The sun is an amazing thing.  We finally got enough fencing up today –  plus my patience was also up – that we could install the solar panels and get the water pump running as intended…harnessing the power of the sun!  After crimping a set of connectors on the solar wires from the pump house in… Continue reading A Royal Flush

Yes, it’s been a while since cyberspace has beckoned me.  Frankly, I’m tired in the evening and decided to opt for rest over writing.  I’m sure no one will be reading this tonight anyway since the more entertaining final presidential debate is on (since it’s on at 1:00am for me, I’ll listen to the audio… Continue reading Blog Siesta

Work continued on putting “shiny floors” in the classrooms and they’ve now reached the offices.  Each room takes about 18 bags of cement – nearly 2,000 pounds dry and even heavier when wet.  They mix batches on the front porch then hand carry it inside to spread using some string level lines stretched across side-to-side.… Continue reading Belly Button Animals

Yesterday was the first day of this round of construction with Lavela’s crew and the word has gotten around that “white man Jon” is back in town.  As John 2 pulled around the corner of the warehouse wall, I was greeted by a mass of over 60 people looking for work.  It was a bit… Continue reading The Well is Pumping!

The church service this morning seemed livelier than others with even more songs by the youth and senior “choirs”.  They also had a “youth rally” which means the 20-30s aged “youth” sing while they try to “rally” the congregation to donate in support of their upcoming convention. I had the pleasure of holding baby Kathryn… Continue reading Liberian Lobsterfest

After being up late with a coughing fit then waking to pouring rain, I wasn’t very motivated to get going this morning.  I tried to get my juices flowing with a batch of Aunt Jemima just-add-water pancakes with some real maple syrup I carried from the US.  Mmm mmm good.  Later in the morning when… Continue reading Coon Anyone?

This morning I spent a bit of time trying to get organized then headed to meet John 2 to get started welding a frame for a solar panel I’m planning to install on the security guard house closest to the water tower and pump house.  Along with a battery and small control module, it will… Continue reading A Glimpse Into Deanville

  I met John 2 at Iron Gate this morning around 6am to get a head start on our day trip to Monrovia.  A little cloudy and rainy for part of the journey but not much otherwise – I love an uneventful excursion!  It’s nice to have John 2 driving so I could close my… Continue reading Gbarnga – Monrovia Express

Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting with Sam Bundo, Lavela, and Sumo to discuss some issues of concern for Sam.  If you recall from way back last year, Sam is actually the boss man of everyone and Lavela is one of his head skilled builders.  Sam left part of his team with Lavela as project… Continue reading Jester’s Court