Hello All,
The past few weeks I have really felt the blessings of the Lord. I have been able to meet several younger, short term, missionaries and have been able to make some friendships. I have also been blessed by being lent a bike for the next few months. Both of these things have been huge answers to prayers. With the addition of some carpentry jobs I have been able to keep quite busy. There has also been some orders for solar work, we plan to do lighting for six clinics in the next week or so.
The contract that I came to Liberia to work on has not been signed yet. Your prayers would be much appreciated on that subject. I am really hoping the contract will be signed soon so we can start the logistics and begin the 18 month work period.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, they have been a huge emotional and spiritual support!!
_Matt
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Learning Patience..
Patience, it is something that I thought I had. I am learning I have a great deal of improvement left.
The past week were have been trying to install the second set of solar panels at a worksite. On Saturday we completed the structure. Monday we arrived at the worksite, planning to install the solar panels on the roof of the security building. When we arrived, we unloaded the vehicle and setup everything for the installation. When Donovan and I climb up the scaffolding to get onto the roof we realize that the Liberian work crew that build the building did not finish the roof... (While Donovan and I are climbing down the scaffolding, it begins to fall. I jump off, and luckily the scaffolding stops. The Liberians that setup the scaffolding did not put any support under the feet, to keep them from digging into the sand. They also failed to notify anyone that the scaffolding was not able to be used....) So! After talking to appropriate personel we packed up and planned to come back on Thursday. So this morning we packed everything up, again, and headed to install the panels. After arriving we realized that the work crew moved our scaffolding, so we moved the scaffolding and before we unloaded the supplies we climbed up to verify that they did finish the roof.... and thank goodness we did! The crew had done a very poor job, to say the least. The sides of the roof were hardly finished and the area where the panel supports were to be mounted was very rough, (this would compromise the structural integrity of our panel supports). So we headed home again. Hopeful that the next time we arrive the roof will be completed! (Note: the security buildings are made of 100% concrete. The roof is a "bowl shaped roof" so the "floor" of the roof must be waterproofed, this step, waterproofing, is the step that was either not completed or done poorly.)
What I am beginning to realize is that I cannot have a set agenda. I pray that the Lord will help me keep my patience, or increase it! I will have 24ish months of working with Liberians, I hope that either I can enstill some ideals in them, with the help of the Lord, or I will be able to simply brush occurrences, like the previous, of as simple ignorance...
Thank you for reading!
_M
The past week were have been trying to install the second set of solar panels at a worksite. On Saturday we completed the structure. Monday we arrived at the worksite, planning to install the solar panels on the roof of the security building. When we arrived, we unloaded the vehicle and setup everything for the installation. When Donovan and I climb up the scaffolding to get onto the roof we realize that the Liberian work crew that build the building did not finish the roof... (While Donovan and I are climbing down the scaffolding, it begins to fall. I jump off, and luckily the scaffolding stops. The Liberians that setup the scaffolding did not put any support under the feet, to keep them from digging into the sand. They also failed to notify anyone that the scaffolding was not able to be used....) So! After talking to appropriate personel we packed up and planned to come back on Thursday. So this morning we packed everything up, again, and headed to install the panels. After arriving we realized that the work crew moved our scaffolding, so we moved the scaffolding and before we unloaded the supplies we climbed up to verify that they did finish the roof.... and thank goodness we did! The crew had done a very poor job, to say the least. The sides of the roof were hardly finished and the area where the panel supports were to be mounted was very rough, (this would compromise the structural integrity of our panel supports). So we headed home again. Hopeful that the next time we arrive the roof will be completed! (Note: the security buildings are made of 100% concrete. The roof is a "bowl shaped roof" so the "floor" of the roof must be waterproofed, this step, waterproofing, is the step that was either not completed or done poorly.)
What I am beginning to realize is that I cannot have a set agenda. I pray that the Lord will help me keep my patience, or increase it! I will have 24ish months of working with Liberians, I hope that either I can enstill some ideals in them, with the help of the Lord, or I will be able to simply brush occurrences, like the previous, of as simple ignorance...
Thank you for reading!
