Progress.

Well, early last week we were still looking and praying about the big jobs of putting on the roof and plastering around all the rocks to seal the walls.

One day this week a cold wind could be felt in some areas blowing through the rock wall, proving how important a good plaster job will be.

Sifted chalky "sand" for the mortar

We had started on both jobs when the boss who's crew built the walls came to talk to us. After some discussion about work quality, communication, money, and culture  a win-win decision was reached.

Today his crews are continuing to both paster the walls and put on the roof.

A couple of the paster guys live nearby and worked two days last week, then the crew doubled yesterday.

The roof crew started with lats yesterday after removing the two rows that we had put on...putting them back on straighter and the ends cut to join as a strong splice.

Before plaining

Thankful for a new donations and a funds transfer from our general support that will move us forward on the build.

With the roof and plaster jobs taken care of by the professionals, Cory and I advanced to focusing on windows and doors.

The lower windowsills will be made from the mahogany that I saved from being turned into charcoal or rough lumber.

If you wish to read about the rescue: Improved from dreary and Wood, school, shopping... blogs talk about the wood. We knew we could use some short lumber for windows.

The dump truck containing additional supplies was due this morning: more wood, cement, doors, gutters....now we hear it will come tomorrow morning

Interesting interacting with some of the workers, the majority do not attend evangelical churches.

 Last week one of the plaster guys was going on about how great whiskey and hard liquor make him feel, compelling me on behalf of his liver to deliver a gentle warning about the damage that could be caused.

He vehemently denied any risks noting his strength and health.

I used an example that I often share when people do not want to take their blood pressure medications because they do not feel bad... You know how a tree can look strong and healthy but then it suddenly falls over or is blown over by a small wind. Then you notice diseased or rotten inside of the tree.

People can be like that too...appearing healthy until they suddenly get very sick.

Clear varnish, mahogany darkens with age

As I returned to my work I heard his helper comment 'that was a good example'.

Hopefully a few seeds of good health were planted.