A few weeks have passed since we wrote concerning the progress of the work on the hall site here in El Vigia. The last couple of Saturdays a few of the local brethren have been levelling the dirt with pick and shovel but, after 2-1/2 days of hard work, we decided to look for a neighbour who drove a backhoe. Within an hour he had the rest of the dirt levelled, although there is still the handwork to be done. We organized a working bee, when a group of brethren and sisters came from Merida to help.
Serving lunch arroz con pollo (rice with chicken)
Backhoe leveling the site for new hall.
Happy group of helpers.
We were able to dig the holes and cement in the steel rods for the columns along one side and also the back fence. Three tree stumps had to be removed first, so it was good to have plenty of helping hands. They were also able to find the water and sewerage pipes which had been damaged and buried under the fill. Sisters helped with the preparation of breakfast and lunch while others provided cold lemon drinks and water as they worked.
We have seen the Lord's hand in the purchasing of materials, which are scarce. There is no 3/8 rod for the columns so we had to resort to trusses. To buy cement you have to be at the hardware store well before it opens, to be able to get a number. I arrived at 6:45 a.m. to be number 62, and they limited us to five bags each but they sold me ten. The owner is related to a brother in San Cristobal. She told me to come back in the late afternoon and sold me another twenty bags to be picked up the next day. We are very grateful for the Lord's provision of sufficient funds to go ahead and commence the construction.
I have begun buying steel and other materials, as it becomes even scarcer near Christmas and every time you go in to ask the price, it has gone up again. Remember in prayer our desire to have some Gospel meetings with the help of Felix and another brother from Merida. We have five weeks before we leave for Australia for a short visit, for the birth of our first two grandchildren, so value your prayers for the guidance and blessing of the Lord in every detail.
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