Ummmm...

Well we have had our first technical difficulty. Yesterday afternoon right before dinner the voltage of the generator on campus went rapidly up and knocked all the power out. After restoring it we found that almost all of the computers that were plugged in, even those powered off, were gone (as far as we can tell right now). Talking to Bryan, our on call electritian (Thanks Bryan) we are trying to figure out what happened and how best to prevent it from happening again. Thankfully I had only plugged in two of the library computers at the time, and all the rest of the computers will be behind UPS backups which should help protect the computers from future incidents.

So today I am trying to assess the damage and figure out how many functioning computers we have on campus. We're praying for the best. I was able to take some good pictures, but not sure when I will get a chance to look at them. Hopefully tomorrow I will get a chance to post, since we won't be working tomorrow.

We Have Lights!

Well the lights are now working in the Library. Thanks to James and Brad they cranked though the remaining lights and even installed all the blinds. We were also able to set up the network in the library as well. Next step is to set up the computer room and finish up the network inputs in all the other rooms. Things are starting to take shape. Doug and Judi are still trying to get all the library software squared away. It's always fun trying to contact customer service from a remote place like this. And Grandpa furiously put on all the switch plate covers. So furious in fact he broke some glass doing so (you'll have to ask him about his phenomenal strength).


Interestingly, we didn't have the local workers today because it was a national holiday, Decoration Day. It's a day to go the grave sites of you family members who had died in the wars over the past 20 years. It is quite interesting working with the locals. I could spend a whole post on that.


As we were wrapping up this afternoon we got bombarded by a major rain storm. In fact as I write this I have lost my internet connection so I am going to have to wait to post this. Quite dramatic rain here. We now have some little ponds around the campus, not sure how long they will stay. As the rain started to come down, James took on one of the students in a game of 21 (basketball) at the gym. They wagered James' T-shirt, which he lost. The student was so happy to win a T-Shirt and James had to retreat back to the house shirtless. Now he doesn't need a shower tonight.

That's all for now. Hopefully we can post photos of some completed rooms soon.

First Day at ABC

Well we made it. After 3 days of travel we made it to the campus. Quite a grueling trip though. Seven hours in Brussels seemed to be an eternity. And the 3 hour technical stop in Ivory Coast en route to Monrovia was a bit tiring but we made it. And were greeted by muggy muggy weather. The city is right on the beach, in fact our night in the guest house in Monrovia was about 30 yards from the beach. We fell asleep to breakers which was nice (the A/C was even nicer). Yesterday was a 7 hour drive up to Yekepa, which wasn't bad, but man it felt good to be finished with the travel for awhile.

Today we start off running. Quite a bit of the library was already done which was nice. The drop ceiling, most of the tile work, and all the walls were already done. I was busy working on the network lines for the computers. James spent the day putting in all the lights, Doug and Judi spent the day conversing with customer service for the software company that made the library system. Brad went in between both James and I helping whoever needed the help at the time. And Grandpa (Verl) had the most important job of the day, supervising all of us to make sure we did it all right.

That's all for now as it is starting to rain. Hopefully it will remove all this muggy weather. Next time I am aiming to include a picture if time permits.

First Leg Down

Well we made it to Washington DC. Now we have a 5 hour layover before heading out to Brussells. The above picture is light-mural-thingee (that's the technical name) that is just across from our terminal. My next chance to post will probably be Monday night or Tuesday when we get to the school.

Now we have to find something to fill the 5 hours.

One Day Away

Just over 24 hours away from embarking on our journey to Liberia. I doubled checked my list and I think I am set. I am all packed. And belive it or not I actually have some space to spare. That never happens. Course going minimalistic I am only taking the bare essentials.

Saturday is going to be quite a day. First we leave for LAX at 3AM for a 6AM flight. Then we should touch down in Washington DC with a four hour layover. After that we head to Brussels where we have an eight hour layover (yes I said eight). Then on to Monrovia where I believe we're suppose to arrive in the 10PM Monday, and crash at a guest house. Then the final leg is a 7 hour car drive into the jungle on a completely neglected road. Figured this would be the perfect time finally sit down and read Brothers K. I just hope I don't get too stir crazy in those two days.

Here are some before photos of the library. Hopefully I can take some more once we get to the school.