Sunday, April 4, 2010

So Many Intersting Stories

I realize that it has been over two weeks since I updated my blog and that I need to bring everyone up to date on what has been happening. I have been busy with projects and school work. The water well project is over budget and I am trying to find ways to cut cost so we can complete the project. It looks like I have it somewhat under control so I should be able to get it finished. Construction here is real eye opener. There are so many things to consider, plus working for an NGO does not help you get the best pricing. I have really had to work with the contractors to get the pricing in line - not a thing I like to do.

The chicken houses are coming along really well and we will be placing our first group of chicks in early May. Everyone is really pleased with the way this project is turning out and we will soon be able to provide a good source of protein to the children at Sonrise School and Shyira Hospital.

Speaking of Shyira Hospital, I just got back from spending 3 days with the King family at Shyira. Caleb King and his wife, both doctors, are medical missionaries who have been running Shyira Hospital for the past seven years. This is a remote hospital on top of one of the mountains about 15 kilometers from Musanze. The Kings came in and rebuilt this facility after it was nearly destroyed during the genocide in 1994. The hospital is powered by two generators, one of which is broken, and some solar panels which are only partially operational. By the standards we are use to in the United States, you would have to say that the facilities are primitive. A good reliable source of power would be a great help not only to the hospital, but to the schools in the nearby area.  I have added that to the list of new projects I am currently working on. We are wanting to build a hydro electric power plant in the valley near the hospital. What and improvement that would be for the whole area.

While I was at Shyira I met so many interesting people. I apologize for not remembering all the names, but there were just so many that it was hard to keep up with them all. I met a couple from Germany. They are Baptists working as medical missionaries for the Anglican Church in the area of HIV/AIDS and they are in the process of constructing a hospice. Who would have ever thought that I would meet German Baptist missionaries sent to work in Africa by the Anglican Church? I also met three young ladies working in the area, two just out of college from the US and one just out of high school from Germany. One girl from the US was working at the hospital and the other two were working at the primary school near by. It is great to see how God brings all these diverse people together to work in hospitals and schools that most people didn't know existed.

For those that are interested in Google Earth, Shyira Hospital is located at 1° 40' 56" S and 29° 37' 44.3" E.

Isaiah 58:12 - Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.