We planned an early start so we could stop by to see Mrs. Chekalekale of the District Education Board, before hustling out to Kantolomba to get the carpenters started removing the first roof. We thought we were just checking in to make a plan, but she had arranged for all the officers of the Board to be there so we could set a date and time for their tour of Kantolomba. We were most grateful that she is so organized, since we were quite eager to get to Kantolomba to get the carpenters started. We had our second pleasant surprise of the day when we found they’d already taken the roof off the first house!
Pascal.
Christopher on the roof.
The old roofing sheets.
On the way to the property we passed Josephine and Baby Cheri on their way to the clinic. Baby Cheri was going for her final dose of the medication she’s been taking since being born to HIV positive parents. Later Josephine showed us the baby’s medical records. She got a good check-up. She is not HIV positive!
We raced back to town to have lunch and fix dinner in preparation for our standard evening power outage. After our home chores were completed (a big part of life here, by the way), we returned to town to pick up gloves and a wheelbarrow for the carpenters, an iron for the seamstresses, and a new valve for the water tap. While we were there, we checked on galvanized tin sheets for the roof. We were unsuccessful in locating tie-dye supplies, but have a lead for tomorrow.
Cheri checking out the new wheelbarrow.
The tin roofing sheets.
Back in Kantolomba, while the carpenters were finishing spiffing up the job site, we spoke with plumber John about installing a spigot up the hill so the women won’t have to carry those giant buckets of water so far. His response was the one we happily receive each time we make a request of him: “No problem.” Such a relief!
Delivering the new iron and thread to Georgina.
Beauty tries out the new wheelbarrow.
John with some plumbing parts to fix the existing water tap.
John immediately got to work fixing the tap.
Cheri and John making plans for the new garden water tap.
Always fun to photograph our pig friends.
The house with roof completely off.
A beautiful view of the sky from inside the roofless house.
While we walked the newly added property and videoed the current site, Friday fixed the new sewing machine—that man can do everything!—and the gals got to take it for a test drive.
Friday fixing the machine.
Georgina takes it for a spin.
Then Nellie.
And last but not least, Josephine.
Though late and at the end of a very long day, we decided to stop by Castle Lodge for internet, only to learn that they are out of electricity and water. Home to a dark house, grateful we made our dinner earlier, and that at least we have water!