tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951316519283410682024-02-07T14:59:10.802+10:00The Bacons going to TimorBa means go, so "Bacons Ba Timor" translates as The Bacons going to Timor.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-19835329856784471182016-08-21T17:33:00.000+10:002016-08-22T07:19:46.149+10:00Return to OzDear friends,<br />
It is with great excitement and a touch of sadness that we let you know that we are about to head back to Oz. Its been a great 8 years here in TL but the time has come ...<br />
Before it does though, what have we been up to over the last few weeks?<br />
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A big event was having a team from the Salvation Army Australia come and visit us here in Timor-Leste. This team was led by Lucas Cairns and the main objective was to set up the recording studio in the training centre and run a sound system workshop. This actually means that the training centre is functional (partly)!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGFhK_EJQ1Zs6gwBCghJtnCVTyI1sYaxBk52zoyxywlRyNl4QZyFQiZI3DJJ_sPZWS24OmssECeqPGLGZkoMgbfjYMixEClXTcb416pUav02QF1AFRknanpYun5mv6M_SUtclYPL1PqPt/s1600/IMG_8637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGFhK_EJQ1Zs6gwBCghJtnCVTyI1sYaxBk52zoyxywlRyNl4QZyFQiZI3DJJ_sPZWS24OmssECeqPGLGZkoMgbfjYMixEClXTcb416pUav02QF1AFRknanpYun5mv6M_SUtclYPL1PqPt/s320/IMG_8637.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Some of the crew recording in the Kadi Studio (after they lined it with carpet and set up the sound equipment). Later they helped us record a combined churches CD with 11 songs from 9 different churches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzKrYB3sWxo__9TvoOWLMjmRiMHzt3kuAjPNMEz_RbiYIsOWaYgYIWyu8oUqDw4vcb-26owKLBPRq78Vpm6ZEwW6JA03qKITQBsL_tJB9iTcrAjnr9AHD9IRJStArM3abUShf_elY1hG9/s1600/09+P7011392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzKrYB3sWxo__9TvoOWLMjmRiMHzt3kuAjPNMEz_RbiYIsOWaYgYIWyu8oUqDw4vcb-26owKLBPRq78Vpm6ZEwW6JA03qKITQBsL_tJB9iTcrAjnr9AHD9IRJStArM3abUShf_elY1hG9/s320/09+P7011392.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Soldering some sound cables - Lucas was able to teach the locals how to do their own maintenance.<br />
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Later the team got out to a local ministry centre and, among other things, assisted with some hose to bring water to the centre - they got a hands on lesson on what it takes to survive without water on tap.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtCyFVjih8_yROYtCnfrMtYkbwgsWkWaMGpVVxRqV5-ijky0nDSHCuMz0zP9natiU0qNFUifBodW8-SPgCRaIRbwjDFUlr452PfblGHoaGLKCK8KpMO6N20GCroerATEH678emBwUia4I/s1600/IMG_8818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtCyFVjih8_yROYtCnfrMtYkbwgsWkWaMGpVVxRqV5-ijky0nDSHCuMz0zP9natiU0qNFUifBodW8-SPgCRaIRbwjDFUlr452PfblGHoaGLKCK8KpMO6N20GCroerATEH678emBwUia4I/s320/IMG_8818.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Thanks so much, guys for all the encouragement you brought to us from Oz!<br />
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Our new organisation, Kadi Kapasidade, is now off and running. It is registered in Timor-Leste and is managed by Nino with Emmy as assistant manager. We will be running training for the churches in Timor-Leste with a focus on Bible teaching and preparing church leaders for ministry. Kadi will also be doing some women's ministry and agriculture development. For more info, check out the site at <a href="http://www.kaditimor.org/">www.kaditimor.org</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVvxnqA0Bzx90J4RL3PBRsihw1q6dp-5O4KlmXzyPxQCXl1MqXZFXeNU2GylIgNBwfxsrDayQUag29PPMMWQkeFHBFDC_1lPJ3m6o764XjqDqygXyJViMgHkxsaK2_z1O0eTSWDcabx3G/s1600/P8040246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVvxnqA0Bzx90J4RL3PBRsihw1q6dp-5O4KlmXzyPxQCXl1MqXZFXeNU2GylIgNBwfxsrDayQUag29PPMMWQkeFHBFDC_1lPJ3m6o764XjqDqygXyJViMgHkxsaK2_z1O0eTSWDcabx3G/s320/P8040246.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Out the back of the training centre - waiting for a veggie patch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWydeMCFdWdf8j2tWnpZowafjg8o4b-R3D1qXbu4EneGpGUDSbU9MuGlhx8ialKLf_wXV7ku2JP2BNwHC3B9ZAkEVHlpdGCQZjsHkWrz-dwfsbkAGnM3UIx-CfO9qfouZYYze6Rj8LqBnd/s1600/P7210105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWydeMCFdWdf8j2tWnpZowafjg8o4b-R3D1qXbu4EneGpGUDSbU9MuGlhx8ialKLf_wXV7ku2JP2BNwHC3B9ZAkEVHlpdGCQZjsHkWrz-dwfsbkAGnM3UIx-CfO9qfouZYYze6Rj8LqBnd/s320/P7210105.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Some other training includes Old Testament Course (a one day cram covering the Old Testament)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdP0J8Wzk2aYsnc83RbRXbonNzu1FtHB8Lpo4UrzK2NV4A0Au_YYaheVZojQjejSN8zBcvguNIXeGNS6ikVSyTHrW3sjRFEkJIwkLqhLhsZ6XJDlRq3WxYKhK5BwG7HbOTYxNOBvzcox/s1600/P7270230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdP0J8Wzk2aYsnc83RbRXbonNzu1FtHB8Lpo4UrzK2NV4A0Au_YYaheVZojQjejSN8zBcvguNIXeGNS6ikVSyTHrW3sjRFEkJIwkLqhLhsZ6XJDlRq3WxYKhK5BwG7HbOTYxNOBvzcox/s320/P7270230.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Women's sewing workshop led by Lauren in Bele Kria which now operates in Kadi's training centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlsCqA5_7KgfbeSB3HgtQidVZxXI4bv3X76WZUyfjNu2aH2AQGt5LI9wQwpjltUsiQHq-0hTfTuDvLeENDGLj-r-zdSZ2e7uvWm_dv69cBMLXvQ0F9UUpuY-UMi9VkhECxaWnl-b0KWBK/s1600/P7130006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlsCqA5_7KgfbeSB3HgtQidVZxXI4bv3X76WZUyfjNu2aH2AQGt5LI9wQwpjltUsiQHq-0hTfTuDvLeENDGLj-r-zdSZ2e7uvWm_dv69cBMLXvQ0F9UUpuY-UMi9VkhECxaWnl-b0KWBK/s320/P7130006.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Chicken raising workshop - which was run on the back of our chicken vaccination program. In July, we coordinated the vaccination of 240 chickens in the local village to protect them from Newcastles Disease.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZSHvp-apIy1RWblnHnCoGNgshpGUL0shVQUiQusav0lmsurUHh5X0VzNwZC2M6UnA53tlrBNrpDyJXGsdkLaFr-fJPUyJmUjFTCGRX2ICKFyfuQT0YRrvifb_FFo710y2l2C6Am-11CS/s1600/P8020221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZSHvp-apIy1RWblnHnCoGNgshpGUL0shVQUiQusav0lmsurUHh5X0VzNwZC2M6UnA53tlrBNrpDyJXGsdkLaFr-fJPUyJmUjFTCGRX2ICKFyfuQT0YRrvifb_FFo710y2l2C6Am-11CS/s320/P8020221.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
As part of our chicken project, we sent another roll of chicken wire out with Pastor Tom to Los Palos to assist the IPTL church, Immanuel, out there. (Thanks to CVCC!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg3ZjpIFBGe4mEO5drBOGXbDip72Z591nUDxBmLaqc757GQ8d2DrgBDQUb0Aor-vW1ZePjP2ptBDrFFney1Ub7s4c2YV05yew2loY37sOD4JgWX1WDP_GXjTtrgPwnJYK36GuwEm0blKs/s1600/GOPR2937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg3ZjpIFBGe4mEO5drBOGXbDip72Z591nUDxBmLaqc757GQ8d2DrgBDQUb0Aor-vW1ZePjP2ptBDrFFney1Ub7s4c2YV05yew2loY37sOD4JgWX1WDP_GXjTtrgPwnJYK36GuwEm0blKs/s320/GOPR2937.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We also got a visit from my bro and his wife, Kylie, and got to show him some of our activities on the island of Atauro (the good, the bad and the ugly)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x3H8I3Qj86iLyb1UvqSoK4j1pPYCE-xJIvwmngaIplMlnuNEPinrG_91_vQ_fXcLXrZSfTcUetdk-30BtYkezWxk_Enx3fN-5Fja50whR7fjJ6ihpv1PIAyOZPcAmf-nEbOeaP8d4zLN/s1600/GOPR2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x3H8I3Qj86iLyb1UvqSoK4j1pPYCE-xJIvwmngaIplMlnuNEPinrG_91_vQ_fXcLXrZSfTcUetdk-30BtYkezWxk_Enx3fN-5Fja50whR7fjJ6ihpv1PIAyOZPcAmf-nEbOeaP8d4zLN/s320/GOPR2946.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Very nice whatsies hanging off the reef - ok, I need to brush up on my marine biology.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY7Y6UsrnrhAtlw9TABngdm349hsPR-yl6JMUXcHcL4PQ1FTcUwoQ0SGLbpwZLWvJpLZHwVOb1z16s3b043cAR49QAJGJ1JaKjzzF4XV46ZMnd488qDh-Cx_MSPkz4sOVbBSX5T4GYIIO/s1600/P8040241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY7Y6UsrnrhAtlw9TABngdm349hsPR-yl6JMUXcHcL4PQ1FTcUwoQ0SGLbpwZLWvJpLZHwVOb1z16s3b043cAR49QAJGJ1JaKjzzF4XV46ZMnd488qDh-Cx_MSPkz4sOVbBSX5T4GYIIO/s320/P8040241.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We got a visit from Sipri, who has now graduated and is a Lieutenant at Kupang.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K4Lwd6Ievsd86a5286shL8_SHE4ymIA6Cpyh0gwaNYUosOMQgQkB53pWJoaBb4_fXLrNqFk4YTk5OdMnnSAoi4Gt_T8d3s4uj6_nQurWtMal2H1mJeVvAumPPry0CxdFHdUOHFU5p0Wf/s1600/P8010220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K4Lwd6Ievsd86a5286shL8_SHE4ymIA6Cpyh0gwaNYUosOMQgQkB53pWJoaBb4_fXLrNqFk4YTk5OdMnnSAoi4Gt_T8d3s4uj6_nQurWtMal2H1mJeVvAumPPry0CxdFHdUOHFU5p0Wf/s320/P8010220.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Cynthia organised a mini-Olympics event with the home school group which was a great success - it included javelin (tooth pics), shot put (coconuts), and high jump (throwing army men) to name a few of the challenging events.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUfwOu_Lnv-mXyIlagZj-x8TpcdszsoHxwc1GSIv2lwgh6_s6sofL8njLzNxCFWBtLxvVGqxOUq6EsvolqAeJ1xUhyjgWxILUJpnufjyH2h62SH5VRd0riUaCXUC0yNgTe9QdHiG7qoTf/s1600/P8210629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUfwOu_Lnv-mXyIlagZj-x8TpcdszsoHxwc1GSIv2lwgh6_s6sofL8njLzNxCFWBtLxvVGqxOUq6EsvolqAeJ1xUhyjgWxILUJpnufjyH2h62SH5VRd0riUaCXUC0yNgTe9QdHiG7qoTf/s320/P8210629.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Today, we did the First Lady's Cup Fun Run - Serenity sets a cracking pace to finish the 10km in 1hr 6 minutes.<br />
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These are just a few of the things we've been up to - for those who've visited, they know a couple of pics probably doesn't cut it. In the end, we thank God for good health and good opportunities to work with the locals here.<br />
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Cynthia's parents have come to help us pack and move out. On Wednesday, the crew will leave Timor-Leste with Serenity and Samuel staying to finish up over 3 more weeks. Many ask what will happen with all that we've been involved in. I say, stay tuned ...Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-76001873592028872032016-05-29T18:18:00.001+10:002016-05-29T18:18:10.157+10:00On the home run<div class="MsoNormal">
Building of the training centre continues with many thanks to Rob who came and helped out with internal
walls and plastering. For the Timorese crew this was
their first major attempt at installing stud frame walls with plaster board
(drywall). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHMmtg3M5uuifamAe5Jjajxc8WNL9ABN701RSvleuM3jf0BjckFmHkuzUIKUM8TzA2QshGDcQZ0YnKAD86xiUKqyokEcOIIf_jeBhypTj0t7ip5iVyE0o28G5We7b4mqAfcqNclFoQPM/s1600/2016-04-28+14.01.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHMmtg3M5uuifamAe5Jjajxc8WNL9ABN701RSvleuM3jf0BjckFmHkuzUIKUM8TzA2QshGDcQZ0YnKAD86xiUKqyokEcOIIf_jeBhypTj0t7ip5iVyE0o28G5We7b4mqAfcqNclFoQPM/s320/2016-04-28+14.01.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Setting up the steel frame - and checking for plumb</i></div>
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We went for steel framing since timber doesn’t come straight or in
standard sizes here. It was a challenge for the guys but they took to it well.
