March 14, 2012
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Working...
So the past two weeks have been spent on preparing to leave for the clinic project in Pallisa. The windows are made. The truss system has been giving us quite a bit of delay, but we are progressing. This clinic is going to be a beautiful sight!
The plan is that on Monday, we will be leaving very early in the morning. Our hope is to be on site by 10 o'clock. The first thing we need to do is pour the footing in the foundation holes. Thankfully, the community has made arrangements, by digging a foundation pit, digging a well, clearing and leveling a concrete mix location, and clearing and leveling a truss construction area. It seems like a lot of mess, but it is very helpful and will make things easier when we get there. Anyway, our hope is to have that done before dinner. Day two will include organizing a team to start the construction of trusses. There are only 13 trusses for this building. However, there are two different types. And it is not like we have some machine cutting boards to length and having the angles cut to precision before assembly. No, this is back-woods style, but we will make it look good!
As we go along, we will raise up the brick walls pretty quickly. After about 7 feet above the ground we will stop. Then we need to make a form and pour concrete above all of the walls, called a ring beam. This is what supports the top of the doorways and windows. It is far better than wood. After the ring beam cures, we will add another 2-3 feet of brick, essentially having a 10 foot tall wall. Once it is in place, we will lay wood down to receive the trusses. Hopefully the trusses will be all manufactured in time. It is quite involving considering how heavy it will be and that we have to treat the wood to prevent insect damage.
Once the trusses are up, we will make some arrangements... we will of course put roofing on. But first we have to make provisions for the ceilings to be plastered. This is something that we are hoping to do, but we are waiting to see if funds allow for this. It will reduce the temperature significantly, making the clinic quite nice. But it is a luxury that will be weighed when the time is right. After that, the roof sheeting is put on!
All said and done, we will plaster the interior walls. Again, we will determine if there are funds and consider plastering the exterior as well. Once that is done, painting the name "Lakeview Clinic" will be done. And last but not least, applying the all important Worldwide Christian Schools logo. I am pretty pumped!
If you are reading this and thinking it sounds all too simple, just think, that is our daytime activities. At night is a whole other endeavor! We are bringing video and audio equipment also. We will be showing the Jesus film and a couple of other Christian movies. Other nights, we will take turns presenting the gospel. Yes, even I will be up there preaching! Honestly, that is the scariest part of the trip. That is even taking into consideration that the food options will be quite limited... gotta love beans!
Anyway, March is the busiest month we have seen. It is good to be used to serve the Kingdom. But it is tiring too! Please pray for Liz and the kids in my absence. Also pray that we can find a new housemaid to help around the house. Lastly, just like Jesus served in word and deed, pray that we are good disciples and can also serve in the same way, effectively.
Chad Neeley
Volunteer Construction Coordinator - WWCS USA/Uganda
