Rashidi Kikopa was a guy who caused me to break my solemn
promise not to build any more houses for the poor. If you ever get the feeling
that life has treated you unfairly just picture Rashidi who lives in Mkuza
outside of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He has elephantiasis (a form of leprosy) in
both legs. He is in his 20s although he looks about 50. Both legs are grossly
swollen and covered with large blisters that stink something terrible.

    Rashidi’s brother-in-law kicked him out of their house so
we are helping him to build his own. Right now his new home of posts, lath
plastered with cement and topped-off by galvanized sheets is two-thirds Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania finished. He is already living in the house so that no one
steals the roofing sheets or doors.

    There is no medical treatment for Rashidi. Once he asked
for an operation but I had to tell him there was no hope. He smiled and left.
Come to think of it, he’s usually smiling when I see him.