The whole concept of plaster board was brand new to them. Rob’s guiding hand
was great in attacking the job piece by piece starting with the ceiling for 2
large rooms and 2 units. That means a lot of sore arms heaving sheets and
drilling screws. Rob was very patient in showing them how to get a smooth
finish with the plaster which takes a good eye and a steady hand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzzGhIAIgG3O3Px-lbQUn77zgVIo-prvkgS3X433sOsESUx9c5JL6qsYmDkuQZNpuyiUBlhRxFX2yuyNgKuvgPR1ZyrZVoiC50Pv3g21oLNupTCJxiUz7qdtlqbo5_1zmLeRLsFuirA/s1600/2016-04-28+09.02.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzzGhIAIgG3O3Px-lbQUn77zgVIo-prvkgS3X433sOsESUx9c5JL6qsYmDkuQZNpuyiUBlhRxFX2yuyNgKuvgPR1ZyrZVoiC50Pv3g21oLNupTCJxiUz7qdtlqbo5_1zmLeRLsFuirA/s320/2016-04-28+09.02.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;">Rob teaches Amau the finer arts of plastering</i></div>
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We Aussies
are shooting for a completely smooth finish which I sometimes feel is a bit
much to ask of guys born in grass huts. But I think they really like doing a
professional job which they can feel proud of. I think they’re one of the best
building teams in the country. Thanks Rob, for all your help!</div>
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Another challenge was getting large and very heavy solar hot water systems onto the two story roof and into position. It takes 6 guys to pick one up and I think the whole team thought getting it onto the roof was not going to be possible. But then I busted out my pulleys and ropes with an old cart from a mate. We rolled the system onto the curved roof and then up a ramp with pulleys. Then we rolled it along tracks into position. All very safe of course. Amazing what you can achieve with simple machines.</div>
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<i>Solar hot water - a faith building exercise</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaAMzKQqPde1yn16qVxWl42PBeEWp9Ce_f-AAzW-uAKF0T1I_iPX_u1lvpCH_e2BJ-qAyITiGiTmVXRE546LECZlOh1ALdiG4BfpWfIZB5c2Q-M8RFEgZp-Xnv3VJeE_E3ghcsp-3xxg/s1600/2016-04-23+17.10.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaAMzKQqPde1yn16qVxWl42PBeEWp9Ce_f-AAzW-uAKF0T1I_iPX_u1lvpCH_e2BJ-qAyITiGiTmVXRE546LECZlOh1ALdiG4BfpWfIZB5c2Q-M8RFEgZp-Xnv3VJeE_E3ghcsp-3xxg/s320/2016-04-23+17.10.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>On the roof, secured and covered up.</i></div>
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Now we're getting to the end of the main building work. There's still plenty to do in finishing off. We've come to the part of laying tiles which is another big expense. This baby has around 500m2 of flooring. At around $15/m2 laid that'll cost us $7500USD. Long ago I went into red figures so if anyone would like to contribute, now would be much appreciated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV5rguOB5PplmjZFTGmauatdrPm82xjEfiPkqO9pis_ZpaU_UVsw8cFxv8LRhdfBKcseC8MfzoKTab8l2kc7sGcHMahL14A0aA_F06KQqfvTo-KuXg5LwysIruUH4FGQrCt1Loz4g6qE/s1600/IMG_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV5rguOB5PplmjZFTGmauatdrPm82xjEfiPkqO9pis_ZpaU_UVsw8cFxv8LRhdfBKcseC8MfzoKTab8l2kc7sGcHMahL14A0aA_F06KQqfvTo-KuXg5LwysIruUH4FGQrCt1Loz4g6qE/s320/IMG_0490.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Plastering the main training room</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtigG9uRixCt0m_epvM_xVg0QjsIdBMfd6lTaadtQyL8t8ge8Ll39bObBdITs-ZAnbxL0mb0vEYcUQPB1WuNzBuJbhpXZUjAXn8NUceHVYCDqIZ2vedTmjoQSiEmSrN48k-cZ5qZbzi8U/s1600/IMG_0492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtigG9uRixCt0m_epvM_xVg0QjsIdBMfd6lTaadtQyL8t8ge8Ll39bObBdITs-ZAnbxL0mb0vEYcUQPB1WuNzBuJbhpXZUjAXn8NUceHVYCDqIZ2vedTmjoQSiEmSrN48k-cZ5qZbzi8U/s320/IMG_0492.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Amau and me start tiling - a momentus occasion that marks the beginning of the end.</i></div>
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This week the new manager - Nino Xavier will begin work with our first job to get ready for the Salvation Army team from NSW, Australia, to set up sound and run a sound system workshop for church sound guys. Hopefully the above mentioned training room will be operational in a few weeks.</div>
<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-51596362636257856552016-05-03T19:11:00.001+10:002016-05-03T19:11:19.785+10:00Family Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc1Gdd7E08xQas5izGHRrgLpopnSzG911SNlgokCoxkgkNWML0K8CNZbzYMccgxMXl4n4kgPaqJUmTU7WrcwsOu7KJGFf33XPFzlH3uUvyPCFuMOBwjHUpvPwUdSQy2jyaghKzxsRZsc/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc1Gdd7E08xQas5izGHRrgLpopnSzG911SNlgokCoxkgkNWML0K8CNZbzYMccgxMXl4n4kgPaqJUmTU7WrcwsOu7KJGFf33XPFzlH3uUvyPCFuMOBwjHUpvPwUdSQy2jyaghKzxsRZsc/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We recently did a trip to Ossu staying at a hotel at Loihuno.
On the way are old Japanese caves built in World War 2 and rice fields being
planted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GZx9p6dYtvi6UJGljcQlyldW9YP_QtGKfH22mswVi71U-X_oXEww2DIQFYhDDeZ1HapkGCH1-LN6MByRmyMdMxHP3hVUdPwtuHFx20EGIir5bbXSmJ5zcq-woQe713HfddB-01NBHhA/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GZx9p6dYtvi6UJGljcQlyldW9YP_QtGKfH22mswVi71U-X_oXEww2DIQFYhDDeZ1HapkGCH1-LN6MByRmyMdMxHP3hVUdPwtuHFx20EGIir5bbXSmJ5zcq-woQe713HfddB-01NBHhA/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is a very nice river running through the limestone hills with
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPSmAmXhAao2A-Y9CpTD2OApPBOijlhtGxqQvpFASs17okaKLeCVZmD4WRyM88jLSxofrGyBfT9Q_K1_GWTIksj6SAOWGtwExynCVlpvqNvxsH0Lu4Rls7FRujL2jEfX6duDfxnyEO_o/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPSmAmXhAao2A-Y9CpTD2OApPBOijlhtGxqQvpFASs17okaKLeCVZmD4WRyM88jLSxofrGyBfT9Q_K1_GWTIksj6SAOWGtwExynCVlpvqNvxsH0Lu4Rls7FRujL2jEfX6duDfxnyEO_o/s320/IMG_0007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The highlight was climbing up through a tunnel in the
rock and jumping off a 5 m cliff back down to the water. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sn5czJOWn8sNCVUHcx4TZEMjL5AHLkVJXdWlpOYAX5I_l6sN0U2mmK5feXTxXyhNufGWFie0OMl6GWOgyZ2cFYWd02yh51F_9i0zyPW9xwH7RKxvKt7h1oUmQT4v3Q534cUpelyfXF8/s1600/sereninty+leaping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sn5czJOWn8sNCVUHcx4TZEMjL5AHLkVJXdWlpOYAX5I_l6sN0U2mmK5feXTxXyhNufGWFie0OMl6GWOgyZ2cFYWd02yh51F_9i0zyPW9xwH7RKxvKt7h1oUmQT4v3Q534cUpelyfXF8/s320/sereninty+leaping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Serenity flying through the air.</i></div>
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On the way back we
explored the slopes of Manatuto where there are interesting gypsum crystal
formations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6Ne3ukRrEsav31sCTpgU_h_U_HASn0My51qVoQhF5errTe7gC-u2okH_nBtQtLrNcVZvQFzxS7IHxPeZ3KmkR70Q01vdmoPow2j1RniFrIgjBZiU_4dIQV2P4YwfZEDc4LAD-RvAzl4/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6Ne3ukRrEsav31sCTpgU_h_U_HASn0My51qVoQhF5errTe7gC-u2okH_nBtQtLrNcVZvQFzxS7IHxPeZ3KmkR70Q01vdmoPow2j1RniFrIgjBZiU_4dIQV2P4YwfZEDc4LAD-RvAzl4/s320/IMG_0086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Fossicking in Manatuto.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCVP4LBtIwqmYX0rIMAnU8RjXgGMMTKZj3v644yNSE4k58UOB9xq17AHvkiN4t9P-ZDe3URozNhU79y1sPcXfwqkYuOMR6s9F8Bd_XOsy_s9Ig-E7OAcFHKu1sFqmqQhJY_0kjq8edYo/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCVP4LBtIwqmYX0rIMAnU8RjXgGMMTKZj3v644yNSE4k58UOB9xq17AHvkiN4t9P-ZDe3URozNhU79y1sPcXfwqkYuOMR6s9F8Bd_XOsy_s9Ig-E7OAcFHKu1sFqmqQhJY_0kjq8edYo/s320/IMG_0079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Strange crystal formations sparkle in the sunlight.</i></div>
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Kaiyil is beefing up and growing quickly. He has 4 teeth and
enjoys standing up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuqHw5NMDRDDjJWG7yzRDkTqNXWN1jiLR1ZZEbyKnW3KB6hhmY6C5_wuq02UBB6NDtEG1Slm7oQg5K2PfPuoOGCmWoi0KOyJQeZr6tp89wOJTxA1rz8zSymTZcMacggPMKxb2Up5cSLM/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuqHw5NMDRDDjJWG7yzRDkTqNXWN1jiLR1ZZEbyKnW3KB6hhmY6C5_wuq02UBB6NDtEG1Slm7oQg5K2PfPuoOGCmWoi0KOyJQeZr6tp89wOJTxA1rz8zSymTZcMacggPMKxb2Up5cSLM/s320/IMG_0329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Israel got a bunch of nits and conceded to cutting off his locks to reveal a handsome young man.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLOVl7W884chTYoE8Lu6Z8Sc7ltUNE2JIGXyn_J4BdbBVSUMC1PAlu0GpCycjpA9k9CQcGjo2n5pjV0mf1GQteFikPADMsOBgHHGklMZpv5ibmWfV0R-2rBT5LXlNAViSKOM3qUebrx4/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLOVl7W884chTYoE8Lu6Z8Sc7ltUNE2JIGXyn_J4BdbBVSUMC1PAlu0GpCycjpA9k9CQcGjo2n5pjV0mf1GQteFikPADMsOBgHHGklMZpv5ibmWfV0R-2rBT5LXlNAViSKOM3qUebrx4/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEo7uE4OtycXOWlLwQNHXtCJv9ufGIEl3N1N3Sp-FGn-sed_VZktGPifLXoLivZZ1wD7iXzzgRpwHl5iL7P0rvNGSo59_LMZLHUeTeDmpvdLRm1tTrghlZV4-69ykaFqN83gN2LaqkkM/s1600/samuel+midflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEo7uE4OtycXOWlLwQNHXtCJv9ufGIEl3N1N3Sp-FGn-sed_VZktGPifLXoLivZZ1wD7iXzzgRpwHl5iL7P0rvNGSo59_LMZLHUeTeDmpvdLRm1tTrghlZV4-69ykaFqN83gN2LaqkkM/s320/samuel+midflight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Mid-flight</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-51625244953259044592016-04-21T15:13:00.001+10:002016-04-21T15:13:08.477+10:00Annual Report 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve completed an annual report for 2015.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-jpDel14ahlOEdKaS1XY1VMX0U&usp=sharing" target="_blank"> Go to Folder of All Annual Reports</a><br />
<br />
This report
outlines our activities and the budget used to implement them. The report also
includes some thoughts on how Timor-Leste is progressing and the interaction
between faith and culture. The overall income for activities was $43, 695 and
the expenditure $66, 542. The main reason for the negative balance is my
headlong plunge into building the training centre. Hmmm … I hope its worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_ynBxvjFyzqY0GsAFk7_JreL7BnfAkTpS0ohqvMVZGd3oXnGUpM-DRyRl9PFJeq0m8p0jXwYnM8VX3_nK-52XqfkiWU7jdHaAGZZwKfX4BZkQQRkPhgP3F5baSyhYvZpCPsbxVFgDU/s1600/Blog+20160419+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_ynBxvjFyzqY0GsAFk7_JreL7BnfAkTpS0ohqvMVZGd3oXnGUpM-DRyRl9PFJeq0m8p0jXwYnM8VX3_nK-52XqfkiWU7jdHaAGZZwKfX4BZkQQRkPhgP3F5baSyhYvZpCPsbxVFgDU/s1600/Blog+20160419+pic.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-20054711977820834242016-03-24T09:48:00.002+10:002016-03-24T09:48:49.208+10:00Thank you, Amy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t6UonF9qshl2ZKclpFD_dJJ6U_N0gqflvu3FvdwPe9atRZ-K1yHJwmurU6ovmX6UiI_7hxF479ift9md1ZlOuvAn81ViUBmdpBZ4YQErINVC35BhwmrUxefhmT67FZIrg1vcytfH8VQ/s1600/1-20160127_113329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t6UonF9qshl2ZKclpFD_dJJ6U_N0gqflvu3FvdwPe9atRZ-K1yHJwmurU6ovmX6UiI_7hxF479ift9md1ZlOuvAn81ViUBmdpBZ4YQErINVC35BhwmrUxefhmT67FZIrg1vcytfH8VQ/s400/1-20160127_113329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Amy with 2 budding scientists: Israel and Xakira</i></div>
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Over the last three months we have had assistance from Amy.
