Lightning Speed of February
We all know how fast lightning hits, then is over. So did February here.
In a flash we are already into March moving forward towards accomplishing goals, deadlines, and dare I say even some lofty dreams. A whole lot was packed into the shortest month of the year including a trip to Kruger.
We have some new faces at the shop and are developing closer relationships with the old familiars that have been here for some time. We are a melting pot of varied cultures, ideas and hopes of what is to come and somehow we are meshing this all together working as a united team.
A big accomplishment this month was the Hilux. This truck had been puffing blue smoke on start up for ages, so it was decided to take the engine out and apart to see what the problem was. The thought being was valve stem seals, which was correct. A set of rings was also put into it while the engine was out. As you can see in the picture that the valves were heavily carbon coated. After 3 months, multiple problems and waiting for parts (which seems to take so much longer here) the engine went back in and it is running. This is definitely a great confidence boost to the guys, as it has been a long process but has also provided many opportunities to teach along the way.
The Lusito shop also had a visit from the Zimbabwe Rotary Club this past week, allowing us an opportunity to show them what their gift helped to purchase. They were most definitely impressed with how the shop is running and seemed genuinely interested to ask many questions and hear the answers.
Kruger was also a huge highlight of this month, especially for me as it was my first time to experience this absolutely breathtaking park. We took a three day weekend with the Koopmans and (our adopted son) Alec, as well as Blake who both work for Third Lens (who oversaw the construction of the Lusito Shop).
This park did NOT disappoint by any stretch. We were completely in awe of God’s creation and the awesome sights there. The elephants put on quite the shows, everything from two bull elephants play fighting in the water to a massive bull elephant chasing away a group of lions he felt were too close to his family.
On the kids campus side we had another large move with the kids – 58 children from the babies all the way up to our oldest boys moving up to their new homes. I love the way each group of children are so welcoming to the newest ones moving in with them, and the care they take in finding that one that might feel a little overwhelmed at the move. This past week Project Canaan Academy wound up their mid term of the new year with Thursday being “come dressed as a lion day.” It was great to see all the kids lined up for opening ceremonies excited to show off their face paint and costumes
I’ll close this months blog with a personal highlight for me. On my first trip here, when I had an extended stay due to Omicron, I had the privilege of being a part of picking up a 3 lb preemie baby that was named Ross. The odds were definitely stacked against this little guy. His growth has definitely been slow and his milestones not as many as his peers, but what a joy to walk down to the baby campus and see little Ross and how he is growing. He is always sporting a smile and displaying a constantly happy and joyful attitude. This is truly what it’s all about.
Until next month, thank you for reading this. Thank you most of all for your prayers.
Blessings
Laurie