Zebra at sunset
Can't remember if I posted this picture or not. But it is a good one so I guess it's OK to repeat!
Are you wondering about the title of this bog? That is a quote from Jim yesterday. He came in after talking with the contractor and was very frustrated. He has hit the nail on the head for at least 3 issues this week and has had solutions, but follow through was not good and the anticipated problems happened anyway! It is a constant struggle for us. Seeing things the way they should happen and trying to communicate the issues and making things fall into place. All we can say is "This is Africa." And we need to adjust our expectations and attitudes to it. And that is not a bad thing, it is just different. God has put us on a learning curve and even after 2 years we are still climbing!
Fuel Tank:
So, we had a lot of rain this past week and guess what? The fuel tank did not like being a submarine! We got to deal with some buoyancy issues with our 30,000 liter tank breaking its hold downs and bursting to the surface like a submarine doing an emergency blow. It came up and promptly turned over because of the extra weight of the man hole on the top.
The tank turned over
So, we found the culprits (turnbuckles) and have tried to fix the problem. Who knew that being a submariner would help in projects around a hospital in the middle of Kenya!
BKKH Wing:
The building continues to have problems. They are trying to keep up with material supplies and manpower but seem to be struggling. We lost our Foreman (who was very good) this week and we get a replacement on Monday (a lady - Yea!).
retaining wall
The rains continue to delay things also. But they are much needed by everyone - Oh timing is everything!
This coming Tuesday the country is having a national holiday for the swearing in of Uhuru Kenyatta. He is the newly elected president. Many people here are excited about him (he is Kikuyu). But, he has also been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes from the last election. It could be trouble down the line, but for now all is well.
ENT Building:
They are making great progress on the building. The stones for the basement area are being laid now. We have somewhat of a timeline and a budget, but will refine those soon and hopefully we will stay on target for both of those items!
Dental building on the right, ENT basement in the middle and the blue fence around BKKH
TB Clinic:
The contractor came this week to look at the site and lay out the building. We have quite a few trees up there and since the building is a "U" shape with 3 segments, we are going to break them up into individual pieces so that we should only have to remove 1 tree (Russ - this is in the area where the OPD was going to be next to Palliative). He is coming to start the layout on Monday and hopefully in 2 months we will have a tin building to house the TB and HIV clinics.
The kids are doing well this break. Sallie and her friend Megan have been hiking and playing till the sun goes down! They also went up to RVA for a quilting class that one of the seniors was giving. They each made their own quilt. She had a blast and it kept her busy.
They also made donuts one day with Rose. They turned out OK and looked great!
We had Dessert Night at our house this past week. It is our weekly get together with the short term missionaries so that we (long termers) can get to meet them and chat a bit. It is always a crazy night. The kids love it and have had such big crowds that they go outside and play in the dark. Last week with the rains, they got a bit dirty!
before
after!
We are heading out to Naivasha this coming week for a few days of well deserved (I hope) rest. We have a cabin in the woods booked and can't wait to go. I found this picture on FB this week from a lady who lives there. She took it 40 feet from her porch which is only about 500 ft from the cabin we will be in! It is exciting to see that the leopards are still in this area, but I don't think we will take any nighttime walks!
One more item. Do you remember the project we did last year for Into Abbas Arms? It was a kitchen building. They are currently having trouble with the leadership at the orphanage and need prayer. They are searching for someone to run the place while the current leader takes some time off. This is an urgent need for them.
Please pray for us for:
1. That we would have patience and continue to grow in grace about getting things done here.
2. The BK wing would gather momentum in the areas of supplies, manpower and team work between the contractor, Architect and BK.
3. Pray that the country will remain peaceful during the presidential transition.
4. The TB clinic and ENT building will proceed well.
5. Pray for Into Abbas Arms Orphanage, that they will find someone to run the facility soon.
Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers. We are always encouraged by notes from home and blessed by your prayers!
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
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