Amy came over to assist with Serenity and Israel’s schooling while Cynthia
managed the house and cared for Kaiyil. We appreciated her joyful and peaceful
approach. There are few like her who have the courage to come to a country like
this in order to help. We encourage other young people not to forget that God
sends us to love and care for others wherever people may be across this planet.
Lift your eyes and look beyond the horizon of the world you know to other
worlds that are not so far away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyXh0_n5zSuGPR34VTA5nGoi02mNn0Uip5pcRkmI3KoAE9GItb4LsLiKI0BKDTHJwB4njU_eOu6CDyxhBLBq4OggsH7GKur9asdM-QVY1jShIcJL_b4hOLJ-Rj_fPeMFQSQHRyKZfQbw/s1600/2-20160130_125240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyXh0_n5zSuGPR34VTA5nGoi02mNn0Uip5pcRkmI3KoAE9GItb4LsLiKI0BKDTHJwB4njU_eOu6CDyxhBLBq4OggsH7GKur9asdM-QVY1jShIcJL_b4hOLJ-Rj_fPeMFQSQHRyKZfQbw/s400/2-20160130_125240.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<i>Amy got to go on some cool trips to places like this waterfall in Ermera</i></div>
<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-15269235079784048732016-03-21T09:08:00.004+10:002016-03-21T09:08:51.272+10:00Putting on the Roof<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62O1tk9whm5PK86ACMpw2f25T5DA1fj2DxnZuxhGAXO4evJ6ifNCRd4Z8eoTmgteayJJsI1-nLijEh1sf6ivsM1_9KNd34NWnGca6xVb13bFLXZ11vtOgPH-qXM5qMwT_GwTUZ67Qnr0/s1600/2016-03-12+11.39.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62O1tk9whm5PK86ACMpw2f25T5DA1fj2DxnZuxhGAXO4evJ6ifNCRd4Z8eoTmgteayJJsI1-nLijEh1sf6ivsM1_9KNd34NWnGca6xVb13bFLXZ11vtOgPH-qXM5qMwT_GwTUZ67Qnr0/s400/2016-03-12+11.39.02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a big week for the Beto Training Centre. This week we
received delivery of a high quality roof from East Timor Roofing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ph1wSP5GKuYQDXprcxfmbSnesQ4YuqFutyO2_v0eDPFzfa4cxUttez1sNgTOyMJQl96t_hr8O9mBtcd7lV46oOY7X1lfIkXuaAmzw4BK1e94TAtwLTxd5NWhWGZvNQOG1Qumi9OIhs/s1600/2016-03-14+14.16.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ph1wSP5GKuYQDXprcxfmbSnesQ4YuqFutyO2_v0eDPFzfa4cxUttez1sNgTOyMJQl96t_hr8O9mBtcd7lV46oOY7X1lfIkXuaAmzw4BK1e94TAtwLTxd5NWhWGZvNQOG1Qumi9OIhs/s400/2016-03-14+14.16.23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ian and crew unloading the roof.</div>
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We also had a
visit from a couple of guys from Gold Coast & Kingscliff in Australia to
help install the roof. I’d like to thank the person who made a major
contribution for the purchase of the roof.<br />
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I’d also like to thank Rob who
organised things in Australia (but took a fall and couldn’t make it). Also a
big thanks to Ian, a talented man, who was brave enough to come and try his
hand at roofing. And also thanks to Shaun from NewLine Creations who
volunteered his time and expertise to guide us all on the job. Everyday I was
thankful to God that there were no major accidents or falls through this stage
of the work. In fact the biggest battle we had was with the heat and glare from
the roof. We drank gallons of water spiked with a variety of salts, sugars and
apple cider vinegar.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxR5ChQFruPDXrPoCYrnnGLJMa5NTZLsUpsmK1Ar8F2LyESJUaK_eKuHk8eFdG3TRQMHmVqXehuUfEuHdEUu3CccYt5qi5gKsOiz3kPNGwHOM5LdT02VmV2gxcs0Fh5_mgEA5g0sD2Cw/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxR5ChQFruPDXrPoCYrnnGLJMa5NTZLsUpsmK1Ar8F2LyESJUaK_eKuHk8eFdG3TRQMHmVqXehuUfEuHdEUu3CccYt5qi5gKsOiz3kPNGwHOM5LdT02VmV2gxcs0Fh5_mgEA5g0sD2Cw/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxR5ChQFruPDXrPoCYrnnGLJMa5NTZLsUpsmK1Ar8F2LyESJUaK_eKuHk8eFdG3TRQMHmVqXehuUfEuHdEUu3CccYt5qi5gKsOiz3kPNGwHOM5LdT02VmV2gxcs0Fh5_mgEA5g0sD2Cw/s400/IMG_0028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shaun preparing the valley.</div>
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Roof taking shape</div>
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<br /></div>
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It is simply incredible the difference it makes to have a
roof on this place. Somehow it makes the end look achievable and it means that
we can all work in the shade and out of the rain. Next week, Anen and the crew
will finish off the roof with the skills they learnt and then focus on getting
the women’s sewing group into the training centre.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K44cHKPE4ys-2EftEiK9qkJHK9BG3zaHRmYMsQMWzbHBvrzQ97y7NrRHsa1RAm5GSisnz0XATGM_3SILic9s6ib2PKPPD8GaEzbeyihWD89VTZ_D-KUChdkk66JjrbGOcKQ8z12IEj0/s1600/IMG_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K44cHKPE4ys-2EftEiK9qkJHK9BG3zaHRmYMsQMWzbHBvrzQ97y7NrRHsa1RAm5GSisnz0XATGM_3SILic9s6ib2PKPPD8GaEzbeyihWD89VTZ_D-KUChdkk66JjrbGOcKQ8z12IEj0/s320/IMG_0030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Drinking iced tea from a plastic bag!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYYcPhU4Yg9lIU9ptb66cOFGmg4wckeChsEHUHs70pM3cRCdRhG2NwTvHvLNTRTxY7lRFpXCvjskas0bH4KcAKad9pMuuCkpEoE5oZlmK2MidCMBkZC-Aju6PFokQnbz833GdZfhmle8/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYYcPhU4Yg9lIU9ptb66cOFGmg4wckeChsEHUHs70pM3cRCdRhG2NwTvHvLNTRTxY7lRFpXCvjskas0bH4KcAKad9pMuuCkpEoE5oZlmK2MidCMBkZC-Aju6PFokQnbz833GdZfhmle8/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apoli really appreciated learning new skills</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbNtZWXRH3-caXYMyKX1W_gb7AVorRzSMuiNRJJPlH8JCH4jcmZj04VHiIULMNk2qDqcvRRLsWL4CeGQPloiMR9Sv_-YXZSlbbbsLpz6u0aV_Y4csjRRz3D86IfbW_o-zfoIsbTNVYKM/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbNtZWXRH3-caXYMyKX1W_gb7AVorRzSMuiNRJJPlH8JCH4jcmZj04VHiIULMNk2qDqcvRRLsWL4CeGQPloiMR9Sv_-YXZSlbbbsLpz6u0aV_Y4csjRRz3D86IfbW_o-zfoIsbTNVYKM/s320/IMG_0036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Roof nearly done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mX4sF1dO1nL_9FMcQWgyOWIlUIZN2FFLrUnaR_AiYFQqrUuCSeppaW3KuEW_hKZDeF-eHxiDnAqgCmJV0FhysC8vseqgavJ7unQTvUUTx8mU7pSo76CE0GInw2p4bMiziuQBztDEODw/s1600/IMG_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mX4sF1dO1nL_9FMcQWgyOWIlUIZN2FFLrUnaR_AiYFQqrUuCSeppaW3KuEW_hKZDeF-eHxiDnAqgCmJV0FhysC8vseqgavJ7unQTvUUTx8mU7pSo76CE0GInw2p4bMiziuQBztDEODw/s320/IMG_0041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of the crew - thanks guys!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-68990490152101545462016-02-29T19:11:00.000+10:002016-02-29T19:11:36.819+10:00Progress of the 2nd Floor<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">The
guys here are doing a great job with laying block on the second floor. They
continue to use the new skills they learnt from the Darwin crew that came up a
few weeks ago and their block laying keeps improving. If fact, many of their
skills are improving as they think ahead to the next stages of construction.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKjUIrP9HduZhCII1IwfpNGplrYcSUj8qydB9OvFydARVrmhhzHvB2t5hCB-pMRbWzEcNXsIzCLEZAd0R8X7ZfepZo5aDABxw_C_AiPSCPQQ4yXj8honr_iPQWqdnoNSr7S0m0lbZefQ/s1600/2016-02-27+08.37.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKjUIrP9HduZhCII1IwfpNGplrYcSUj8qydB9OvFydARVrmhhzHvB2t5hCB-pMRbWzEcNXsIzCLEZAd0R8X7ZfepZo5aDABxw_C_AiPSCPQQ4yXj8honr_iPQWqdnoNSr7S0m0lbZefQ/s400/2016-02-27+08.37.01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>View of the front - how very dull.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All
the blocks on the second floor are now laid and they have fitted in most of the
window timber work. This week they’ll be setting up to pour a beam of concrete
around the top. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQhI3_3i5EqzedDVvVIFx9F5cJXt-YvvIDoUFQsjYoOqN5-u71G2neHKBojvKP1LSpCL6eZgHHW5IyrHfTm4Xxdk6QUNp_NO0XC2QeJa3rTgKHpUkfZCNueLxex0P8gWo28ii2wRbm6o/s1600/2016-02-27+15.47.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQhI3_3i5EqzedDVvVIFx9F5cJXt-YvvIDoUFQsjYoOqN5-u71G2neHKBojvKP1LSpCL6eZgHHW5IyrHfTm4Xxdk6QUNp_NO0XC2QeJa3rTgKHpUkfZCNueLxex0P8gWo28ii2wRbm6o/s320/2016-02-27+15.47.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Upstairs the loo is keen to be installed. </i></div>
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<i>A couple of Solar HWS I picked up for $15 each are in the background. Will they work?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tvBtninHKqrExeuSa9ulYGGD-mYgfHwp7_DoMYYRit3uDrqu1K8Vz3jP9R1ezfl_K3VWpI6z3xAdhLGjfrH9F0jgyAmMiNLGLNr_jWPd9oJNmcotfSHD0b7wI3kAszRMczALR61NG0Q/s1600/2016-02-27+15.48.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tvBtninHKqrExeuSa9ulYGGD-mYgfHwp7_DoMYYRit3uDrqu1K8Vz3jP9R1ezfl_K3VWpI6z3xAdhLGjfrH9F0jgyAmMiNLGLNr_jWPd9oJNmcotfSHD0b7wI3kAszRMczALR61NG0Q/s320/2016-02-27+15.48.23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Apoli and Benito install window timbers</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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The challenge is to get it all done by March 14<sup>th</sup>
when another team of 3-4 Australians plan to come and put on the roof. This
will be a metal kit roof from East Timor Roofing. With thanks to a kind
donation we need only another $4000-$5000 AUD to complete the payment for the
roof. If you have building skills and would like to join the team it would be
greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I also had “fun” putting up the curved ceiling in the main
training centre. This is an experiment in curves which I like. Each curved
sheet is 8m long and curved at 12m radius. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCDwnPBtCC0d1A3u3mkpgaG6g35NcA4l9G13GwDRsgcGOJZlNyj1sBf96ggX-mtN3V0fv8MHM04RdzSk6WHM0MV51mOHvE_T7Hseed0sL1eTUCIhH1tehK3uJ6cOngVLCJh2wA5Kbahs/s1600/2016-02-27+15.45.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCDwnPBtCC0d1A3u3mkpgaG6g35NcA4l9G13GwDRsgcGOJZlNyj1sBf96ggX-mtN3V0fv8MHM04RdzSk6WHM0MV51mOHvE_T7Hseed0sL1eTUCIhH1tehK3uJ6cOngVLCJh2wA5Kbahs/s400/2016-02-27+15.45.42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It takes about 4 guys huffing and
puffing to hold the sheet up to the ceiling and then I get around and screw it
off as quickly and accurately as I can. The whole roof is feeling very strong
and looking great. Next we put in holes for lights, fans and a data projector.
