"Braking" in the new recruits

Todd has had his hands full with the mechanics training classes held each day, Monday to Friday, in the campground lapa. But it's not all book learning; every afternoon the students tackle a project on one of the many vehicles that need service at the ASAM farm.

This is Brake Week, so Todd and the guys took a look at the rear brakes of the Isuzu pickup - and almost wished they hadn't! Some serious oil and brake fluid leaks were discovered, posing the usual problem of "But where will we find parts?"

Trying to figure out how many mechanics can fit under one truck!

Lynn Lagore helping with the translation...and learning a few new things herself.

Aleque & Tomas checking the wheel bearings on the trailer

Using one of the donated Motor manuals to work on the Isuzu brakes

For my part, I've been concentrating on moving the Maintenance Shop Project forward as best I can. One of the main components will be the vehicle repair pit that will hold centre stage in the new building. Below are a few photos of the progress to date.

Shaping out the footings for the wall foundations

Our head mason Peter (on left) and his helper putting together the steel for the footings and walls

On a final note, Todd and I have been eating very well at the campsite, but you can't just live on red meat and pasta alone...it was time for a trip to the garden down by the river.

A sudden craving for vegetables...

Houston, our problem is solved!