Thursday (February 02) it was time to get some cement mix going for the
water tank project. Although there is a definite shortage of tools we did find
a wheelbarrow, two non-leaking pails and a functional shovel. The mixing of the
ingredients went well but not sure on the quality of the cement and we only had
enough for the first two feet.
On Friday Henk was
able to mix some more, this time without any gravel, and finished the other two
feet. At this temperature cement dries rather quickly! When we have to work in
the back yard of this house the dog (Striker) has to be tied up; it is a big
nuisance but he is just not to be trusted. Andrea and one or two employees are
tolerated but the rest of us are snack food. That evening all four of us were
invited for a meal and games at the Aviles’. Denise is homeschooling their five
children, while Art is a translation consultant.
All four of us: Andrea is from Indiana and does language
recording. Davis is from Florida learning Arabic and working on his thesis on
one of the languages spoken here and the two of us.
Since we were here
two years ago three families have left the Mongo area for furlough etc. Three
single gials are expected to return or arrive around the 14th…
While waiting for the four brick ‘feet’ to harden Said
(another employee) and I removed a non-functioning swamp cooler from
Andrea’s bedroom window; it should give her more light and more airflow. Davis,
Andrea and Margreet had taken the challenge to walk the kilometer to the market
in 37C weather. Apparently this weekend the town celebrates Mohammed’s birthday
and the market was all but empty.
Although Margreet’s trip was mainly unsuccessful, she did manage to find
some Coke!
Said and Henk severely trimmed a tree: its branches had
grown so much that they held the solar panels in the shade for two extra hours.
Any bit of extra sunlight is appreciated as this array primarily services the
office.
The Sunday (February 05) was a time of rest, games and a walk; started to
watch a Disney movie (The great mouse detective) but decided to go to bed
instead…actually tried to sleep outside, but although it is cooler the sand in
one’s face is a deterrent. This Monday morning it is 33C at 7 o’clock. One
advantage: it is easy to make yogurt, which we have for breakfast.
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