Insulation will go on top and then another sheet of roofing. Very exciting and
we like the cool echoes it makes from underneath. Anen would like to make his
own curved roof when he gets a chance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxQkIfaZ6FOjzFSTTraDByc_xS3b2MdEzJXoZAJWwNrYl6rRQrvydmbm2lZt3qOGlSsPKAqMTWbZVzRuk-dGkH_pIlQajlPa9Rt2RW2kxKb6bQ7C4ZvJdpIrLgdg4HxBXKRQfA6EpwBI/s1600/2016-02-27+15.40.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxQkIfaZ6FOjzFSTTraDByc_xS3b2MdEzJXoZAJWwNrYl6rRQrvydmbm2lZt3qOGlSsPKAqMTWbZVzRuk-dGkH_pIlQajlPa9Rt2RW2kxKb6bQ7C4ZvJdpIrLgdg4HxBXKRQfA6EpwBI/s400/2016-02-27+15.40.46.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Anen worn out after putting up the ceiling.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4lG2174j0-8mwKwQwLJUaJa0zxQyCi5IYo-1tS0YcnzNreyofHkjWP19-THoZpE0lrg6jlsmROVEnws288wASw7dC1Ye0tX67STB96c7y26CQbMx5JYRHoVmgHfeZ5pNlqCaMTbah6A/s1600/2016-02-27+15.44.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4lG2174j0-8mwKwQwLJUaJa0zxQyCi5IYo-1tS0YcnzNreyofHkjWP19-THoZpE0lrg6jlsmROVEnws288wASw7dC1Ye0tX67STB96c7y26CQbMx5JYRHoVmgHfeZ5pNlqCaMTbah6A/s400/2016-02-27+15.44.09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>A man and his cathedral.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-16989201830976917842016-02-16T09:10:00.000+10:002016-02-16T09:10:15.535+10:00The Next Level<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Yij6GkjmFF6B6EFmNJRRJ5NVW35V46-kaCeUvji-hhLYOkfKYPg-DCSU_sCMyW4FX-AqhMrxDX-I30SZBqly9yHf9SV6EBziV2Id50Ih2qqSz_9PvdpXWfodJTTlu8ZO6XqQC4Eh6M/s1600/2016-02-05+08.38.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Yij6GkjmFF6B6EFmNJRRJ5NVW35V46-kaCeUvji-hhLYOkfKYPg-DCSU_sCMyW4FX-AqhMrxDX-I30SZBqly9yHf9SV6EBziV2Id50Ih2qqSz_9PvdpXWfodJTTlu8ZO6XqQC4Eh6M/s320/2016-02-05+08.38.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Training Centre has had an amazing boost with three
great men coming from Darwin. Anen and his Timorese team worked hard to get the
second floor slab laid. Then the Crossroads Church supported Huy to come and
assist with laying blocks on the second level. He was eagerly joined by Mark
and Graham. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo14lUAgxuCCutSSszNOQrnECqo44RAMkaU3QEdOo5dzjNaGIhCVwFz5BBP1BKwERNC9hPr5lthbUOTWnn6mCjG9R-D3nWTQmTNPJtuQUJnDZ4bD7H95QujDO4AGSkrFn7mp9DKuIbYs/s1600/2016-02-08+12.10.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo14lUAgxuCCutSSszNOQrnECqo44RAMkaU3QEdOo5dzjNaGIhCVwFz5BBP1BKwERNC9hPr5lthbUOTWnn6mCjG9R-D3nWTQmTNPJtuQUJnDZ4bD7H95QujDO4AGSkrFn7mp9DKuIbYs/s320/2016-02-08+12.10.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all took a week out of their lives in Darwin to come and offer
some sweat and skill to the building. Apart from laying blocks, the main
objective was to increase the skill of the Timorese. They could lay the blocks
fairly plumb but were struggling to consistently lay blocks level. The men came
and showed them how to lay up the corner blocks and then set up the string line
along the very top corner edge.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlBT4Hq4DgqQiXUQUwH_uUdVHwMZFyXnAkcwFFsH3vv8Y37nueLt_RqPSCJsFv0ZRD3gRbdd4pbGd7kkAq-bhP37fFfnLOU_aJSDcdu4z_4Sg91aAmOUdqJvZr65aU7bdva3P_Xhza8U/s1600/2016-02-08+12.11.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlBT4Hq4DgqQiXUQUwH_uUdVHwMZFyXnAkcwFFsH3vv8Y37nueLt_RqPSCJsFv0ZRD3gRbdd4pbGd7kkAq-bhP37fFfnLOU_aJSDcdu4z_4Sg91aAmOUdqJvZr65aU7bdva3P_Xhza8U/s320/2016-02-08+12.11.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcTmUFGeF6Qdm-QLf9ZOiXMqpYcAtGpWsftHot44oPCvKldd0WIY20Y74HHN87Wxm2hyphenhyphen8H1cHTaFkgkziulZqR6KUqmKd8vrXOnpII7mFWlK1fpl9VPQvtu0X3KNxjY5xoh7lvWOOlFM/s1600/2016-02-08+12.10.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcTmUFGeF6Qdm-QLf9ZOiXMqpYcAtGpWsftHot44oPCvKldd0WIY20Y74HHN87Wxm2hyphenhyphen8H1cHTaFkgkziulZqR6KUqmKd8vrXOnpII7mFWlK1fpl9VPQvtu0X3KNxjY5xoh7lvWOOlFM/s320/2016-02-08+12.10.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We were also blessed with a bunch of quality plumbing
fittings – for 5 bathrooms! O dear, what are we building?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next challenge is to get the rest of the blocks laid and
the top concrete beam on in preparation for another team coming in March to put
the main roof on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The roof is going to be quite expensive at $16000USD. If
you’d like to contribute we could do with some help. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-41761893760434533882016-02-02T07:55:00.001+10:002016-02-02T08:12:08.936+10:00Mountains of Liquica<br />
The warm humid month of January is over and all is well here
in Timor-Leste. Easter must be a romantic time of year
because we have 3 birthdays to celebrate in this month – Serenity, sweet 16,
Israel, the big double digits and Xakira, a cute 3 year old. Kaiyil is a happy
little chap now at 4 months and just learning push ups. Cynthia is bravely
holding the fort together with the invaluable assistance of Emmy and Amy who
has come from Australia to assist in home schooling.<br />
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We went on a trip to Bazartete in the mountains of Liquica
this week. The mountains are very beautiful in the wet season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Nnw0nCMIr2ASetvTR618vuLNCXUSYrvcqcVP4lf09RagEfpCxGm505jLbVpZwjxSdirMljVrtxKRwt7M8WLuyZiWSwTONH9GUYCvikt9kdh9e9f-ZbJxdVHKiEF5fRXnTr7UoRAYnrX/s1600/2016-01-30+12.47.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Nnw0nCMIr2ASetvTR618vuLNCXUSYrvcqcVP4lf09RagEfpCxGm505jLbVpZwjxSdirMljVrtxKRwt7M8WLuyZiWSwTONH9GUYCvikt9kdh9e9f-ZbJxdVHKiEF5fRXnTr7UoRAYnrX/s320/2016-01-30+12.47.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>a cool waterfall on the way from Bazartete to Liquica</i></div>
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Along the way, we stopped at a school with an awesome veggie garden
and I just had to go and ask how they did it. The secret ingredient I think was
a very humble nun from Japan. Then they also had some other key features like
seed, water, fence and security.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvd6Ao9LWNhQby3YChu9sb7owTxLht-DVrw_8qcT1bo4oCFZTWkmLOVXzAGX0P3VubZtwbT6JegML5mNI0FQuaPQdJiw5HSRd-oRuqk64H76ZEkJ_nxZEApeNcvp04J6RqscS-JjW7sTv/s1600/School+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvd6Ao9LWNhQby3YChu9sb7owTxLht-DVrw_8qcT1bo4oCFZTWkmLOVXzAGX0P3VubZtwbT6JegML5mNI0FQuaPQdJiw5HSRd-oRuqk64H76ZEkJ_nxZEApeNcvp04J6RqscS-JjW7sTv/s320/School+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The school in Bazartete</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4FKKmWZgMULJVINQfAXDqeHCkepUBjiL9l8gLhMMgDcP8Vn83yXV08mW-iWWlBkCDAuBv1MMg81KeY7nbwFWm27OhK9wVXbzaucmqrO-DRA076vbHYrACjs-k2XV5lajjs-7gCP6aY-v/s1600/2016-01-30+11.40.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4FKKmWZgMULJVINQfAXDqeHCkepUBjiL9l8gLhMMgDcP8Vn83yXV08mW-iWWlBkCDAuBv1MMg81KeY7nbwFWm27OhK9wVXbzaucmqrO-DRA076vbHYrACjs-k2XV5lajjs-7gCP6aY-v/s320/2016-01-30+11.40.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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awesome vegetables are hard to grow</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bd0HCl6nVkZ8U8NI-u6flNUpqAzhXbTaZY_7W4znCkRU3o1eWuLPsYHlMYZ-WHGL97o28ShJMwsoRmGEuYUkYdhp5OeBDlw3CFEN5KgGcD97wdDz-Ir-JrAFvW6_wqaZeW5xM4mO2pyU/s1600/2016-01-30+11.41.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bd0HCl6nVkZ8U8NI-u6flNUpqAzhXbTaZY_7W4znCkRU3o1eWuLPsYHlMYZ-WHGL97o28ShJMwsoRmGEuYUkYdhp5OeBDlw3CFEN5KgGcD97wdDz-Ir-JrAFvW6_wqaZeW5xM4mO2pyU/s320/2016-01-30+11.41.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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having a good fence to keep out cows is an essential ingredient</div>
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We happened to have a large water filter set with us so I gave
it to the school so they would not need to keep boiling water.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaLBtySEcbP33hRGm3eN92Eql400u6KQvIcj9YRtJwe4-edD9ZY6Je66G5w2vcimHO-0MxS1iWg-r00peCxHz95eD0D-BSIDzeyc1k_-4kghX_ArrrrnSoabMZI-E9l7qXZNE7diIcbDN/s1600/2016-01-30+12.16.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaLBtySEcbP33hRGm3eN92Eql400u6KQvIcj9YRtJwe4-edD9ZY6Je66G5w2vcimHO-0MxS1iWg-r00peCxHz95eD0D-BSIDzeyc1k_-4kghX_ArrrrnSoabMZI-E9l7qXZNE7diIcbDN/s320/2016-01-30+12.16.19.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we came down into Liquica and met with Adina and Ajina operating a small local mission in their part of town. We were able to
provide them with a roll of chicken wire for use in making either a fence for a vegetable
garden or a chicken pen. Thank you very much to a kind church in Grafton who
has provided funds for 5 rolls of chicken wire to go to local pastors to assist
them in their livelihoods.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFw8UnDpRj_242qXBCFEn2aO3T2u209PDZhpeRGRzd54XtfXzB2WiPT6Bz58q76o56C3MRCCdjfwkAbaSBmHOTneBsbbBu3dz90puITUir-Md1cTXkLNC5YA0kATJPfbaRX7dI-1hM6L5/s1600/2016-01-30+15.48.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFw8UnDpRj_242qXBCFEn2aO3T2u209PDZhpeRGRzd54XtfXzB2WiPT6Bz58q76o56C3MRCCdjfwkAbaSBmHOTneBsbbBu3dz90puITUir-Md1cTXkLNC5YA0kATJPfbaRX7dI-1hM6L5/s320/2016-01-30+15.48.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The training centre is moving along and we have been able to
pour the rest of the slab on the second floor. I look forward to working with 3
great men from Darwin this week to help us raise the walls on the training
centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7ATojPohIpYbp_5bndItSR7UTp_Bv9qTwljly6c4lhR8mZcUdHOSCoDgoer-0rf2_p_QkcL62-TPVQhCh9REgueUjuYtW77N_TO5MsmT-qwekK9DTBcRoqW8yMntQPBaXjqo3usAUh61/s1600/2016-01-09+16.23.10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7ATojPohIpYbp_5bndItSR7UTp_Bv9qTwljly6c4lhR8mZcUdHOSCoDgoer-0rf2_p_QkcL62-TPVQhCh9REgueUjuYtW77N_TO5MsmT-qwekK9DTBcRoqW8yMntQPBaXjqo3usAUh61/s320/2016-01-09+16.23.10.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwGYNRvBLwP2KFmlvq9jKXOOrQma60hyphenhyphenOB2rVpSHWk-DO1Hgf31VMz75CDsz8VLVgOYNBbClGO7vR82LbKLHoRV2xxU079ugjx4N8gasrM3jJ0IWAL1HGBgG5WHawu7dUv6OmfrBnTqC/s1600/2016-01-09+16.24.20.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwGYNRvBLwP2KFmlvq9jKXOOrQma60hyphenhyphenOB2rVpSHWk-DO1Hgf31VMz75CDsz8VLVgOYNBbClGO7vR82LbKLHoRV2xxU079ugjx4N8gasrM3jJ0IWAL1HGBgG5WHawu7dUv6OmfrBnTqC/s320/2016-01-09+16.24.20.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
building the walls around the front of the centre<br />
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Preparing for the slab to be poured</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-70250678985380006472016-01-19T08:03:00.001+10:002016-01-19T08:03:55.225+10:00Timor Corn Husker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5BojouaQrpMFmLz8hBm0aR_E810hIfTJiPBf8uJSu8o_FQyZY_hyIP01tzLA83XpuL3gT9XKnVrcbDXlHH5BM25TvAnLV9zXdvOmCMDQB7LUyHzw0r827XIhNlIQxhqbr2HP6xRksH4/s1600/20160116_175829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5BojouaQrpMFmLz8hBm0aR_E810hIfTJiPBf8uJSu8o_FQyZY_hyIP01tzLA83XpuL3gT9XKnVrcbDXlHH5BM25TvAnLV9zXdvOmCMDQB7LUyHzw0r827XIhNlIQxhqbr2HP6xRksH4/s320/20160116_175829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What these? a new fishing hook? No! Corn huskers ofcourse.</div>
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Have you ever needed to husk corn by hand? In the good old days, when farmers were heroes, they moved down the rows of corn, opened up the sheath (those leaves around the cob) and picked out the cob and threw it into a cart pulled along by a horse. There were a number of different tools to help farmers open the sheath and some of them were strapped to the wrist. The typical husker is made of a leather strap and tough sheet metal. We don't have that sort of raw material and skills here so I've fashioned a simple hook made of 5mm reo bar which is very common here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LumwA1y7O-ikB23b_O6J4OpfNaMKiX7WULMvV6fispG-ACiACf7FqTgeTqzeAxZBhboWeNS2BjPo99Xea-fNzIr8TiurTXZ96MQUG7TGWj0oojDmzbdEXTZnJvswHi0IJCk3bceqmKI/s1600/20160116_102255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LumwA1y7O-ikB23b_O6J4OpfNaMKiX7WULMvV6fispG-ACiACf7FqTgeTqzeAxZBhboWeNS2BjPo99Xea-fNzIr8TiurTXZ96MQUG7TGWj0oojDmzbdEXTZnJvswHi0IJCk3bceqmKI/s320/20160116_102255.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trick is in the bending to get it to fit right. </div>
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Then we made a simple cloth strap with velcro at the end (because we could, you could just tie it, buckle or whatever).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uKr33xQGuLb-8w5HMAI4IYk-VGbeTD5_qZZzOIMaT0GK3PQRx0IaWRbU51E-aJeVMKH0TSGrWggmd4wAoS8-hDpp6k5wMqHpUB2ENFOy-HSEmzYSnUvME7hRYGlIV1WOJ-Du-Sbderw/s1600/20160116_102009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uKr33xQGuLb-8w5HMAI4IYk-VGbeTD5_qZZzOIMaT0GK3PQRx0IaWRbU51E-aJeVMKH0TSGrWggmd4wAoS8-hDpp6k5wMqHpUB2ENFOy-HSEmzYSnUvME7hRYGlIV1WOJ-Du-Sbderw/s320/20160116_102009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a couple of turns the hook is placed on the wrist, the strap is wrapped around 3-4 times after this to hold it on well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzlqqTnHVK-XAXc6f3i2HTmw_LjHJZk-gYFhyphenhyphenFuLq8RLNCXUEHnlNev4sjdYtsV_uw2zL6BDLjjII_1or3OkJFe2brLSExuoxhonhq9sjzrVyIiCmoAWtx8bYUY9JgoA_zntdlCJbTfo/s1600/20160116_102136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzlqqTnHVK-XAXc6f3i2HTmw_LjHJZk-gYFhyphenhyphenFuLq8RLNCXUEHnlNev4sjdYtsV_uw2zL6BDLjjII_1or3OkJFe2brLSExuoxhonhq9sjzrVyIiCmoAWtx8bYUY9JgoA_zntdlCJbTfo/s200/20160116_102136.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3ua4ftbCAj4SQ5anZ2WE6MMWqismi0nuHrYn3Q3kP2NdVkBiCLxP1SmXxCf-tgrIhXKvlwU-oFY6W2s9KR03veOj-55ut3KNtBRwcP-PWrfmUDwM7Mztcu7uUBzMKrFsEyF6BADQQ8c/s1600/20160116_102153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3ua4ftbCAj4SQ5anZ2WE6MMWqismi0nuHrYn3Q3kP2NdVkBiCLxP1SmXxCf-tgrIhXKvlwU-oFY6W2s9KR03veOj-55ut3KNtBRwcP-PWrfmUDwM7Mztcu7uUBzMKrFsEyF6BADQQ8c/s200/20160116_102153.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The fine women at Bele Kria cutting and sewing up 150 straps for corn huskers.</div>
