When the sun gets too hot….find a job in the shade!  There really is something for everyone on a trip with Volunteer Building Cambodia.  No matter your age or physical ability, YOU can contribute.  JJoy Volunteer Marion works with neighbors and family members to sand shutters for the new home. They accomplished a lot but laughed together even …

In addition to a house, this team also built a sanitary latrine. This greatly improves family’s lives by reducing illness and increasing personal dignity.  The latrine is detached but very close to the house.  Here, JJoy Volunteer Jenny constructs the walls with compressed earth blocks, rebar and mortar.  

A volunteer trip with JJoy to Volunteer Building Cambodia isn’t all about building a house - getting to know the community is also an important part of the experience.  In usual fashion, JJoy Volunteer Team Leader Tricia spends time with the women while the rest of the team does the hard work. 😉  These women are neighbors, …

That siding that Marion painted?  Well it’s time to put it in place!  JJoy Volunteers Dennis and Jenny work with VBC Construction Supervisor Bunthorn to install siding on the new home.  

After raising the walls, the house takes shape quickly. The metal stilt house has a secure wooden floor.  Slight gaps allow for air flow to keep the house cool. Here, JJoy Volunteer Kyle secures the floor boards.  

On Day 2 we raise the walls!  The frame is cut and welded in the Volunteer Building Cambodia construction warehouse and then the pieces are transported to the site, where they are bolted together by volunteers and local staff.  When everything is secure, the team maneuvers the frames into place.  It goes up quickly and is such an …

Following the site blessing ceremony, this incredible family took it to the next level. They planted a banana tree close to the location of their new home, and nourished it with water that had been blessed by the holy man with the house. For them, the tree symbolizes health and prosperity and they are excited …

During the week of building, the family conducts several special blessing ceremonies. Before the walls of the home go up, a holy man visits each site. He asks Mother Earth for permission for the family to utilize this land, prays for the safety and health of all of the workers, and gives offerings which symbolize …

The JJoy team was all smiles after a productive (and hot!) first day. Over time, Volunteer Building Cambodia has honed their process in order to build houses very efficiently. Our team will complete two homes in just 4 days. It's so exciting to know that the families will be sleeping safe and sound at the …