'Many hands make light work'!
(Gina, Lori and Niki helping Mary get caught up)
Wonderful new developments and a much needed encouragement boost since our last update! While waiting for the epoxy to arrive in order to continue the work on the water tanks, we decided to deal with some rusty sections on the boom crane column. A cabinet with stone top needed to be removed in order to do this and the engine room ventilators needed to be replaced in the middle of the whole assembly. But God sent the cavalry just in time with the skillful and gracious help of fellow missionaries James Nie and wife Gina, son Colton, daughter Niki and Jared Waipouri of the mission organization 'Marine Reach Vanuatu'. Along with Jared and the Nie family, we also had the great company of the Nie's friend, Lori Brown, and our long-time good friend and supporter, Tom Burky. It was a seven day whirlwind of fantastic activity!
We all had several great sessions discussing the future of medical outreach and humanitarian support for the Vanuatu, Solomon Island and Fiji area. God has really brought us all together at the right time to begin partnering together to fulfill a tremendous need in the area. Each of us is bringing a unique set of assets and skills into this endeavor and it is really looking like we will be working together a great deal to meet the needs there. We would like to thank Jared for his extensive knowledge of the realities of working in so many of these remote areas and coordinating with all the parties involved to make it happen through God's direction and grace.
James and Eric tackled the crane column.
Eric, DJ and Colton inspected the anchor windlass.
Colton assisted with the crane column and removing the old lettering from a very difficult to reach area on the top sides. He also created a wonderful video presenting the outer and inner areas of the ship.
DJ and Tom studied the hydraulic systems throughout the ship and got a large amount of information that is needed for beginning the rebuilding of a better system.
Gina, Lori and Niki helped Mary get caught up in cleaning several areas which will make daily maintenance easier for her. Their kind and heartfelt encouragement boosted her confidence that, yes indeed, she can perform the many tasks ahead of her and perform them well. So grateful!
We are so thankful for all the help the Lord sent and the wonderful encouragement toward future partnerships in the coming work in the South Pacific! Thank you Lord for Your wonderful blessings and mighty hands to bring forth your purpose!!
Initial inspection
James gets to discover the joy of a needle gun.
Cabinet removed for complete coating removal.
James finishing removal of old coatings.
New primer and paint.
Colton riveting trim plates back in place.
Father and son installing aluminum trim.
New engine room blowers will be going in here.
More paint removal on the crane base.
Final cleanup for primer.
Primed
Engine room blower housing getting old paint removed.
Ready for blower installation.
Old cabinet will be reinstalled after blower installation.
One of the next projects, our windlass.
Colton removing the old lettering with his father's assistance.
DJ and Tom discussing the hydraulic systems.
Getting ready to fire up main engines
so the crew can hear that great sound!
Gina and Niki (Lori was working in another section)
Gina and Niki helping prepare
the guest stateroom for Lori's arrival.
