Silembe Update

We received a message from Zambia late last evening. Our first phase is nearly finished with only a few things with the bathhouse to finish, only the roof for the kitchen-laundry area, and the furniture for the home to go! A message from Mike follows (edited):

A man from our church in Kalomo owns a small auto parts shop. I went to his shop trying to buy the clutch part needed for our truck. He asked to go with me and help. He not only had the part, he installed it and wouldn't take any money for the labor (the part was only k45,000 -or $12 US). I went yesterday, hauled rocks, ran a light to the bath house, etc. Golden should build the trusses for the kitchen/laundry within the next week. It rained last night and looks like rain today. Not a good time to drive through the bush and collect rocks or sand. So I didn't go today.

Jo Anne took some more measurements yesterday. We have to make good use of the space within the home, and will price furniture next time we're in town. We know the bunk beds complete with mattresses, sheets, and blankets will cost approximately $200 each. And will eventually need 6 more for the first house (one for the "parent room"). God Bless, Mike

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God continues to make our way in Silimbe. Continue to pray for His provision and protection there. Thank you.

Silembe | Windows

One window glass broke before installation. All of the glasses are now installed and look good.

Silembe | Plumbing II

This picture was taken while the toilet drains were being connected. The septic tank concrete top is now in place.

Silembe | Plumbing

The toilet drains, including the septic system, for the first two toilets are now connected and work great.

Silembe | Builder

This is our builder, Golden. We should be connecting water lines and grey water drain pipes next time.

Silembe | Clean Water

The pipe from the pump to the tank is buried and the tank hill is being reworked for stability and filling containers. Trenching should be finished for the pipe between the tank and bath house.

World AIDS Day 2007

Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:16am EST

President and Mrs. Bush Reaffirm Our Nation's Unprecedented Commitment toFighting HIV/AIDS at Home and Abroad.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President and Mrs.Bush will mark World AIDS Day 2007 by participating in a faith-based roundtable discussion at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mount Airy,Maryland. Since 2001, the Administration has delivered more than $129 billionto fight HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad. This World AIDS Day, the U.S. Government is highlighting the important role of faith- and community-based organizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The President and Mrs.Bush will discuss the global response to HIV/AIDS with U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Mark Dybul, members of local churches involved with volunteer efforts in AIDS-afflicted countries, and faith-based organizations partnering with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Starting today, the White House will display the red ribbon for two days on the North Porticoto represent the continued battle against HIV/AIDS and to affirm the matchless value of every life.

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