Another letter from Sachibondu

Hi there

Thought you would like to see how we managed to move the container into it's place.

 

On Sunday 18th we had a huge storm, big hailstones that did so much damage to all our gardens, washed away by the force of water or flattened by the huge stones - even some roofs and windows broken; but left the earth soft; we had been out to visit a village for the Gospel and a clinic, we had to drive through the Fisher's new game park to get there; and gone onto the Lunga - Peter Fisher's new game Park - where Guy - (Andy Fisher's son)- is working supervising and building the new visitor's camp - beautiful spot on the side of the Lunga river - not far from the Sucklings old camp site - and we arranged with him to come in with the big tractor.

On Monday, we hired some men (relatives of patients) to move the fences and the thorns, in front of the children's clinic, erect more poles in front of lab, and then about 20 men all went under and lifted up the roof of the chota and carried it to rest on the temporary poles- it was SO FUNNY WATCHING - all we could see was all these different legs walking under the chota roof! - very heavy.

The men then dug and carried earth from an ant hill across the road, to cover all the paving stones in front to protect them from the wheels; we also sent to the Boma (Mwinilunga town) to borrow a pair of big wheels on an axle from Gordon Mc Killop.  We had already had four big concrete blocks made which had to be pushed / rolled (very heavy) into near position ready for the container to sit on.

WED.  D-DAY- Guy was here by 8.30am with the tractor

 

The container was jacked up and as you will see by the pictures it was pulled and then pushed into place with help of some logs underneath too, with all the earth very little damage was done. Then jacked up and blocks put in place. 

 

The men and others all helped clear all the earth away, re-fix the fences the same day. Next day numerous men all helped carry the chota roof back in place, now we just have to rebuild a bit of the wall.  Next big jobs are buying roofing and fixing in place; windows and door, get electric lights and sockets fitted (I think will get panels made with the MMN boxes to panel the walls and make a false ceiling (to keep it cooler) paint the outside then my office will be ready; I have already bought plenty of planks to get shelving and some furniture made for now, till maybe getting other proper ones.  A filing cabinet has already come on the container.  It is so exciting as so desperately needed to do all the admin work and get it all sorted out- HELP...the Oxygen concentrator continues to be so useful, and life saving, though sadly today (28th) a child arrived too late at 7a.m just died at the door.

 

That's all for now

 

PS the two men who did most of work, have been here for nearly three months; one from Congo ; other from 100km on way to Solwezi; they both brought their wife and children; all badly malnourished and with T.B.  All are now better and about to go home, so we are so happy to be able to bless them with lots of clothes, bedding, and food to go home with.  They have all been such good helpful families; and the children just gorgeous.

 

PPS.  The girl who lost her arm now healed and going home

All for now as babies being born!

Love from us all.

RUTH WALLIS