45 % done and counting - July 25, 2011

Hello friends! Tomorrow the site will be active again and the goal is to finish the main part of the floor by Friday. It is likely that the corner office space and the platform and baptismal area will not be completed by then but at least the main floor area will be available during General Conference for the BIC Church next week. The photos show the newly poured concrete being covered with sand which is watered down regularly to help with the curing process. One challenge we have had this past week is that we ran out of cement and when Mofart Louis (our project manager) went to purchase more - guess what? All sold out! No cement to be found in the Blantyre region - and then Lafarge one of the world's largest cement making companies says they will not have any for sale until sometime in August. So now you can guess what I am going to say, can't you? Exactly - the price just went up for any remaining cement. Mofart found some (made in Pakistan of all places) but at a premium price. Our last shipment was bought at MK 2900 per bag - now it is MK 3500 - the equivalent of $22.87 USD. But we have little choice and are now buying at the new price. With the current fuel and foreign exchange shortages in Malawi - most things are going up in price. The photo above shows Mofart Louis and, if I may add, please be in prayer for his young 9 month old son, Yankho. We are seeking medical attention to further diagnose his condition. He has limited motor skills and movement. Please keep us in mind here when you are praying and if you would like to contribute please see the link on the right hand column of the blog site. Thanks so much - feel free to be in touch if you have specific questions about the project at bjbell07@mac.com.

Concrete slab underway

Monday July 11, 2011 the new mixer was fired up and the first batch of concrete came spilling out. We are very thankful and glad for the new unit which seems to be working quite well. Throughout this week many volunteers have come along to help. Most of the materials are in hand to be used to finish the slab floor. Unfortunately the prices have been going up here in Malawi due to the for-ex and fuel shortages. Cement which used to be under MK 2500 is now selling at MK 2900. Supplies are even getting low. Wire mesh went up and is in short supply. Thankfully we have much of what is needed to get the floor done. Mofart Louis is coordinating the project and does a fine job. As some of the pictures will show, everything is done by hand pretty much. The goal is to get the floor done in time for General Conference August 5-7. Thanks for your interest and support. More later - we appreciate your prayers as well for those working for safety and strength.