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Built to last: a new home for the Garibas





Issah's smiling family in front of their brand-new house (pictured from back row to front, left to right): Memuna, 14; Issah, 42; Esther, 38; Sampson, 9; Musah, 12; Jacob, 3; and Akua, 6 (not pictured: Osmanu, 16).


Issah Gariba, husband and father of six, couldn't believe his good fortune. His family was going to be reunited under one roof, and that roof was atop a brand-new house.

"This is God's doing," affirms Issah. "He has answered our prayers and wants us to leave this shed [and go] into a proper house. We thank God so much."

A few years ago, a flood swept through the Ghanian countryside, subsiding only after it had destroyed the Garibas' mud hut. Only their corn shed managed to survive the watery onslaught. With no other alternative, this one-room shack became their home for the next year.

Because the space was simply too small, Issah had to find temporary lodging for four of his children, who went to stay with friends in the village. A farmer by trade, Issah stayed on his property so he could continue to provide sustenance for his family.

Unfortunately, heavy rains forced him out from time to time, as the miserable shed afforded little real protection. Along with his wife and two children still living at home, he would find refuge in the village during these storms.

Thankfully, Issah and his family didn't have to suffer this hardship alone.

"Although misfortune came our way, we were fortunate to be among the few families [in my community] who had direct sponsors in the United States," says Issah. Little did Issah imagine the life-changing help that was on the way.

Thanks to generous gifts from the family's sponsor and the sponsor's church, and with the help of local World Vision staff, Issah was able to build a new house to withstand the elements. Gone was the mud and thatch, replaced by sturdy cinder blocks and roofing sheets.

To the Garibas, the new house is a godsend. "This is the favor of God on our family. Two big rooms with an outside corridor, and a kitchen, bath, and toilet rooms," said Issah. "This is a miracle, for we never thought of this kindness coming to [our] family."

With funds left over, the family purchased five goats- each one a living, bleating promise of not only nutritious milk for the family, but also school fees and clothes for the children.

After putting his oldest boys in charge of the animals, Issah watched as his flock multiplied. "Today we are proud owners of 14 goats and [we] hope [they] will double by next year," he says.

The only thing Issah wishes he could do now is to thank his sponsor in person. "If we had the means," he declares, "I would have gone to America to express a very special thanks to them."
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