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Syaraini and baby Noval.
Photo: Ronda Hughes/CWS  Syaraini says she is pleased with her soon-to-be-completed house.
Photo: Ronda Hughes/CWS |
Recovery in Indonesia - Hope for the future
Syaraini, 31, lives in the village of Meue, in the Pidie district of Aceh province, Indonesia, with her three children, Sarah, age 4, Reza, 2, and Noval, 10 months. Yes, she was pregnant with Noval during the tsumani.
When the tsunami hit, everyone in the village ran for the nearby hills, and most survived. All the homes, though, were completely destroyed. Church World Service is working with the village to build new homes in a simple design chosen by the community. The houses are 36 square meters, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and living area.
“My house is nearly finished. The roof goes on soon. For now, we’re living in a tent nearby,” she explains.
When she is asked about her husband, tears fill her eyes. She now works to support herself and the children by growing watermelon and rice. Farming and fishing, she says, are the village’s two mainstays.
Syaraini says everyone’s minds are now “calmer.” The housing reconstruction has been a big help, she explains. “Everyone feels more secure and can now focus on rebuilding their livelihoods.”
Syaraini is very thankful. Her joy and enthusiasm show. “We feel a bit more at ease because as you work, you don’t also have to worry about saving money for a house.” She says of the future, “All I want is for my children to grow up to be useful and resourceful for themselves.”