My Day Off

The bus crashed today. It already took an eternity to arrive (and, no, three didn't arrive all at once). The most trifling of events creates a sense of togetherness among fellow travellers, as circumstances draw them involuntarily together (or so we are told from numerous accounts of 9/11 and 7/7...or was it 7/11?).

Anyway, it didn't quite happen that way this morning, as passengers who I'd already knee'd and elbow'd in order to secure a place on Bus #1 (in the sure expectation of never seeing them again) met me with burning glances as I boarded [replacement] Bus #2.

Economic Indicators (Brazilian-style)

(click to enlarge)

Perhaps I am deluding myself, but I have always felt this blog to be a natural accompaniment to my dear friend's rather more affluent musings. Now I have discovered the perfect crossroads. Would he dare to conjecture on the Noughties?

Construction Time Again

This week I have been helping construct a home for B&C. One of the reasons they moved to Elohim was the conditions in which they were living (they lived with their mother, her partner and their grandmother in the single room visible to the right of the picture below).

(click to enlarge)

I was helping Glen and his fantastic team. The mission for these missionaries? To build a two bedroom house in a week. And we did it!

N - a diligent little worker

Glen has his own construction company and works with men who are all recovering from either alcohol or drug abuse. He works in conjunction with a casa de recuperação (rehab to you and me) in the northern part of the city. I couldn't have worked with a better group of guys. Seeing how God has touched each of their lives and turned them around was just amazing.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation

The team had to deal with an old 100 foot deep well which was situated just in front of the new front door. I was reminded of Isaiah 12.3 and said a quick prayer that the family - walking over that covered opening every day - might know that salvation.

documenting the new build in between shovelling cement

Like Cats and Dogs

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
Isaiah 11:6

Sunday

Luke and S enjoying the Sunday sun

B & C

Brothers watching themselves playing football

G for Joker

click to enlarge

Connection Issues

Apologies for the posting lag.

Annoying problems with the interweb out here in the sticks.

I am beginning to pine for a decent wi-fi signal.

Ordinary postings will resume (I hope!) after the weekend.