The Fabrication Begins

It should come as no surprise that "time" and "schedule" have different meanings in this part of the world. After breakfast at 7:00, we had the opportunity to catch up on reading, meditating and visiting while various transportation arrangements were made and the morning schedule was adjusted. There were two airport runs for some who were returning home plus a trip to the Wesleyan wharf so two missionaries could return from their respite state-side. The adventure of shopping for lumber began at 9:25. The four of us piled into the Canter, a large truck with a covered 14' bed and headed off to the store. By 10:00 we had negotiated the 4-lane traffic on 2-lane roads through town, the potholes optimally placed for our vehicle, motorbikes and pedestrians and arrived at the lumber yard. As the lumber was being loaded, we wondered if the tires and springs would get us back to the guest house --- they did.

A few hours were spent fine tuning the design of the 8'x8' panels including some consultation with Judain. Actual cutting of wood began shortly after 2 pm. By supper time we had 6 panels assembled and ready for plywood. The guys insisted on working after supper so by 7:45 we had completed the framing for 8 of the 10 panels.

We enjoyed some time visiting with Carl and Maya and sharing some thoughts of the day and the trip so far. By now we are not surprised by the seemingly moment-to-moment adjustment in plans. My reason for sharing some of them is not at all a complaint but an attempt to provide a little glimpse into our reality here. It is certainly rewarding to know that our labors, and even just our interaction, are an encouraging support to the folks here.