By Joe and Linda Schnorr
What can be said but – – “What a Week!” With the addition of two able-bodied members to the repair/construction team, we were able to accomplish a lot! Johnny Biddle and Don Grogan arrived last Saturday and while the ladies continued with their sewing projects, the three of us attack projects that required a little more than Joe can accomplish alone. We got a lot more done than I could have ever imagined.
MONDAY – – – Los Tambos
A couple weeks after Linda and I arrived there was a heavy rain storm that forced the kids to wade through mud to get to the school. We decided that we could construct a bridge across the ditch and help the situation. In spite of a full day of construction in rain our three man crew completed the project. Not only did this provide a much cleaner path to the school – but the inside of the school looked much cleaner by the end of each day.
As a bonus, a group from Corryton, TN prepared lunch for the more than 100 kids in the school. We were invited to join and had a good time eating lunch with them and spending some time with the kids.
TUESDAY – – – Buena Vista
Tuesday was spent in Buena Vista. After we completed the kitchen area in 2024, a new roof was added to the facility resulting in required construction between the kitchen and the new roof – referred to as “rodent prevention”. A good portion of the day was spent making these modifications.
Once again, we had the privilege of participating in a lunch provided by a team from a church in Benque, Cayo – and again spending time over lunch with the kids!
The afternoon was spent changing out tubes in light fixtures from fluorescent to LED. Amazing difference in light quality and much appreciated by the teachers.
WEDNESDAY – – Back in Los Tambos
Back in Los Tambos we addressed some additional needed repairs. Resulting from continued use and not abuse, the swings require some maintenance almost every year. This year we decided to do a complete overhaul. We replaced the chains on all the swings rather than do minimal repairs. As we worked on the swings we had an audience that couldn’t wait to get back on the swings – all four and not just two!
After several years of use the lower portions of the chain link fence were breaking loose from the poured concrete base. We took some time to secure the base using pipe and connectors. This provides a much cleaner look and also should last far into the future.
The trees here grow rapidly and interfere with aerial power lines. Our crew spent some time holding ladders for each other and trimming the trees back to insure no further damage as the trees continue to grow.
Thursday – – – Belmopan Hope For Life
A couple weeks ago with the help of a local guy we did some minor repairs to the plumbing in one of the buildings at Hope For Life. On Thursday we took on the rest of the project and by the end of the day the plumbing was repaired and we were moving on. And YES – Lunch was provided.
Friday – – – Belmopan Hope For Life
Several years ago tiny houses were built to provide housing for the Mammas and babies passing through the Hope For Life program. We decided that drain issues warranted installing a new system. Friday was spent digging around the complex and uncovering the problems and brainstorming what needs to be done. By the end of the day a corrective plan was in place that we can carry out over the next couple weeks (photos purposely omitted).
All considered, it was a great week and our team of three survived with no injuries and a great feeling of satisfaction. It was great to have the guys here for the week. We took them to the airport today for their flight back to chilly Knoxville.
Next week we will resume updates on the girls sewing projects.
Once again, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers…
Blessings to all!
Joe & Linda Schnorr
Johnny Biddle
Don Grogan