Hiya,
It’s been a whole month, so I thought I’d better let you know the progress so far…… Or lack thereof!!
Vehicles…..
Franks dead in the water at the moment! His clutch was getting progressively worse, and then the starter motor gave up too. I managed to get the contacts in the solenoid replaced, but had to strip the inlet manifold off the car to enable access. Which included taking off several of the fuel hoses. Starter rebuilt, I re assembled the engine. But alas he just won’t fire up. I’m hoping the repaired fuel pump is the fault, as I have a new one coming out tomorrow. Also a Haynes Manual for him. But I’m getting a bit desperate to be totally honest!
Polka….. I took her out for the first time yesterday, and I would love to report that she performed faultlessly…… However, the dreaded EDC light showed up (see earlier blogs for more info) but, it disappeared again and I hope it was just a glitch. Other that that, she performed really well. Our driver Sulay, didn’t fair so well!! The site we were working on is right by the coast, so the road is made of sand….. He got a bit close to the edge of it and it collapsed! One wheel in the ditch!! It took an hour of digging and heaving. Several attempts by the workforce, one by the “Oputo” (white man) which failed miserably. It was solved by brute strength in the end and a chant/song “so lay Sally” …… Or that’s what it sounded like! At the end of the chant, the entire workforce lifted the rear of the truck and a plank of wood was placed user her tyres. Amazing! Only a slightly crooked mudflap that shows she was ever in trouble!
Paperwork for both….. Should be sorted, and is….. Sort of! Polkas on a temporary license, and Frank is still waiting to be transferred. It’s all in hand, but not quite there yet!
Housing,
I’m off to sign the contract today, and will hopefully be in for the weekend. I’ll write a new blog and put pictures on it this weekend with luck. I then have to furnish it and get a generator as power here is generally just over night and nothing all day.
Slango registration
90% of the paperwork is done, just getting the two letters of attestation from the Works, Infrastructure and Housing ministry and the Social and Welfare ministry to obtain. On that next week.
Ministry of Finance Registration
To be honest, I have the paperwork to do this, but I need the Slango registration to be 100% complete to register, so it’s been on hold until I get that done. However, once it’s done, that is my top priority. (Or is it getting Frank running?!) Ok, second from top priority!!! This registration is important as until then we can’t get out NGO duty free status.
The rest of the “politics” are yet to be determined! With Nigel here, maybe we can decide on a strategy and move towards it. There are some people who believe we have to take calculated risks in regards to “getting” land to build on, I am less confident on this being the correct route. It’s far too complex an issue to put on here in one blog….. You’ll all be snoring if I did. But, rest assured, I’m on it….. We will nail down a plan and I will execute it!!
Me
I’m fine, 100% to be honest. And it felt great yesterday to do some physical work! The villages were gobsmacked to see an “Opotu” doing physical stuff….. Hopefully it will go in my favour in future.
I think I have bored you all long enough!
Oh, something to pray for….. My host are Abs and Mary Beth….. Mary Beth has been unwell for a few weeks now, and the baby Isaac also has a respiratory infection, so prayer of healing would be much appreciated.
God bless.
Ian
I’m just starting to read your blog Ian and I think that you are a great blogger!
I didn’t know that you are a van mechanic for knackered vehicles. You’d do well with my brother who did the Paris to Dohar (or somewhere down West coast Africa ) race, where all kinds of bits were needed to hold their Peugeot together.
You amaze me and I look forward to future blogs. There seems to be definite progress, slow but sure, and I just hope that the authorities are not messing you about when your intentions are wholly for the good of the people.
God bless you and all your friends and helpers. Stay healthy and stick to the basic rules of avoiding Ebola. That’s the nurse in me, can’t stop belly aching!
Love to you.
Mary Ann
Hi Ian, keep smiling mate. All the little problems are just a test and knowing you will make you stronger and more determined. The pool team sends it regards and best wishes. Keep the Faith m8. Chris
It was always going to be a long slog to get the paperwork sorted, but it sounds like you are heading in the right direction. It’s also giving you time to look and listen before starting to build, which, though frustrating, will bring rewards in the future. We’re sitting stationary on a French motorway waiting for the snow plough to come through. Heavy snowfall still coming down and 2 hours and counting. All part of the adventure!