the frightening gap between desperation and survival. 

This is a difficult time to ask for money from friends and family.  Some of you may be struggling to find a job, to pay for student loans or to save to buy your own home or replace your old furnace.

Ammamma at the beach in her town, 2011

Ammamma built a home for the five of us when we lived in India, a pivotal year for each of us in different ways.  Please make a donation to help Ammamma build her family a house.     

Sincerely,

Heather Oleson (2005-06), Cat Rabenstine (2006-07), Katherine Bryant (2007-08) and Ariel Givens (2008-09) 

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