New man on the job

It's been a busy week, not just with the work here at the ASAM mission base, but also with some travel as well.

On Saturday Joao and I made a mad dash to Beira, a coastal city about four hours from our location, so that we could meet John Topham, a volunteer who flew in from my hometown of Summerland. The roads were less than smooth, and with all the truck traffic that comes out of a port city, the drive home was long and partly in the dark. But we arrived safely, and John claims he had an awesome sleep on his first night in a tent.

Home away from home

John will be here for the month of May, teaching woodworking skills to some of the local men. It was great to welcome him and show him around the farm - I especially appreciated the cappuccino coffee mixes that he brought from my wife...

John, right at home with heavy equipment

Checking out the garden where food is grown for the school feeding program

This year's lemon crop is ready for picking

Since today was a public holiday for the farm staff, John and I did some work of our own on the maintenance shop project. Some things go better when you don't have a lot of distractions.

Welding the metal rim of the repair pit (photo by John Topham)

John cutting wood to use on the cement forms

Taking a break in the noonday sun

Some last shots for you - on Monday, the workers had a bit of a celebration on the farm for Workers Day, and that always includes speeches, food, and games.

(Above photos by John Topham)

A good time is being had by all.