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<br />
Thanks to Seeds of Life, they bought 150 of these and yesterday we handed them out to lead farmers of commercial seed producing associations. We are hoping they can test them on farm and give us feedback if they work on not.<br />
The idea for the hook came from testing last year with Lino, the corn farmer. He said that when they looked at my prototype last year (it didn't work) they decided they'd take the concept but just take a nail into the field. Then we tried bending a long nail but switched to reo for length and ease of bending. In fact coming up with new ideas takes about 3 years - 1st year to identify the problem, 2nd year testing prototypes, 3rd year delivering the final concept. Now I realise it probably takes another 3 years to scale up and get into the market place.<br />
<br />
O, and farmers are still my heroes, its a tough game out there in the paddock especially during El Nino on the western side of the Pacific. Next time you eat, thank God for the farmers who grew your food.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-65462997798236112302016-01-04T19:03:00.001+10:002016-01-04T19:03:46.344+10:00Welcome 2016!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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We’re back in Timor-Leste after a small Christmas break in
Australia. We’ve had a few days off at home here in TL to think about what is
in store for 2016.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The tribe of 6</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I would like to be more disciplined this year. I’d like to
spend more time each morning praying and reading the Bible. I’m even getting
into Google Calendar and trying to set up a schedule. Let’s see how long that
lasts. I’m a believer in setting new year’s resolutions. I think they should be
challenging but achievable. In 2015 one resolution I had was to read through
the New Testament in the year and I got to the last chapter on December 31.
Resolutions add a bit of sparkle to your life.</div>
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I’d also like to encourage others more so I’ve taken the
concept of mentoring more seriously. That is, to consciously get alongside
people and encourage them in their life or be there for them if they need
someone to listen to. This year I’ll set out to mentor 4 men – 2 Timorese and 2
Australians. I don’t specifically tell them so you can try to figure out if
it’s you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, something else for this year is actively supporting
local pastors here in Timor-Leste with financial support. I don’t really know
where this is going but I think it is something that rich Christians from
developed countries should do.</div>
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That’s some things in my personal life. Out there in the
world I’ve got a whole mayhem of activity that slides along more or less in and
out of control. The agriculture project, Seeds of Life, will come to an end so
I hope to have passed on some ag research skills as well as a functional weather
station network. Hopefully the training centre will be built and up and
running. I hope to make some real progress on getting the Salvation Army to
come to Timor-Leste. And, we will be shifting back to Australia sometime around
August to live there.</div>
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2016 will be a big year for us, so I’d better leave this
blog and get stuck into it!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-18389975742287518612015-12-23T14:08:00.001+10:002015-12-23T14:08:42.712+10:00CurvesI like curves. Domes, arches, waves - I don't think we were made to live in square boxes. Somehow, though, we think its cheaper and more efficient to make straight lines. We think that a bed wont fit well into a circular room. So we put a square bed into a square room and then hop into bed with our curvey body. Strange.<br />
So I hope from now on I can put a curve at least somewhere into every building I build. We are experimenting with a curved roof in the training centre for the main training room. My Timorese mate, Anen, somehow continues to take my crazy ideas in his stride and together we weld up a curved set of 'rafters' or roof members.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQnC7mjcVcffmGY-vs36GQoBDzhcBI7kDraPsozLSr2VEymCxJakZe-QnPn88JkekEMNi5awmlCEgAEDQYaLsQVggFBk_J1sW5ate9nQ6sfNnMcyWHVDDMatZigVpUFaFfDJ6ffzJCEU/s1600/2015-11-13+14.11.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQnC7mjcVcffmGY-vs36GQoBDzhcBI7kDraPsozLSr2VEymCxJakZe-QnPn88JkekEMNi5awmlCEgAEDQYaLsQVggFBk_J1sW5ate9nQ6sfNnMcyWHVDDMatZigVpUFaFfDJ6ffzJCEU/s320/2015-11-13+14.11.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was asked how I knew it would be strong enough. I replied that once it was built we would get up on top and jump around a bit and see if it wobbles. Its a non-technical approach but it might work.<br />
My curved trusses are 200mm wide using 1" (25mm) gal steel water pipe. This was flexible enough to bend around in a curve by itself. 4 lengths are curved and welded to some zig-zag 10mm reo-bar steel. Then for the purlins that hold the roof sheeting, 2 C-channel 100mm steel lengths are welded together and slid in and attached to the 'trusses'. East Timor Roofing, in Baucau, kindly agreed to curve their zincalume sheeting to a 12m metre radius. The whole thing is a bit of a pig to put together but it is a bit fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r4ZTkU49ixckODXogUkXm9ZfHBecwLqFmhkY2SqoTrrAQsgUSA8xzvhMXjeKxCjyAykiiHwbaar19R3VAGy5Cb4kemyfR1llDdM5v4TDnh6qMHEwO3LxFTI9JiXG-aoqlxaYSDLqqeg/s1600/2015-12-19+16.10.48.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r4ZTkU49ixckODXogUkXm9ZfHBecwLqFmhkY2SqoTrrAQsgUSA8xzvhMXjeKxCjyAykiiHwbaar19R3VAGy5Cb4kemyfR1llDdM5v4TDnh6qMHEwO3LxFTI9JiXG-aoqlxaYSDLqqeg/s400/2015-12-19+16.10.48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The main training room getting a curved roof</i></div>
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I have been known to do dumber things in the past. We once built a dome sort of home out of straw bales. One of my many mistakes in that particular venture was that I sourced local straw bales from a soy bean farm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlhQ1Cl2U8wiVO4SJhD15K7piz9HnjWOx625C9xRjfYIAy5E6qefxTfutdoRBOumHrK9NOR30Q1eg86WL0f0p3iK5faZYeedFQ4bZjF784jyiESoDUn5KSxa8VqX_yU1JfTbSbkFZbNk/s1600/P1010312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlhQ1Cl2U8wiVO4SJhD15K7piz9HnjWOx625C9xRjfYIAy5E6qefxTfutdoRBOumHrK9NOR30Q1eg86WL0f0p3iK5faZYeedFQ4bZjF784jyiESoDUn5KSxa8VqX_yU1JfTbSbkFZbNk/s400/P1010312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Building our first home with curves - its basically a dome. On the left is a sleeping arch.</i></div>
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The fatal flaw was that there were small soy beans mixed within the bales. The mice thought these were very yummy and proceeded to eat our house. Drat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2GwEl0fhL3z7l7GuSaLqYBYG9Ef15olvhowQScv1V3FJA08sbISAi3x2hCL7wYOXgom_3UHiP-gegpDDH3pES40NQd3pQ_9WY9BnYneNTMpEtmKeXBYcjKRPGk81gVxXYAPWUVOCKWQ/s1600/igloo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2GwEl0fhL3z7l7GuSaLqYBYG9Ef15olvhowQScv1V3FJA08sbISAi3x2hCL7wYOXgom_3UHiP-gegpDDH3pES40NQd3pQ_9WY9BnYneNTMpEtmKeXBYcjKRPGk81gVxXYAPWUVOCKWQ/s400/igloo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It had a skylight using helicopter grade perspex. It was coated with local clay mixed with hydrated lime and Clarence river sand. Part of the house had a grass roof. We had solar panels and carried water from the river. Israel is about 2, and Serenity 8.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-39451279172588842472015-12-11T14:09:00.002+10:002015-12-23T14:20:39.691+10:00Weather stationsIn one of my worlds I help the Ministry of Agriculture with weather stations and climate research.<br />
I'm testing a new mapping technique which I thought I would put up here.<br />
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<iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zMUxETx2HGCo.k3WkmR2Tv2Xg" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shows all the weather stations MAF/SoL operate (well at least plan to operate).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The little map makes it all so easy but when I view it my mind starts thinking back to history, adventures and future possibilities. Here's some picks of the crew and I out at Loes Agriculture research station upgrading sensors to the weather station.</span><br />
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A weather station installed on a Government Agriculture Research station.</div>
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Measuring down to install the soil moisture metre.</div>
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Sensors - wind speed, solar radiation, rain, wind direction, temperature,humidity, soil temps and soil moisture. These are all sampled every minute and the data logged into the box (with wires) every 15 minutes.</div>
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The team - some local friends from the Timorese Govt as well as a couple from German and Portuguese organisations.</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-45691499779608890862015-11-28T18:55:00.001+10:002015-11-28T18:55:14.352+10:00Testing the filterThe whole family has now gone back to Oz as Samuel attended the TropAg Conference in Brisbane.<br />
We used this opportunity to bring two water filters to Australia. I've been hoping for more than 12 months to get the ceramic filter tested for its ability to stop bacteria getting through. After a number of attempts, I decided the best way was just to do it myself. Surprisingly, there do not seem to be many laboratories set up for this sort of thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxLTICHY1IviTBDfLY1THOWvNwCrq-2NWS47MmU1B05wNOoX2gmUWIqyGG_tQsuKll_z1wuAGiHSQgtDqnuqcVW0DgohfCFBNlKhZ3Am19x94_WBuDjkGZVJ-8m215LvN4-pub_6Htk4/s1600/2015-11-25+11.59.20+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxLTICHY1IviTBDfLY1THOWvNwCrq-2NWS47MmU1B05wNOoX2gmUWIqyGG_tQsuKll_z1wuAGiHSQgtDqnuqcVW0DgohfCFBNlKhZ3Am19x94_WBuDjkGZVJ-8m215LvN4-pub_6Htk4/s400/2015-11-25+11.59.20+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Setting up the water filter in the lab</i></div>
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Richmond Water Laboratories in Lismore were willing to have a go and they were very helpful and friendly. I had to go down town, buy a plastic container and carve a hole in it to set up the filter. They will put in some highly contaminated water (like from a sewerage system) and run it through the filter. This is referred to as testing "total coliform" - or all the bugs in the water. Then they will take a sample after it has passed through the filter and incubate on petrie dishes to see if any colonies grow. I hope it works or else I'm back to the drawing board on water filtration for Timor.<br />
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<i>Israel found his dream car in Yamba - a Morris Minor. Its shorter than him!</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250211499608012642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-12929907902448634202015-11-08T23:09:00.001+10:002015-11-08T23:09:02.029+10:00Lino and the Ambassador<p>My good friend Lino, the humble corn farmer, has been on a long journey. He lives in a small village in Lautem, the eastern most district of Timor-Leste. He’s what we call “salt of the earth” with “a heart of gold.” He’s ready to have a go at most things I throw at him even though he is really not sure how its going to turn out. But it seems that God continues to bless him. Recently, the Australian Embassy contacted Seeds of Life (SoL) and said the Australian Ambassador is going out to Los Palos and wants to see a farmers group. Lino’s group, <em>Buras Hamutuk </em>(Grow Well Together), have now become the third largest corn seed producers in the country and so SoL suggested he goes and visits Lino! So they borrowed the neighbour’s biggest tarp, and a few special tables and table cloths and plates. They went and dug up extra sweet potato, cassava and peanuts to make a special morning tea. The one hour visit from the Ambassador was going to be a big do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8TVlyZNEmg/Vj9I-Pr-ceI/AAAAAAAAFc0/yL9Mc3DUOSM/s1600-h/DSCN1066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN1066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN1066" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVpvkxfzJPs/Vj9I_-CGRtI/AAAAAAAAFc8/I2M_mvwDe74/DSCN1066_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="329"></a></p> <p><em>The Ambassador and other important people meet with Lino’s group under the tarp.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zamISy9tSLI/Vj9JB3BpHMI/AAAAAAAAFdA/XG2Z4mxIOak/s1600-h/DSCN1088%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN1088" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN1088" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrjoYmH61Jw/Vj9JDoXKGGI/AAAAAAAAFdE/_KOZ90ahQRs/DSCN1088_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="381"></a></p> <p><em>Sharing morning tea with the Ambassador.