Archive for June 20th, 2010

20
Jun

Malawi House #2 Complete

   Posted by: Chipman   in Malawi 2010

We finished!!

Some of the guys and I put the final nails in the roof at sunset tonight. So glad we were able to finish. As I did last year, I had all the guys that worked on the roof come and write a blessing on a truss. I think it’s a nice way to leave a personal message for the kids that will live there, even if they never see it.

We managed to hand out several soccer balls to the kids tonight. They were all very excited. We gave a couple to the foster parents of the boys that will live in one of the houses as well. There was only one issue in that one of the local boys took a ball away from a local girl after we left. Albert, the foster dad, had one of his boys take it back and deliver it to the poor girl. I guess she was crying. Seems kids are the same wherever you go.

Church today was super cool. They put us all up front behind the pastor which was a little awkward. He made a big deal about us all visiting and helping the cause. The locals were very receptive and happy to see us. Rhonda preached on surviving difficult times whcich seemed like a fitting message for those people. She also made it a point to talk about Bonnie’s and my marriage and how Malawi had changed me and how we had been married here on Monday. We got a large applause and some cheers. Embarrassing, but nice. I also brought 2 balls to the church for them to give to the kids. The pastor had me do it during service. The smallest child held it over his head and faced the crowd like he had won a major victory. It was awesome. Although, 5 minutes later his mother came and took it because he and his friends wouldn’t stop playing with it. 10 minutes after that you could see it flying through the air across the road. Hilarious!

Tomorrow we go to Zambia for three days for the game park. They didn’t have wifi last year so this may be my last post for a while. Hope all is well in the States.

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20
Jun

Final Work Days

   Posted by: Chipman   in Malawi 2010

It’s been very difficult to write this week. The schedule is non stop so I’ve been about a day behind on posting. It didn’t help that I lost the Internet access code for a couple days. Anyway, let’s see if I can get us caught up with the goings on.

The House:

The closets are almost complete. Tons of painting. The roof only needs 7-8 sheets of tin and the ridge cap for completion. We’re very close and are heading to the jobsite after church to finalize.

The Kids:

We didn’t get to hand out soccer balls yet. We worked til sunset so there wasn’t any time to socialize. We’re taking everything with us today. I told Bright when we’d be there so hopefully he’ll show up too. It should be fun.

Church:

Our pastor is preaching at ICA today which is the host organization for out missionaries. It’s an upscale, middle class church. We are welcome to attend, but we also have the opportunity to go to another rural church in a village like we did last year. I think most are going to the village and Pastor Jim has enthusiastically encouraged it. It will give people a better feel for the locals I think.

The People:

I’ve gotten to spend time with most of the people I made a connection with last year. Ghama, the project manager, has been on site all week and we’ve been cracking jokes like crazy. I love that guy. He’s such a stud and really on top of everything. He told me I had his heart because of how well I was nailing the tin sheets. So funny.

Tenna finally showed up on site as well. I guess he walked off a job at some point an has been in the doghouse. He’s still all smiles.

A couple others from last year have been on site as well. Gonette was on the peak of the roof with us last year for those of you that remember him. He was cracking jokes all day yesterday. I also spent some time with Earnest. He remembers me from last year, although not I of him. He and Gonette were awesome in trying to teach me Chechewe (the language). Very accomodating and I enjoyed speaking with them about their country.

I also have tried talking with Keeson more this year. He’s the job foreman. Nice guy.

Martin is driving the bus again. He’s so cool. Climbed up in the trusses and helped a couple days. Rhonda said he is doing very well for himself and is driving a bus full time and renting a small place to live.

That’s probably enough of an update for now. Bonnie wants you all to know she’s still alive since I’m hogging all the blog information. She’s been working her butt off this week. I have pictures of her using a nail gun, table saw, and circular saw. My wife is a bad ass!!

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