Here we go again!

Well it doesn't look like it's going to be a quieter week this week!.  I arrived at Marvin's at about 10. We had a chat about priorities, double checked the cash box, I collected some more receipts , then it was off to the shop again.

We laughed that we were going to buy the entire shop so the owners could retire!  The builders merchants probably think the same. Oh here they come again!

We firstly collected all the receipts outstanding, then the light bulbs, food storage bins and a few mops. Actually some of the bulbs had come in at a higher price but because of our good custom we got them all at the original price. Everything was counted and checked, so all 102 light bulbs had to be checked that they worked. Then there was the problem of transporting them. This all took some time!

The shop owner lent us an trolley and two people to help. I carried a small bag of light bulbs! 

All arrived safely and we asked to keep the trolley for further deliveries later. There then followed a bit more admin. Marvin is trying to keep the prices as low as possible so we can do more work.  He is keen we keep double checking the funds. We seem to fluctuate between 2-5 $ under as we often pay in dollars and get Cordobas in change, so a bit of calculating to do and the exchange rate varies.

So next we visited the primary school to deliver their food bins and bulbs. The head had returned from training with the teachers to meet us.  We had put the bins in the trolley but I carried the lids local style so they doubled as a sunshade! Marvin says I can now go out with a plate of tortillas on my head and sell them for fund raising. Well I've bought several types of maize flour but so far have not managed to make tortillas that don't fall apart! 

The bins and bulbs were delivered and

The electrician had visited Rafaela Herrera to give a quotation, This being a major priority. . 

We joined the survey and saw the dire need; the fuse boxes are dropping off the wall with wires dangling both inside and outside the building and it's a miracle no one has got hurt.  Some of the ceiling lights have burnt out and others have inappropriate fittings. 

The labour price sounded reasonable so we are now pricing up the hardware. We're off to the builders merchants tomorrow to collect the locks, so we'll go back with another list! The local shop had some light fittings so we bought these up so he can get started.

We returned to collect and deliver the bulbs for the Secondary school, where we found youngsters busy cleaning their school.

In fact everyone is busy in all the schools and Pedro Antonio has spent the day repairing locks and partitions in Sintiope. He had to come home on his bicycle for lunch as noone offered him anything to eat and he had started at 7am. It is customary here to have food included when you work. We are trying to get the schools to take on this responsibility,  rather than let us arrange everything. Tomorrow, we are asking them to collect the light bulbs and food bins when they come for the uniforms. 

It would be great if all the schools were ready and repaired for the start of term but I'm afraid we won't make it.  Inevitably some works will have to wait, both because of manpower and seeing how the funds are going. One of these jobs is the Secondary school floor which although a priority I don't think we can start before next week. We have to purchase the materials too.  

So another satisfying day which ended with a quiet relax and chat with the family.