</em></p> <p>Lino now has some cool tech to show off: 2000L silos, seed packing equipment, drums for seed storage, shelling machines, planting tools, grinder, seed screen, flour sifter, rust proof fencing and a husking tool. Some of these were new to SoL as we generally experiment ourselves before taking to the big organisation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT6jzDBB-UA/Vj9JFgnUZbI/AAAAAAAAFdI/EKvqIvT46hs/s1600-h/DSCN1051%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN1051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN1051" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefKma6d5UT4BkiQQuavUdGI9wA7uvYdGjtgic2i_3ReFzQ-swqH1l5aTu4KyFdfks7hC-VOaYri06qf8r2mT9Gnq2NTVHLNbdb37HAEuWzOC5-m7ES2kMyrUhGjVHx2m34R1cYlaN8fBC/?imgmax=800" width="497" height="336"></a></p> <p><em>A couple of Timorese checkout the table (behind) displaying tecnhology and produce from Buras Hamutuk.</em></p> <p>It was a very successful visit and I think the Ambassador was very impressed with the work that they were doing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ltOrAtcV4II/Vj9JKv_nAEI/AAAAAAAAFdU/-n016wosYto/s1600-h/DSCN1071%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN1071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN1071" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_yP2gqm9Ko/Vj9JOOs79MI/AAAAAAAAFdc/O77OrcNjr9M/DSCN1071_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="361"></a></p> <p><em>The Ambassador has worked hard to learn how to speak Tetun reasonably well.</em> </p> <p>But there is also another side to Lino and his wife Atina that perhaps none of the fancy folks there found out about. If you take the time to listen to their hearts without any fanfare or expectations you find a couple that long to serve God. </p> <p>In fact Atina would like to become a pastor but Lino worries about how to handle the work load of the farm and making sure there’s enough food on the table. They end up trying to balance both – the farmer’s group and the ministry. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlSVOCT6zVQ/Vj9JRSHJotI/AAAAAAAAFdg/eOFq85Ggupw/s1600-h/DSCN1028%252520%252528912%252520x%252520684%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN1028 (912 x 684)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN1028 (912 x 684)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CRmMV-0FaaQ/Vj9JTj2rRmI/AAAAAAAAFdk/OMCZLNi97hY/DSCN1028%252520%252528912%252520x%252520684%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="379"></a></p> <p><em>Lino in the morning, managing construction of the group’s seed warehouse.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gh3OwlEm4O0/Vj9JX_zhRHI/AAAAAAAAFdo/wV3p3vBFjZA/s1600-h/DSCN0905%252520%252528912%252520x%252520684%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0905 (912 x 684)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN0905 (912 x 684)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nSJFKZAab-0/Vj9JaGQtpdI/AAAAAAAAFds/fi18mcONR6U/DSCN0905%252520%252528912%252520x%252520684%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="338"></a></p> <p><em>In the afternoon they are off to the villages to teach children Bible stories.</em></p> <p>Its a tough load and they have their hard times and are currently worried about a second miscarriage this year. Atina has just come to Dili to do some more training. But things have taken a toll and she found herself last night in the National Hospital. We went and picked her up today and brought her to our home here to try to feed her up, and most importantly, get her to drink enough clean water. We pray for Lino and Atina, that God would give them good health and show them what He would have them do.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-7134336025278205072015-11-03T23:46:00.001+10:002015-11-03T23:46:27.506+10:00Set in Concrete<p>Now we have a solid concrete roof over the sewing room, kitchen and shop of the training centre. It was a massive job which I think we were all a bit nervous about. We couldn’t bring ourselves to throw $300/m3 at it so we got lots of young men to mix up the concrete by hand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqUtSPlIaRU/Vjir3VvMzXI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/e6czGQHYsJE/s1600-h/IMG_1345%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1345" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1345" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3f50272SRLE/VjiywGTaw6I/AAAAAAAAFag/3Bp85VDLApk/IMG_1345_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="320"></a></p> <p>They mix it up dry on a round pad of concrete then add in the water. It goes into barrows which they push up a specially made ramp to the second floor. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VW6eErH1lAc/Vji6EbGRJ0I/AAAAAAAAFa4/XobU7gLHoGI/s1600-h/IMG_1356%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1356" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1356" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5R4vIq0uQ0/Vji6GKZE21I/AAAAAAAAFbA/9eDN_nBTrU8/IMG_1356_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="284"></a></p> <p>I am a fan of screed boards so we made an 8m screed by screwing 2 long lengths of C-channel steel together. This gets moved back and forth over the concrete to flatten it out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7nwLBOVGb8/Vji6H0dgcrI/AAAAAAAAFbI/0zquPnENEX0/s1600-h/IMG_1351%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1351" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1351" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w9-yS_p1KPM/Vji6J5R4VZI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/qXfIgsejZqc/IMG_1351_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="389"></a></p> <p>I think it worked real well with 2 of us working the 8m screed and managing to trowel off as we went along.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TGF-Ubjyv_g/Vji6MeBzX_I/AAAAAAAAFbY/u6WPQe2PZO4/s1600-h/IMG_1349%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1349" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7Wr6bKyLes/Vji6PN9bEqI/AAAAAAAAFbg/2tBGa8u380g/IMG_1349_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="349"></a></p> <p>Amau is <em>the man</em>, a rare guy who works from his heart. He often has a technique which he is definitely sure is right until I come along and suggest a completely new alternative – we usually strike some compromise in the middle. We worked hard all day screeding the slab.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tatOI9Ed-u0/Vji6SbFnVUI/AAAAAAAAFbo/O4bdZqgANcc/s1600-h/IMG_1366%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1366" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1366" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_nx9G-I57c/Vji6UV5qnyI/AAAAAAAAFbw/9a8KcB1mPxw/IMG_1366_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="357"></a></p> <p>The outer edge has a row of 400 x 200 x 200 concrete blocks which have been cut away on the inside. They were not laid so straight so we temporarily screwed C-channel steel along the edge to make the formwork.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ro8aPxtW82w/Vji6XAdOTOI/AAAAAAAAFb4/vurMeUVaAV0/s1600-h/IMG_1590%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1590" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1590" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QU5RgWTHo-g/Vji6Yk1-TJI/AAAAAAAAFcA/EYAzD8nhFp0/IMG_1590_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="267"></a></p> <p>Anen (head builder) inspects the finished job. Not perfect but it should hold. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NY6oMDuTON8/Vji6cxCQzGI/AAAAAAAAFcI/ZZeHu8VBHGs/s1600-h/IMG_1591%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1591" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1591" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlyRrqzncoo/Vji6fxNbW4I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/C5S7SmpenT4/IMG_1591_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="357"></a></p> <p>It certainly makes downstairs look more homely. Here’s the kitchen with wiring for lights, fan and power in the slab and walls (ok, that’s revolutionary in this world!)</p> <p><br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qwt_guwvr9c/Vji6lOFtlpI/AAAAAAAAFcY/IMU5VWJCW9g/s1600-h/IMG_1593%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1593" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1593" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuYjwkJGF7M/Vji6qtNpucI/AAAAAAAAFcg/Vlyc5yL4aUA/IMG_1593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="353"></a></p> <p>And the Taj Mahal from outside. This is the downstairs 1/3 with all the heavy bits done. Now we’ll peck away at bringing it to lock up while getting the next section done. Hopefully sometime soon the girls from Bele Kria can move in to a better space. Thanks so much for those who’ve helped us get this far, God bless you!</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-69911827309470111412015-10-28T23:05:00.001+10:002015-10-28T23:05:02.491+10:00Set in Titanium<p>This year is our 20th year of being married. We got engaged a little too young, at 19 and 17 years old but we’ve stuck together with most of the credit going to Cynthia. Its been a tough 20 years I think and we both could do with a bit of a break. I hope that we can go another 20 years or 40 years – that would probably do though. As you can see from the photo, Cynthia is still as beautiful as ever.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BY5EHlpFHcE/VjDHnloVBsI/AAAAAAAAFZU/NOaLB7M2hAc/s1600-h/IMG_1536%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1536" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1536" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTX4u3xrk5U/VjDHrVvO9UI/AAAAAAAAFZc/UrYtUvhF3Cs/IMG_1536_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="385"></a></p> <p align="left">For this auspicious occasion we ordered some special rings to replace some plain silver ones we’ve been wearing. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYQIBdHQV2U/VjDHujIsVzI/AAAAAAAAFZk/P_zCeeP1o_c/s1600-h/IMG_1548%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1548" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1548" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbQ2ibYrwTw/VjDHwyVdIAI/AAAAAAAAFZs/6Ziio6YB6AE/IMG_1548_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="309"></a></p> <p align="left">These were done by titaniumringsforever and they did an awesome job. Cynthia and I look mild but when it comes to possibly the only thing we’ll have stuck on our bodies for any length of time we get very fussy. The folks who made the rings were very patient. Cynthia’s has “filigree” which is fancy carving with a few stones: amethyst (engagement), ruby (grandma) and diamond (a girls best friend). Mine has a tree bark sort of look (?) with a feather engraved (??). Inside we had engraved “bind us together”. And if you place one inside the other, line the diamond up with the feather and hold them up to the fire light then some fancy writing shows up saying … just kidding.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuow2jJC6i3cuZwMzo7sNdu8lFdYCzsE2g_cC0qOpfOJGgQPcN9diE_VT_dj9KLA_bEWAlOyIJ0nAqSLU-JTz9aVIRvzgRaIdeJv_fF39JOZJx4CQ-f-7yAMf7WdITfwiRTPBplwx556XI/s1600-h/the%252520couple%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="the couple" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="the couple" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0EgOyGkpGI/VjDH9RGgl9I/AAAAAAAAFZ8/beDoBfsRy1s/the%252520couple_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">20 years ago.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-70867646451373406352015-10-11T22:39:00.001+10:002015-10-11T22:39:38.727+10:00Kaiyil Leonardo Bacon<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ENmJtErR-0/VhpYJ2dGAJI/AAAAAAAAFX4/ObuZlV59tyU/s1600-h/IMG_1468%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1468" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1468" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDYEBG61IBo/VhpYLsi330I/AAAAAAAAFYA/5Gl1oAVLoZ4/IMG_1468_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="318"></a></p> <p>More sensible minds have prevailed to the relief of most friends and family. Still, we just <em>had </em>to have a difficult name. So our son is called Kaiyil Leonardo Bacon. What is it with this generation? Whatever happened to names like John and Mark and Thomas? </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgQlRajHkOc/VhpYOnLr82I/AAAAAAAAFYI/kz5zGj7akxw/s1600-h/3-image3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-image3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="3-image3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JjEgBy7aALk/VhpYQZfWPKI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/4hS4Qp4qJMU/3-image3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SsPR9-tq32I/VhpYTjIaFdI/AAAAAAAAFYY/GsEB8qHzC1c/s1600-h/01-IMG_1368%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="01-IMG_1368" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="01-IMG_1368" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jr6VAZ9xym4/VhpYVjI5iZI/AAAAAAAAFYg/PRAiysVReYI/01-IMG_1368_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="245"></a></p> <p>Kaiyil is doing very well and I am very thankful to God. He squirms and burps and exudes other less exemplary semi-solids. But things look normal on the whole. The name Kaiyil is a corrupted form of a less known Hebrew word in the Bible meaning something like “valiant”, or strong or wealthy. Someone of khah’-yil could be thought of as a person of force. Cue Yoda going, “The force in this one strong is!” I am currently working through the book of Ruth with a Timorese friend and this word of valor is used to describe Boaz. He is a noble and respected man in the village of Bethlehem who ends up marrying the beautiful young Ruth from another country in order to redeem a widow’s family. Boaz also describes Ruth as a woman of valor as she has left her country to stick by her widowed mother-in-law. Kaiyil was born near the ocean which is called Kai in some island language. So Kaiyil it is. Leonardo has always been a bit of a hero of mine in terms of creativity of mind.