Thursday, June 4, 2015

Projects Keep Us Busy


Jason and Moise pulling the bars to either change the bit or prepare to case. When we are using all the bars this process usually takes 30-45minutes. This is one of the guys least favorite parts of drilling. Those bars are heavy!
Jonathan showing Jason how to cut the slits in the PVC casing. These slits will act as a second filtering system, the first is the gravel we pack in around the casing.  Whatever the gravel doesn't catch the slits should and any sand that may get through will sink to the bottom.

Moise making Attaya. (See http://www.lifeofthekroezes.blogspot.com/2014/10/attaya-part-of-senegalese-culture.html for a description and quick cultural lesson on Attaya.)
The drill site. One of the elders of the village came by and enjoyed some shade while watching the guys drill. 

Just me and the machine.....oh and Jonathan playing in the dirt. 
Jonathan explaining each persons role once the casing process starts. Its important for everyone to know their job so we can move as quickly as possible. After taking this picture Jonathan called me over to pray and inform me of my job in the process. So I'm sorry to say I didn't get any pictures. Maybe next time though. 

Well Drilling always draws a crowd. A few times we have had to put up a barrier rope to keep people at a distance so we can work.

Moise flushing the well. It's always a wonderful thing to see clear water coming up.

Here, Jason is helping install a rope pump on a hand dug well at Aida's house. Jason and his church helped raise money to build a house for Aida and her three children. 
Aida's oldest, Jean (John), helping with the cement base.
Several years ago when Aida become a Christian, her Muslim husband divorced her forcing her and the kids to move to her families house. Her mother was very unhappy and said "Unless you remarry a respectable Muslim man I will have to kick you out." Aida's family never did kick her out but they made living with them miserable.  
Aida is an active member in the Badd Church, (See this blog post http://www.lifeofthekroezes.blogspot.com/2014/08/this-is-africa.html for pictures of the church.) and also her village community. She travels by horse cart to the surrounding villages teaching people how to read and write in their own language. She is truly gifted in languages and has a heart for serving the Lord. Aida is an inspiration and encouragement to all she meets! It's a blessing to us to be able to help Aida and her ministry.



Mami, Aida's youngest, and I had fun making faces and taking pictures while the guys finished up. When we first moved here she wouldn't even look at me, now we are pretty good pals.
This was taken last week when we went out to put in a gate and reinforce the well pump. Aida will be ready to move in as soon as the mason comes to finish the walls and install the back door.

Jon Jon, Jonathan and Jeremy headed out to ride on the dunes.

After lots of hard work we took Jason for a Fun Day to Pink Lake. Ok, who am I kidding, the fun was for us too.

Info on the Pink Lake or Lake Retba:
Pink Lake is named for it's pink waters caused by Dunaliella Salina algae and is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas. The salt is exported across the region by up to 3,000 collectors, men and women from all over West-Africa work for 6-7 hours a day collecting the salt. The salt is also used by local fisherman to preserve fish and for cooking local dishes.

It is quite stunning, unfortunately I did not get a picture the day we were there. But, here is a picture I found online. And yes, it really is that PINK. To see more pictures just google "Pink Lake Senegal".
           

We had so much fun being "tourist" and riding camels.

Jonathan and Moise putting one of the corner posts in place.
Mixing the cement, Jeremy was the water boy.  It's a pretty important job as you can see in this picture.
Jeremy is missionary kid from here in Senegal; he graduated from Dakar Academy last year and is now attending a small Bible collage in the great state of Alaska (I've actually never been to Alaska, but I hear it's great.). He has returned home to see his little brother graduate from high school and to do a summer internship.While he is here he will be improving his welding skills, learning about well drilling, and studying the Serer language. This last month Jeremy has been a huge help to Jonathan and I and has also become a very good friend. We have loved having him in our home and join us in ministry, we'll be sad when he has to return to Alaska.

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