Thursday, January 8, 2009

Beginning a New Year

Gary is in Port looking at generators. The one we have, we bought used and used it yes! It's on it's last leg without being rebuilt (which we can't even begin to put a dollar figure on). Here's the situation. We are without adequate city power and the school has always had to depend on generator power due to infrequent city power. The bottom line is that the generator, in order to keep us going, i.e., the freezer, the refrigerator, copy machines, and lights; is a very valuable and necessary item. But, it's not a cheap item. When we got the used Kabota it was a deal at 1500 USD. We've had it over three years, and with Gary's mechanics, he's fixed and fixed and fixed broken parts. But, in the last several weeks it's been smoking and nothing he does is causing the smoke to stop. So, knowing it's going to break down, he took today to look for a new one. He had to go to Port to pick up Al and Bev Carpenter's luggage that did not arrive when they did and decided today was the day to run all over Port checking prices and deciding on what to purchase.

If I were to describe "run all over Port" you'd get tired before you finished reading. It's an experience like none other. Not only are you fighting traffic, everytime you stop at a light, there is a young boy wanting to dust off your car for money.....of course. Don't try to give them food, it's money they want. As you say "No" they continue dusting and then you are obliged to give them something. The joke is: its against the law to have a dusty car in Haiti. When the light changes you proceed through the crowded streets looking desperately for a business advertising what you are looking for. When you see the ad on the wall of the store, naturally you stop only to find out they have nothing in the store, let alone that which you saw advertised. It takes forever, it takes tenacity and nerves of steel.

So every little while, Gary calls to report where he is, what he's found and what it cost. It looks like we are going to end up getting another Kaboda and they are pricey but reliable. Buying new assures us that the only mechanic who will attempt the work on it will be Gary and that will be our guarantee of a long life for the generator. He found one at 1500 USD but it was Chinese made and not enough amperage. I know nothing of what I'm saying, I only listen to the "boss."

How much money am I talking about ? $5000 plus USD. If anyone would like to help us pay for it, we'd gladly receive your gift! We know God will supply the money because we know that everything we do here is helping other people. While we are going to purchase the new generator (and hopefully he will find one not as expensive as the Kaboda), we see the need for new tires looking at us. If you could see the roads, you'd understand why tires don't last a long time. That's for another day though.

We didn't have school today because there was no gasoline in town (for four days!)and since Gary had to go to Port (our truck and the generator is diesel) we couldn't hire a guy with a truck to take our kids home. And with the generator not operating properly we couldn't get electricity to the school. The electricity the city gives us is so weak, the people cannot operate a television set. Kevin and all the staff depend on us to power their cell phones when they come to work each day.

But we are rejoicing in the Lord as we anticipate this new year. The Bible school is doing well. El Shaddai is doing well. Our kids are learning so much and the Bible school students are preaching the truth as they learn it weekly. Our children at home are doing well. I have to report that my son Ezra is worshipping God!! Halleluia!!! Eleven years of praying and believing that my children are taught of the Lord and great is their peace. Is 54:13. I encourage all of you who are standing for their children not to give up, don't cave in God is listening and working and He will bring them in! This is the year. As I look at my three sons I realize how interested God is in family salvations Acts 16:31. So rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, again I say REJOICE!

I'll keep you posted about the generator.

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