Changes Are Coming!

We had a very successful trip to Nigeria this past 2 weeks. We were able to meet with staff and find out how things are going at the clinic. Reliable power and an ultrasound machine seem to be the greatest needs at this time. Three of our solar batteries failed in March. As we were leaving Owerri on the 5th of April new batteries were being installed. So solar power is again up and running.

The community has been getting consistent electricity for the past 3 weeks. NEPA seems to be willing to supply power on a continuous basis. We talked with the authorities and were given a quote for running power lines from the main road. In the past it was not worth the cost, as NEPA only occasionally supplied the village with power. Unlike the US, we had to get permission from the village to hook into the power line. We also had to negotiate with the 2 families owning the land between us and the main road. Unfortunately, they were not generous in allowing us to place power poles on the perimeter of their land and we will have to pay a total of $1300 to the two families. We learned a lot about Igbo culture and their beliefs about ancestral spirits. The ancestors roam the land at night, using the pathways that have been used for centuries. You cannot block a path or reroute it without appeasing the ancestors. Likewise, since they roam in the dark lighting a path can upset them. It seems that paying money to the descendants is enough to keep them at bay.

We also made plans for the water treatment facility we are going to build in our compound. We were unable to convince the Nigerian officials that the system we were going to import from the US was better than what is normally used there. The official said it would not pass. We have given up and will use Nigerian equipment to move the project forward. The building that we are using for storage that was to become staff housing will now be used for the water plant. We will begin remodeling it in the next few weeks. Hopefully, we will be able to begin selling water by the end of the summer.

The staff is anxious to move into housing away from the clinic. The building originally set aside for that that was commandeered for storage was not going to be adequate to house clinic and water treatment staff, so a new building will be going up. We hope to also get that started immediately. The sand has already been delivered to begin making the cement blocks for both the staff quarters and the remodel of the water building.

We are still looking for a used ultrasound machine for the clinic. We would be able to offer services to many patients from other clinics and grow our clientele if we can offer scans. We are also looking for equipment to make our lab more full service. These machines are expensive, so we are having to do some cost analysis research to decide if they are feasible.

All in all, it was a very productive trip and we are looking forward to the completion of the many projects we have begun. Please continue to pray for wise judgement and funds to meet these needs.