Financial Information

Financial Information

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Heat - Stressed But Cheerful

Feb16


Our last entry was the comment about the buying of internet credit. When we get back to Ndjamena we will send you a picture…. The merchant selling us the credit does it all by phone.  However, for us to be able to check it actually would end up into our account which needed Henk setting up the lap top next to the big bag of baguettes “for sale”  on a wiggly table so he could find the confirmation of the transfer. Needless to say… that attracted LOTS of kids and adults staring at us…


Also after Henk’s plan B with Andrea breaking off the tap, the pipe threader that was brought in from Ndjamena was the only solution. Still not easy since one ring of the threader was missing, but with some “huffing and puffing” that pipe was redone, and the tap reattached – voila, running water.


The pipes for the water tower have all been put into place – cutting with the hack saw, threading them – and then finding some elbows to connect the lot! Thank God that this water project is done – except Henk is still contemplating putting a turn off valve in the house somewhere just as a precaution. The tank holds 250 litres and if that would ever gush down, not enough buckets could catch all that. No damage to the concrete floors, but just a big nuisance and loss of precious water.


The ceiling in the one bedroom is progressing nicely too. Hand saw, hammer, nails, and two ladders. One more sheet of x-plex is needed to finish the ceiling. The challenge will be to saw the pieces that go  against the wall since the mud walls are very curvy. There results in a discrepancy of 0 to 3 cms over the whole length of one sheet. The one piece that is needed we will pick up this morning, as soon as we receive a text that David is boarding the flight in Ndjamena and should arrive here about an hour later. David is the translation consultant for the language projects in this region.


We have been “home alone” for these few weeks, but last night our permanent residents, Emma and Liz returned after a road trip of more than 8 hours from Ndjamena. Their  vehicle broke down twice…. Once with a dead battery, and the second time some belt that started fraying and making terrible noises. They continued on and safely arrived – dusty and dirty!! Driving without A/C in 40 C weather is no picinic. They had the A/C repaired in Ndjamena, but shortly after being on the road it quit…


Just wanted to let you know what an exciting morning it was on Wednesday February 15th, at 5:10 a.m. when our care group who had a Valentine potluck called us across the many many miles! Such a blessing to talk to friends . We have been lent a cell phone so we can keep in touch with others around here. Most of it is texting. Anyone else who feels “inclined” to chat, please do so – it doesn’t cost us anything, but does cost the caller. Int. access code plus  the number: 235 93039315 – we carry it everywhere we go.
(Ed. note; please remember the DenOudstens are in a time zone 9 hours ahead of BC.  You can check their time at the upper right.)


Though we are tired and don’t sleep as well as we would like due to the heat, we are healthy. We continue to drink a lot, most of that leaves through our skin. I can’t remember being here in 2010 that it was as hot. I have finally come to the conclusion that being able to enjoy the heat, has its limits!!!!!!!


Blessings – until next time!

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