_M
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday April 17, 2011
To All,
I first off would like to apologize for the length of time between posts. I hope that some one has had enough faith in me to keep checking in, I promise to keep up with posting in the future! I just have trouble coming up with things to write about. If you know me at all you know I am not a huge "writer," lol. I plan to try to get over this, so if some of my posts include selfish rambling or just obscure facts, please excuse them.. (:
It has been so long since my last post, I am not sure what to write about, lol. I guess I can start with, there is a new Shank in the household! Haydon James was brought home last Wednesday. He and mommy are doing very well. He is a precious child! (he is definitely taking after his uncle Matt hehe). It has been interesting to watch the youngest one's, Faithe and Gaylon, reactions to the new arrival. Lately Faithe has been herself, but when Haydon first came home she was very bummed because she really wanted a little sister.. lol. Gaylon has been fun to watch ever since Haydon has come home. The transition from youngest to second youngest has seemed to have a little bit of an affect on him. He is starting to realize he doesn't get the attention from his mommy like he used to, lol. In other news the other kids have been their hyper active selves.
I am starting to get acclimated to the climate, I have been able to work outside longer and more often. The other day Brendon and I worked all day installing the first of three sets of solar panels at a worksite (pictures to come). I also had quite an experience two weeks ago. I was sent out in the "bush" to inspect three sets of solar panels and vaccine fridges that were not working properly. This trip consisted of about 600 miles of travel, 300 of which was on dirt roads (more so trails through the jungle). I was away for a total of four days and three nights. During these four days I had several unique encounters, including taking a shower in the middle of a field, eating some rice, chicken feet, and ver very hot peppers drenched in oil. The over all experience, however, was very beneficial. I learned a lot about Liberian customs and being immersed in the local "english dialect" was very helpful.
That has been the extent of "exciting happenings" around here. Brendon, Donovan, and I have been working on finishing up the solar panel installations for a job that Brendon had started a few weeks before we arrived here. Once that job is done we hope that the contract is finalized and signed so that we can make some headway on the preliminary work for those jobs.
Hope all is well back in the States, I miss everyone and think of you all a lot.
"Matthew 22:35-40"
_M
I first off would like to apologize for the length of time between posts. I hope that some one has had enough faith in me to keep checking in, I promise to keep up with posting in the future! I just have trouble coming up with things to write about. If you know me at all you know I am not a huge "writer," lol. I plan to try to get over this, so if some of my posts include selfish rambling or just obscure facts, please excuse them.. (:
It has been so long since my last post, I am not sure what to write about, lol. I guess I can start with, there is a new Shank in the household! Haydon James was brought home last Wednesday. He and mommy are doing very well. He is a precious child! (he is definitely taking after his uncle Matt hehe). It has been interesting to watch the youngest one's, Faithe and Gaylon, reactions to the new arrival. Lately Faithe has been herself, but when Haydon first came home she was very bummed because she really wanted a little sister.. lol. Gaylon has been fun to watch ever since Haydon has come home. The transition from youngest to second youngest has seemed to have a little bit of an affect on him. He is starting to realize he doesn't get the attention from his mommy like he used to, lol. In other news the other kids have been their hyper active selves.
I am starting to get acclimated to the climate, I have been able to work outside longer and more often. The other day Brendon and I worked all day installing the first of three sets of solar panels at a worksite (pictures to come). I also had quite an experience two weeks ago. I was sent out in the "bush" to inspect three sets of solar panels and vaccine fridges that were not working properly. This trip consisted of about 600 miles of travel, 300 of which was on dirt roads (more so trails through the jungle). I was away for a total of four days and three nights. During these four days I had several unique encounters, including taking a shower in the middle of a field, eating some rice, chicken feet, and ver very hot peppers drenched in oil. The over all experience, however, was very beneficial. I learned a lot about Liberian customs and being immersed in the local "english dialect" was very helpful.
That has been the extent of "exciting happenings" around here. Brendon, Donovan, and I have been working on finishing up the solar panel installations for a job that Brendon had started a few weeks before we arrived here. Once that job is done we hope that the contract is finalized and signed so that we can make some headway on the preliminary work for those jobs.
Hope all is well back in the States, I miss everyone and think of you all a lot.