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XcQl5AXwvAM/VhpYYR5Hw3I/AAAAAAAAFYo/3GdwCl4VCgM/s1600-h/13-IMG_1406%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="13-IMG_1406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="13-IMG_1406" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dVO0en8NUA/VhpYboeZWuI/AAAAAAAAFYw/PUoGFXvpJLc/13-IMG_1406_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="324"></a></p> <p>Incidentally, Kaiyil is currently stateless. He is born in a country which does not recognise his citizenship because his parents are Australian. Yet he is also not an Australian because he was not born there. We must apply for naturalisation for him to be called an Australian citizen, then apply for a passport before he can leave Timor-Leste. Just another quirk of the bureaucratic world we live in. Why? What is the point of making international travel illegal? Why is this world some sort of global dictatorship? Of course, I am speaking not for Kaiyil but for the many babies his age born into other nations who may not successfully find a safe place to call home. I give my son to God and hope that Kaiyil will serve Him valiantly to make this world a more peaceful place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2Jbl3bXD-4/VhpYeUQbL-I/AAAAAAAAFY4/jj56Gd9YbN8/s1600-h/IMG_1437%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1437" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1437" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k79zeeZMt38/VhpYglj1w5I/AAAAAAAAFZA/X6gYdQh7y7A/IMG_1437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="424"></a></p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-72879441529302214732015-09-17T22:48:00.001+10:002015-09-17T22:48:55.646+10:00It’s a boy!<p>This morning Cynthia gave birth to a handsome baby boy. She began with contractions around 2am which really got going by 3am. By 3.30 the kids decided to shift downstairs to the office as they didn’t want to hear mum in pain and Cynthia moved into our upstairs living area. We were grateful to have Lauren staying with us (as planned) who was our nurse. I don’t think many births are easy and this one certainly wasn’t but Cynthia did very well with no pain killers. The bub eased out at 4.51am with no tearing or other dramas, thanks so much to God. The placenta took some time to come but Lauren really helped with that and there was very little blood loss. The lad weighed in at 3.67kg which is somewhere around 8 pounds. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mqd_56Am9Rg/Vfq2YVpZ8-I/AAAAAAAAFWw/utBmOJ-HC1U/s1600-h/IMG_1245%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1245" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1245" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IGv2A3zLWjY/Vfq2bugDtgI/AAAAAAAAFW4/jTjhoKU2Z6g/IMG_1245_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="405"></a></p> <p><em>The bub born today in mum’s arms – Cynthia glowing as usual</em></p> <p>I think that’s covered most of the important bits for the women readers amongst us. He’s sort of long, a bit squished with a reddish tinge and a bit of fluff on top for hair. He doesn’t cry much yet and seems fairly happy with himself and the world around him – I hope he likes it.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q-MtLkGTZHo/Vfq2eQVsq3I/AAAAAAAAFXA/gGST5x_j9rM/s1600-h/IMG_1248%25255B5%25255D.jpg"></p><img title="IMG_1248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1248" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b_KzGrAPplc/Vfq2hL0oODI/AAAAAAAAFXI/ZMmAbNojSxg/IMG_1248_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="343"></a> <p align="center"><em>just the most adorable baby ever … sort of</em></p> <p>Serenity is not sure about all the fuss and why you’d want to have another pooey responsibility. Israel has been very excited and very glad to have a baby brother. Xakira is happy but still a little unsure what its all about. Cynthia is very relieved and I am happy that the bub is out because Cynthia was struggling to waddle around. He’s pretty sweet.</p> <p align="center">“Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” </p> <p align="right">Ps 100:3</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yeerGsACI0U/Vfq2pS-bBXI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/6JCToVSmlhg/s1600-h/IMG_1242%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1242" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-piKey4hoVow/Vfq2rjGWjdI/AAAAAAAAFXY/rOBTN1RE1B4/IMG_1242_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="339"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Quality father and son time - doing what guys do best</em></p> <p>As usual we have no name yet but the pressure is on. He needs to be named, then Timorese birth certificate, naturalised as Australian and then a passport before he can see family in Oz (hopefully in November).</p> <p>Naming a person is a very awkward responsibility. It seems like you make a random stab at something that takes your fancy which impacts a person for the rest of their lives. I’ve got an inkling for “Krispin” which is a valid Timorese name – known to be a Christian martyr around 300AD. More temperate minds will most likely prevail but I thought its ultimate destiny as “Krispy” would be really cool.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-68646107303739542015-08-28T18:30:00.001+10:002015-08-28T18:30:18.283+10:00About to Burst<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eySw87b00AM/VeAb1psSmjI/AAAAAAAAFU8/YQ5XvOWvGos/s1600-h/IMG_09818.jpg"><img title="IMG_0981" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0981" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdZcE7SPtY0/VeAb3mTOv6I/AAAAAAAAFVE/hMFXXo7mKbY/IMG_0981_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="397"></a></p> <p>Cynthia is still in one piece but any day now she is about to burst. We’ve got a couple of midwives down on the south coast ready to come over to help (although the journey between us and them is around 6 hours!). Cynthia’s being doing a bit of nesting and has prepared a “How to give birth for dummies” instruction sheet for me.</p> <p>Some other random things…</p> <p>A nice visit from two folks from America, Jason and Ashley, who’ve come across the ocean to share God’s love with the Timorese. They also painted our dining table and bedroom. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBhtXZBbaEA/VeAb5aUCdgI/AAAAAAAAFVM/_k642V1chEQ/s1600-h/IMG_09418.jpg"><img title="IMG_0941" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0941" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsqb2fzB63hQyUmOW7HrzcEKZyFos1N4_ETATMgy-0_GGWrb9IwSHSgqgVHIltREq167fugM2LlNe45vlCLq1arNCP3G3UtDwCHeUG-dKcZPkiBYqsRCR0plCnC59M3EziTZJuytPw2rf/?imgmax=800" width="340" height="255"></a></p> <p>And we bent up a cool little hook which is our Timorese version of a husking hook to take the husk off the corn in the field. Its off to get tested in Los Palos.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7NKugp6xZduSFVIvhPMykOUux5GPunCxpOvWxySUzWGreWwdRjjVZzO-6G-KGEXaHdaIod4u6-9ExVJZ9JguCeL_lA4NTrfN00_CCRERCZCEfHQWBzSCB5ZAOXRn_riGJIVze_GY-zpX/s1600-h/IMG_09397.jpg"><img title="IMG_0939" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0939" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLJEyED2HLM/VeAb_EDgrhI/AAAAAAAAFVk/ZSuv8Bk-JY4/IMG_0939_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="266"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Jason sports a new weapon against poverty.</em></p> <p>Its made of 6mm steel and wraps around behind the forearm and is strapped on with rag. The idea is that if it works then anyone can make it.</p> <p>I snapped this one of Serenity the other day…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zUjvJpQJcmw/VeAcAkTeVOI/AAAAAAAAFVs/VDIC0RysSjg/s1600-h/2015-08-22-16.25.235.jpg"><img title="2015-08-22 16.25.23" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-08-22 16.25.23" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzTz1DTncB3NSPy9ZnCFZcvMuvzWvISOvu4c8OHciDq5PznuSTP4EVUYrRknoBhzxVVPdxpUYP3KoLuMSM6mYfO8YO-rlvajR1gFJzZZ6rElyvrpdyAAe4Z2yXrjfqxl7p0PtsMfqBt8Z/?imgmax=800" width="451" height="352"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Serenity goes shopping at the local plaza – for her, like any 15yo, its all about the look.</em></p> <p align="left">And we got a surprise visit from Sipri, my Salvo brother in training to be an officer. He’s been doing his practical placement in Kupang which is the capital city on the western half of the island in Indonesia. He got a few days off and came over to see his family.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N09IWohAoTM/VeAcEOBOuqI/AAAAAAAAFV8/CmwDzKkd1J4/s1600-h/IMG_10223.jpg"><img title="IMG_1022" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1022" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVhXnIBleO8/VeAcGBaOEtI/AAAAAAAAFWE/L4mtCofT4qU/IMG_1022_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="333"></a></p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-14022393701516551732015-08-23T23:41:00.001+10:002015-08-23T23:41:48.508+10:00Dirty Water<p>Two of the great challenges for any city is to bring clean water to all its citizens and to take dirty water away. It takes good leadership from the top and cooperation, ingenuity and determination from the bottom.</p> <p>Here in Dili there are still many drains full of stagnate, dirty water. I visited my friend in a middle class suburb the other day and noticed slimy water coming up through their front drive and running down into the drain by the road. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QA7LtULrVLQ/VdnMreSRZVI/AAAAAAAAFS8/0F6H0ibE8eo/s1600-h/2015-08-14%25252013.25.32%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-08-14 13.25.32" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015-08-14 13.25.32" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eMxfJT9EW2s/VdnMto9C6lI/AAAAAAAAFTE/ky0EE5suIdM/2015-08-14%25252013.25.32_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="280"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>The open drain outside my friend’s home in Dili.</em></p> <p>As it was the dry season I asked where the water was coming from. They responded that it was just like that especially if they use the bathroom – that is, it was actually raw sewage running down their driveway which they would walk through each day before entering the house. These were clean people who looked after their family well but right beneath their noses was this urk. So I whipped out my circular saw with concrete cutter, cut a trench in their slab and gave directions and cash on how to put in an absorption trench. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cb9boQp0sc8/VdnMzn3ZP4I/AAAAAAAAFTM/exbYP6JGAcE/s1600-h/2015-08-14%25252013.24.50%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-08-14 13.24.50" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015-08-14 13.24.50" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJgADARu3I4/VdnM2Of95xI/AAAAAAAAFTU/Ja-hTzPOkjU/2015-08-14%25252013.24.50_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="280"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Digging the absorption trench to receive water from the septic tank.</em></p> <p>This one is about 5m long, 60cm wide, 80cm deep, filled with 20-40mm stone and running the length is a 100mm PVC pipe with holes cut in it to get the septic tank water absorbing into the ground. The whole job was knocked off for about $80.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F2IZOYQrkZY/VdnNMT2Z4aI/AAAAAAAAFTc/CEAXKGhoHt8/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mPE_U8QyxNQ/VdnNXmmZIhI/AAAAAAAAFTk/RVcxx9zPoxo/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="424" height="293"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>500 Years of the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste</em></p> <p>This year is also the 500th anniversary of the Catholic Church coming to Timor-Leste. There were many celebrations and even the head of state of the Vatican flew in for the occasion. There is a very strong link between the Timorese people and the Catholic Church and thousands turned out for the special ceremonies. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zpYFKatByPmQOIIMpTbmFnYzICkCNGvsozEsMXS25-VtUh7JQWGuweTYVpu6-MueDCDAvZlMiMYwuxnhssKo0kKXR9rlm3kkeQ1h4GiqsdcpcOjwMZW7hjfGd5zERtA7VwDF3SgXuNie/s1600-h/2015-08-14%25252018.23.08%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-08-14 18.23.08" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2015-08-14 18.23.08" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rtRkrO6G0lg/VdnNcLUOPgI/AAAAAAAAFT0/u2U4lVazAvI/2015-08-14%25252018.23.08_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="194"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>The main 4 lane road packed with the faithful.</em></p> <p>A main event was escorting the “Youth Cross” and its friend “Maria Peregrina”. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YgS4C-hvFLc/VdnNeg0uAGI/AAAAAAAAFT8/bAbbrSLbWG4/s1600-h/2015-08-14%25252018.22.35%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-08-14 18.22.35" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-08-14 18.22.35" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SKyI668sxLg/VdnNgmCPlZI/AAAAAAAAFUE/w-O427Pf3Ho/2015-08-14%25252018.22.35_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" height="338"></a></em></p> <p align="center"><em>The Youth Cross on the right.</em></p> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V77AX3xJ4Bc/VdnNjJ6uuQI/AAAAAAAAFUM/kZYo3XkfLqM/s1600-h/2015-08-14%25252018.22.52%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-08-14 18.22.52" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-08-14 18.22.52" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7k6Vp84KCbo/VdnNlfEqCiI/AAAAAAAAFUU/Dxid6BtNk9g/2015-08-14%25252018.22.52_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="286"></a></em></p> <p align="center"><em>With Maria Peregrina protected in a glass box.