GARAGE AND TRANSPORT

It was good to be back in Blantyre and renew friendships. Abusa Michael Matalulu was the new man in charge so we got down to discussing needs, There were two cars needing major repair and we felt that concrete for the work area was a priority, so work was started on both. Synod felt a brick security wall was needed and I wanted a security door on the mechanics’ storage shed.

The first car, a Toyota twin cab needed a crankshaft regrind and a rebuild, so we took the crankshaft to the regrinders but  had to wait till Mary, who was team driver, was available to transport the crankshaft back as the synod was short of transport - this was a constant problem.

Before

Patrick had the Australian tools safely in a corner of the workshop so the first job, while Patrick, Fasani and the new mechanic worked on the twin cab, was to change the electrical plugs and test run the air compressors - another trip with Mary; the plugs were 250kwacha each (89c) at a small shop in town and 1250k each at the shopping mall. 

Meanwhile the sand, crushed rock and cement for the concrete was being delivered by the truck, who’s engine we had worked on in 09. This truck then had the clutch fail so we, Mary, Fasani and I went out and bought the required bit a whole  $5; later that day after the repair the bricks were picked up. Shortly after that, the Orbus Mitsubishi Pajero played up and repairs had to be organised.

After

When we left the concrete was nearly finished, the security door installed and a locking bracket had been welded to the window of the storage shed. Unfortunately we ran out of money for the second car (a Landrover) 

Mary spent her time driving Amy and Kylie to schools and taking Diane, Judy and Melody to Chigodi and back, among other things -she now knows her way around Blantyre. Mary also found time to visit 3 BSHDC projects that she had worked at previously and was greatly encouraged to find they were all doing great work, in spite of great practical difficulties. It was wonderful to meet up with old friends.

Jim & Mary