"Matthew 22:35-40"
_M
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fatigued...
The past two days I have been working at the current work site for West Coast Services, Brendon, my brother-in-law's, ministry/business. The past two days consisted of overseeing the installation of ground wires for several apartments, as well as preparing and digging trenches for the foundations of several walls that will support solar panels. These trenches were about 2' wide and 28' long, we had to dig four of them. The first day was not bad at all. It was partly cloudy most of the day, thus making it "cool" (about mid 80's with humidity). The second day, yesterday, is what did me in (I believe). It was sunny all day with the temperature staying in the mid to high 90's. Having to be in the sun all day really took it's tole on me. I felt okay coming home, just the usual tired and ready for food and a cool shower. lol. However I woke up this morning feeling pretty nasty.. I hope this feeling goes away really soon!! I feel bad just sitting around waiting to feel better as Donovan does all the work around the house and Brendon has to oversee the job site and do paperwork. Your prayers would be welcomed!! Thank you!
_M
P.S.
I do love the heat! I think I just over estimated my tolerance. I will not do that again, lol. I can't wait till I get adjusted enough to be able to work several days in a row of working out in the sun all day!
_M
P.S.
I do love the heat! I think I just over estimated my tolerance. I will not do that again, lol. I can't wait till I get adjusted enough to be able to work several days in a row of working out in the sun all day!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Robert's Port
Today Donovan Brendon and I went to Robert's Port, Liberia to check on supplies that a possible customer had delivered to their house for a solar instillation. The trip was about 90 miles, 26 of which were a dirt road, that was very very bumpy!! The house is located on top of a hill overlooking the beach, a absolutely marvelous beach! Today was a lot of fun, I was able to see a lot of Liberia (an eye opening experience) and was able to accomplish a lot of work around the house as well.
I am starting to realize how tough it is for the natives to live here. The villages we passed on our way to Robert's Port were hard to just pass by. The houses were nothing more than tree limbs tied together with palm roofs. The kids were so cute. Everyone that noticed us just smiled and pointed, I saw several yell "white man" and a few even thought we were chinese. lol. I am really hoping that I will be able to visit/minister with these people over the next months. I pray that God may become evident to them if they do not already know him. If not through me through someone or something.
_Matt
I am starting to realize how tough it is for the natives to live here. The villages we passed on our way to Robert's Port were hard to just pass by. The houses were nothing more than tree limbs tied together with palm roofs. The kids were so cute. Everyone that noticed us just smiled and pointed, I saw several yell "white man" and a few even thought we were chinese. lol. I am really hoping that I will be able to visit/minister with these people over the next months. I pray that God may become evident to them if they do not already know him. If not through me through someone or something.
_Matt
Village Hut.
Dirt road to Robert's Port.
Beach view from house we will be working on.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Pictures
Here are some pictures as we landed and headed to the house. I hope to get pictures of the house and living quarters up by Wednesday. Thank you for your patience.
_Matt
Landing in Monrovia, Liberia.
Robert's International Airport.
Unloading from the plane.
Our plane. Delta flight 134.
Darron enjoying a lollipop from uncle Donovan.
Cutie Gaylon doing the same.
As is Cameron..
and Faithe and Evon
_Matt
Sunday, February 13, 2011
We are here!!!
After a 50 minute flight from Dulles to Atlanta, that left at 4:18 pm on February 12, we had a flight from Atlanta to Accra, Ghana. In Accra we refueled and switched some passengers. After an hour of waiting at 1:30 pm (Liberian time, 8:30 am Eastern Standard time) we took off for Monrovia, Liberia. We landed at the Robert's International Airport at 3:00 pm Liberian time. Donovan and I went through customs and were greeted by a lively bunch. Christina, Brendon and the kids were all outside the airport waiting for us. After loading up all the luggage we headed to the house. So that is how the trip to Africa went. Hope it was detailed enough. (:
_Matt
P.S. I am having a slight problem figuring out how to upload pictures with the slower internet here. Hopefully I will have pictures up shortly.
_Matt
P.S. I am having a slight problem figuring out how to upload pictures with the slower internet here. Hopefully I will have pictures up shortly.
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