</em></p> <p>The Youth Cross, originally inspired to draw young people to Jesus, has taken on a life of its own and with special Tais (local cloth) and a golden head piece it appears remarkably similar to a sacred pole dressed up as what could be understood to be a witch-doctor or local spiritual leader (similar to the gentleman in the above photo on the left). Mary statues are generally pretty and peaceful and lovingly adored. They make a suitable and comfortable couple to symbolise Timorese religion. </p> <p>So it seems, even the City of God has its challenges. May God help us both at the top and the bottom to make changes. </p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-15235075418034208022015-08-14T22:18:00.001+10:002015-08-14T22:18:06.246+10:00Death has a win<p>If you fight – I suppose you must be prepared to lose … sometimes. Well, we lost this round. I was soaring on visionary wings with these chickens, that is, until they all died. All 10 chickens are dead. We were taking it to the next level by bringing in a rooster and 4 laying hens. Unknown to us, the rooster was carrying a lethal disease (possibly Newcastles Disease). He died within 2 days and then slowly the rest of the flock died. It was so sad to see and I will spare you the pictures of crippled chickens. The four laying hens turned out to be old battery chooks who, being vaccinated, are blissfully enjoying their new life without competition and not doing much egg laying at all. So now we must begin again to rebuild a flock and try to breed up some nice laying chickens. But its hard to get back up again after such a loss. Its another component to a very long list that sheds light on why these people are poor. In Australia, we’d probably have such lethal sicknesses under control. But here, poor folks with few assets lose all their precious chooks in one hit. I am very sad.</p> <p>As we wallow together in avian misery, I might as well recount another loss. Mauk Moruk, the “rebel” leader has been killed. He was leading a group that was demanding that the government stand down and had a fair number of armed (and unarmed) followers. The police and military were closing in on him and apparently he did not want to give in and was killed in the shoot out. His body is yet to be buried. There is lots of talk about who will do what now. Farmers in the east want freedom to go out and work their fields since being in lock down for the last few months or more. I hope and pray that things will calm down so we can all get on with the fight for a better life.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-65556966823894417892015-08-04T08:39:00.001+10:002015-08-04T08:39:33.467+10:00Help Needed<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwSPiSLCcD8MIMepMFY1SN43j-abdtRRRFRDmmD58osRa-or6KFXXT-lVn9iaAHmwcdkSPENZey6K8fg0nUXeSH-42W1NLEpvEvHQM4jI6_OeOOfi24hfwSYRxXTSvMT2YvYuKsLPE1fN/s1600-h/IMG_0814%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0814" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0814" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e-oWK_6pTI/Vb_tW1MN32I/AAAAAAAAFRA/NM6ebas6dFQ/IMG_0814_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="416"></a></p> <p>In The Salvation Army, pointing to the sky is our way of saluting, saying hallelujah and giving glory to God. So in the above picture you could take it as a two-handed salute or it could also be me pointing to the top of the building which has no slab on it. Its probably both. When I find myself in a jam I tend to say “Hallelujah!” Its like saying, “Drat, I’ve stuffed it up again, now how is God going to get me out of this one?” But let me cut to the chase, can you help? I need about $10,000USD to get this slab on the top of this section. That will take steel, plywood, gravel, cement and other things as well as Timorese labour. Once that is done, we can put some doors and windows on, tiles in the sewing room and try to get the girls some space to sew. There are no overheads on this project. I cover all the admin and ra ra. Any money donated goes straight into raw materials and Timorese labour. A lot of it local too. The gravel comes out of the river 100m away (paying the river guys and trucks) and the blocks are pressed in the neighbouring village. The wood to support the slab comes from the palm forest just down the along the beach from our place. Actually, Tobias was bringing the support poles along the beach by boat but things went wrong and the boat rolled. Tobias was bruised but ok. The motor is not so good. The roof of the boat was once again demolished. He’s spending hours cleaning out salt water and sand. I’ve been giving him a couple of lessons on the carburettor and replacing the water impeller which died trying to pump sand. Just dumb stuff I gotta do to lay a suspended slab. Hallelujah!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H7LWUHchRf0/Vb_tZqoENZI/AAAAAAAAFRI/bv6J0dmplyQ/s1600-h/IMG_0809%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0809" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0809" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DalbDIg4OC0/Vb_ta9BmUeI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/Xi33jWJd-Is/IMG_0809_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="358"></a></p> <p align="center">Tobias with the boat motor apart and feeling quite down about the whole affair.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvekIOxYah4/Vb_tdvvxIeI/AAAAAAAAFRY/FTYPleKpeKo/s1600-h/IMG_0819%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0819" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0819" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIpYL18-TiI/Vb_tfM-DqgI/AAAAAAAAFRg/UZhyR4MFnA4/IMG_0819_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="344"></a></p> <p align="center">Posts from the palm forest waiting to hold up formwork for a slab – quite oblivious to Tobias’s feelings</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymJgEN9h_80/Vb_thsW-_OI/AAAAAAAAFRo/jVS2VuyNIQY/s1600-h/IMG_0821%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0821" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0821" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7YY9ySVYC8/Vb_tjpuAcsI/AAAAAAAAFRw/gizTk1o-UXU/IMG_0821_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="518"></a></p> <p align="center">Some work begins on setting up formwork. Plywood goes on top, steel, then the concrete is poured.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PF6Xcxm_3-k/Vb_tmdkmkjI/AAAAAAAAFR4/Eyhmp90fmcw/s1600-h/IMG_0815%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0815" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0815" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3HLk9a0-u4/Vb_tnxXLDvI/AAAAAAAAFSA/0yLFpImlQsc/IMG_0815_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center">Forming up a concrete post.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you’d like to contribute we have a few ways:</p> <p><strong><u>Through The Salvation Army in Australia:</u></strong></p> <p>Account name: The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust<br>Bank: Westpac Banking Corporation<br>BSB: 032005<br>Account No.: 000495<br>Swift Code : WPACAU2S<br>Note: The remittance should include "Timor Donation" & Donor’s details <p><strong><u>Direct to our Australian Account:</u></strong></p> <p>Account name: Samuel and Cynthia Bacon <p>Bank: Teachers Mutual Bank <p>BSB: 812170 <p>Account No.: 14670 <p>Include “Timor Donation” in the details <p><strong><u>Direct to our Timor Leste Account:</u></strong></p> <p>If you happen to work in US dollars, you could send it in USD straight to our account in TL which operates in that currency:</p> <p>Account name: Samuel Bacon <p>Bank: ANZ <p>Branch: Dili <p>BSB: ANZBTLDIXXX <p>Account No.: 1012119641030 <p>Include “Timor Donation” in the details, and you could send us an email as we don’t yet get statements from this bank. <p> </p> <p>God bless.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-7582787550370651502015-07-21T13:17:00.001+10:002015-08-01T11:03:07.467+10:00Not too chickenWe are greatly encouraged by people who are not too chicken to come to this fine country. This last couple of weeks has seen a constant stream of visitors going through our house. Cynthia has done supremely well keeping up with all the bookings and managing food and places to sleep. Serenity has appreciated the bounteous supply of teenage girls. Samuel and Israel have thus suffered. Xakira has turned on her cute looks for the occasion.<br />
Serenity was able to help a team connected with the Yooralla work and Greg Buxton to build a small house for a widow. Greg, Perry, Paula and others did a great job in coordinating the work. A friend of Serenity’s was also able to visit and get up to all sorts of mischief.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-niTWY2Y55wk/Va25vkzFC7I/AAAAAAAAFPI/rweg8vF_2sQ/s1600-h/IMG_05367.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0536" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yktJeRAjojM/Va25wtn1w0I/AAAAAAAAFPQ/5OxEwPa5xxI/IMG_0536_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="299" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0536" width="381" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
<i>Two cool chicks - Serenity and Grace with homemade facials.</i></div>
We’ve been blessed with Entrega Ba organising cooking training for our cooks resulting in some delicious meals.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-995uqU9pNLQ/Va25xknf-tI/AAAAAAAAFPY/1RGp2p77IY4/s1600-h/IMG_05273.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0527" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pee0EknKI60/Va25yUZYj_I/AAAAAAAAFPg/W_hRBxg6JzA/IMG_0527_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="294" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0527" width="374" /></a><br />
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<i>Emmy with a tray of buns cooked in our oven.</i></div>
I’ve also (finally) completed our chicken pen. This has been the result of 5 years of trialling different local materials and designs and even importing rolls of chicken wire from China. The final product is a simple rectangle pen with a covered roof. The chickens are endowed with expert acrobatic abilities through generations of having to out run dogs, cats, rats, snakes and each other. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-30HmbmzkzEQ/Va25zm70XUI/AAAAAAAAFPo/PmLO3gfaFY0/s1600-h/IMG_05693.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0569" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pP2zb2WPQUk/Va250VgIgiI/AAAAAAAAFPw/QqzTrGmTeic/IMG_0569_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="291" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0569" width="370" /></a><br />
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<i>Tobias learnt how to make a sturdy chicken pen door that he hopefully wont need to fix for some time to come.</i> </div>
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Raising chickens in Timor-Leste is actually a real challenge. The first step is to find a mesh that wont rust. Thanks to cooperation from the Nazareth Foundation and Concrete Products Business we were able to bring in 100s of rolls of quality, rust proof chicken wire which will hopefully save 1000s of chickens.</div>
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We now have not two but ten mildly happy chickens!</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95131651928341068.post-81626173865305688852015-07-07T08:20:00.001+10:002015-07-07T08:20:43.750+10:00Rob at the Training Centre<p>We’ve had lots of visitors over the last week or so. One of these was an old friend, Rob, and his lovely wife and daughter. Rob is a wise builder filled with the spirit - well that’s the way I describe him. He also speaks Indonesian. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NDzSxfDpWug/VZr-jSpqy8I/AAAAAAAAFNc/2wPIYPagpDc/s1600-h/IMG_05263.jpg"><img title="IMG_0526" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0526" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqfOUfoyHBg/VZr-lTyKruI/AAAAAAAAFNk/XUztYs0KnKM/IMG_0526_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="382"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Rob shows Amau how to check the slab height level.</em></p> <p>He spared a couple of days with me to share a few skills on the building site. Of course, I had great dreams of what we could accomplish in two days but it was not to be. In the end, we put together a few window frames and laid half a slab. But we nutted through a few issues on the site and came up with some ideas to try. I now feel a little more confident to tackle a slab and we have a bit better plan about the second floor slab. The building now has blocks laid up to the top of the first floor for the sewing room and kitchen. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lBySAnfb3yE/VZr-nWzck-I/AAAAAAAAFNs/bKDjhVmv2oU/s1600-h/IMG_05183.jpg"><img title="IMG_0518" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0518" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfFx58Nhiuw/VZr-pDhrgjI/AAAAAAAAFN0/93wplwP8OsI/IMG_0518_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="313"></a></p> <p><em>The sewing room of Bele Kria with lots of power points at waist height for sewing machines.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MziBPgrq_ys/VZr-v9zzsbI/AAAAAAAAFN8/XEBS1kb9srQ/s1600-h/IMG_05233.jpg"><img title="IMG_0523" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0523" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mtZkv0n3K0Q/VZr-ysOY48I/AAAAAAAAFOE/3EAVYyDO9Xc/IMG_0523_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="311"></a></p> <p><em>The kitchen end up to the final block level ready for the slab to go on top.</em></p> <p>Around $8000USD have been donated toward this and I’ve burned through $17000 so far. Its a bit scary. I’m going to have to go over my estimates and see how I am travelling. I still blindly believe God’s got this.</p> <p>We love to have a brick layer up here in the near future and someone who knows how to put on a roof.</p> Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06407655541127681439noreply@blogger.com0