October 2004 Adventures

October has been no different for us – an action packed month.  We spent the first week driving back and forth from Asunción, getting ready for a team of 4 guys from Firebaugh, California.  They spent 14 days with us – drilling, working, and even playing.

The site chosen for this team was Primera Linea, our well #11.  It is in our Northern District, and has a very dedicated, spiritual leader, Pastor Felipe.  Felipe has a family of 5 boys and 2 girls; all of which welcomed our California Boys with open arms.

We knew this well would be one of our deep wells, and we weren’t disappointed.  We actually drilled to 275 feet.  The team worked muscles that we’re sure are still sore!

We did have a couple of injuries on this project.  Both Garrick and Ed experienced quite a hit to their hands as the winch handle spun around and whacked their hands - with about 1,000 pounds of rod hanging in the hole.  Here is Garrick being cared for by the Pastor’s wife, Andresa.  Luckily nothing was broken and both the guys simply had sore hands.  The things people do to get out of work!  Actually they were both back in action the same day.

We did allow the team to have a little rest.  They got to attend a typical Paraguayan baptism, which is always “down at the river”.  We had 10 candidates baptized and Ed got to administer the sacrament for one of the candidates.

Leaving the river was an adventure in how many people we can fit in our vehicles.  We drove both the Hilux and the Land Cruiser, but this time we also pulled the trailer – there were lots of people!  How many people will fit on a trailer – always 1 more!

 We also got a chance to take an ox cart ride.  Now for those of you who think this would be easy, think again – you have to hold on!  It was quite hot and Andresa insisted that Linda have an umbrella.

We finished the team’s time with us with the traditional trip to Brazil to visit Iguazu Falls.  We also had a chance to visit the 3 frontiers, which is where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay come together.  This photo is of the marker on the Brazilian side.

More in November as we finish up our construction projects before Christmas.