Tuesday, was another workday, Walter and I finished working on the drill rig and we did some final testing with Marcellin. We also took time to document all of the hydraulic systems so that Walter will be able to help order parts in the future for the rig. Marcellin was very excited to see the rig working properly again. Now they will be able to go out and drill new waters wells soon. Walter also worked on the second drill rig to replace a pump that needed wasn't working as well. Rick and Bruce continued to work on the office project, they were making and installing the trusses to hold the roof. They also were making screens for over the windows to keep bugs out of the office.
One of the things that we have really enjoyed is getting to know some of the workers Monday night, we had Elise share about her experiences when the Seleka rebels came to Berberti. Elise has been our cook while we have been here. She is always busy cooking or doing our laundry and she just loves to serve and she told Jim that she is very happy that we are here so that she can have a job. So she told us how The rebels came and raided the house that we are staying in. They stole furniture and broke doors in every room. They also demanded that a Elise cook them meals. She obviously was fearful, but had to follow their demands so she prepared meals for them. There were about six different times that the Rebels came to the guesthouse each time demanding she make them food. One time a group that was here gave her money to go buy food and then prepared it for them. She left the food on the tables for the guys to eat it then when she came in the gate of the compound they put a gun to her head and told her to eat the food first because they were suspicious that she had poisoned the food. So she ate some food and after about 10 minutes they were satisfied and went ahead and ate the food. After the meal the leader of the group thanked her for treating them so kindly and asked her to pray for them because he knew that what they were doing was wrong. So the leader of this group made all of the soldiers get out of the trucks and kneel down on the ground and she prayed for them before they left. There is much more to the story but Jim is going to record it again and have it translated so that it can be documented.
Last night we got to visit with Marcellin's secretary Astride. Again, it was great to hear more about her family and to share with her about our families. She shared much gratitude to us for sacrificing time from our families at home to come to their country to help them. She also had stories about the rebels coming to town, I am so thankful that God has protected these wonderful people here and I hope that we have been an encouragement to them to persevere. It also reminds us that we need to pray for our brothers and sisters who are going through very difficult times to help them stay faithful. Our projects are important, but building relationships is most important and I'm thankful that we were able to do that.
Wednesday morning, I had the opportunity along with Bruce to go to the employee devotional time at 7 am. At the end of this time Bruce was able to hand out some gifts that we had brought them. After this time we also took time to take some pictures. Then later, Walter did a training class for all the employees teaching them about some of the principles of hydraulic systems. Walter is very knowledgeable and his expertise was very helpful to all of the guys.
Thank you for all of your prayers, and we would ask you to pray once again for us as we will start the journey back to Bangui early Thursday morning. We anticipate another long bouncy day traveling back, pray for perseverance for us and the vehicles. Rick will fly out of the country Friday, but the rest of us will stay until Tuesday to finish some of the work.
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Tim
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