Week 7

well the block issue has resolved itself. the new machine is making very good blocks and the block masons are installing with nice equal joints. mission accomplished! construction progress moving along well, in fact Hygebat is ahead of schedule. finally finished all building design last week and should receive site grading and utility design on monday. keeping my fingers crossed. my next push with the contractor has been for him to finalize all budget re-pricing. this has been like pulling teeth as has everything else. once we accomplish this task i can then start spending more time on the site addressing day to day issues. I can also hopefully take some time to get the hell away from Kigali and see other parts of East Africa.

when i decided to take on the assignment i new it would be interesting in many different aspects. after 7 weeks in country my initial expectations can be multiplied by 10! along with the construction aspects considered another aspect was how would it be to live in a third world country for this length of time and deal with the day to day issues? well it has proven to be very difficult. the demands of the project are quite intense. on my next opportunity i would want to be involved with the NGO/Foundation and plan for the project much differently than was done on this project. living in a third world country is challenging and takes allot out of you, in fact drains you. from the poverty you see here, the language barrier, pollution, heat, dust,un-sanitary conditions,internet malfunctions,isolation being one of the few muzungu in town, cultural differences, missing your familiar surroundings, family, friends, and the luxuries we have in the US,etc,etc. I work hard to maintain a positive perspective, take in all the different experiences, and work towards my ultimate goal to complete the school construction. one walk thru the many slums puts you life into perspective. i feel fortunate for the opportunity.

not much other news to tell. i think i will visit one of the hotels in town today and take advantage of their swimming pool. attitude adjustment!a day of relaxation! hope all is well with all of you. take care.