Cow-poo, Electrocutions and Birthdays!

Our second day of work started out much the same as the first, with two exceptions: Andrew was sadly absent due to an early appointment in Kampala; and it was the very special occasion of John’s birthday! A birthday card as a placemat was the beginning of much cheer for “Old” John (as opposed to “Young” John or “Tall” John!).  We enjoyed rolexes, chapattis, and rolls with Nutella. After three days, the jar is already half-empty!

Andrew spent the first part of the day in Kampala, meeting with government officials to try to release our container full of supplies without paying the enormous tax. Unfortunately he was unsuccessful. This is a definite prayer point for those praying at home – pray that a way will be made to get the container without paying enormous fees.

Closed mouth only work!!

For those remaining at the village, the same tasks were on the agenda today: rendering, digging and painting. We are becoming quite the experts in our various tasks! The trenches were completed and pipes are soon to be purchased. The doors and windows of the farmer’s house, along with the steel frames of the water tanks were all painted. The interior of the farmer’s house was rendered, along with some repairs to the other houses. The renderers are becoming very skilled in their job, learning all sorts of special techniques. The first skill we all mastered was that of keeping our mouths closed… otherwise we would learn of the gourmet taste of cow-poo, mud and tar. Yummy!

Ladder makes the job easier

Meanwhile, back at Suubi House, the painting of the deck railings was interrupted by a scary event… Jaz accidently stood on a temporary live wire and was given an electric shock. We are very grateful for all your prayers of protection, for Jaz is completely okay and back to her normal self.

We all enjoyed the company of the children again this afternoon. Although we are definitely more productive in the mornings, when most children are at school, it is a joy to spend time playing with the kids. Sam in particular spent time teaching the kids (and adults!) how to kick a Sherrin. Important skill to know.

Candles all out... time to eat

Dinner was eaten in a festive atmosphere with balloons and streamers festooning the walls. John’s birthday cake was a tall tower of cinnamon buns, and with Jaz’s help he managed to blow out the abundance of candles! Tomorrow will be a day of finishing off the various rendering and painting jobs, and we hope to complete the farmer’s house ready for Michael and his family to move in. We’re looking forward to it and we’re having a great time!