Our food buying team was returning from their first load to Tuane (too-any) Village, 8 miles (13 km) into the bush when a loud POP forced them to stop to see what was wrong. The main spring bar on the right front wheel had SNAPPEDIN 2 PIECES, leaving the truck helpless.
Movement could mean massive damage to the axle and wheel. The driver’s call alerted me to his serious problem, so my “kid helper” days underneath the chassis of my Dad’s 18 wheeler was about to pay off.
Capena and I as well as our head brick layer went out armed with rebar, clamps, chain, and all the support materials we would need. Our head brick layer is an expert at bending rebar, and had the needed tools. With his expertise, this team of men were able to secure that powerful blade in place with rebar and chain so that the truck could be SLOWLY driven back to our base.
That 6 miles took about 90 minutes and each major bump made us hold our breath as I drove at 5 km/h (2.5 mph) in front of them. I was overjoyed when the temporary repair held, and the truck was safely back in its parking place. (Tow trucks do not exist out here.)
A phone call to my expert buyer, who just happened to be in Pemba, and he organized the replacement parts to be sent to the town of Montepuez, 30 miles (60 km) from us. Thanks to our mechanic in Montepuez, who sent out his 2 best assistants, the truck was ready to go by Thursday noon. Getting a major mechanical job done that quickly is nothing short of a miracle in our eyes. Those springs were original parts on our 13 year old 6 ton truck that has done most of its work hauling food on rough dirt roads. That is one tough truck no matter how you look at it.
BETTERLATETHANNEVER
Our Food Team was met with 213 smiling faces as the orphans and widows greeted them as they rolled into Namara Village on Friday. No one complained that they were 3 days late, for they were thrilled to see us bringing their much needed food supplies. The other 3 food give outs were rescheduled for this coming week, and we are very happy that the rains have held off so far. Each morning angry looking storm clouds greet us, but without fail, they were moved out of our area by powerful winds.
THANKYOUJESUS! For It is a relief to all of us to know that we are to continue helping our precious orphans in the villages.
Precious Adelino, 1yr., enjoying time in the sand.
DORMATNEWCHILDREN’S COMPLEXALMOSTCOMPLETED
The 21 meter (68 feet) long dorm and foster mother complex only lacks its final floor and the mounting of the doors and windows. This will be done when the complex is almost completed for we must first build a small kitchen (cooking and dish washing area). Once done, all that’s left is to replace the mud brick walls on the 2 bathrooms and the orphans can move back in.
Digging kitchen foundation
Our team is working at maximum speed 6 days a week to get as much done before the rainy season begins. The rains will slow us down, but not stop us. On days it’s too muddy to work, we will make concrete bricks at our base.
Flexibility is what makes our building team very efficient at what they do.
Final touches on dorm walls
We owe it all to Jesus!
He sent us, trained us, and guides us each day through whatever challenges we may face.