Building has begun

The past week has been full of successes for IIM International. We received our official certificate for NGO status and both Aaron and myself have submitted all the forms for resident permits (which should be issued within a few weeks.) In addition, we have organized several local builders to begin construction and they have already finished digging the foundations. The builders are eager to finish the rest of the work and have agreed to complete everything for the 2 dorm buildings within a month. Now the only slight hold up has been getting the remainder of the supplies to the site. The bricks have been finished but are waiting for pick up just 3 kilometers away. While this isn't far, it has been a challenge since we do not have a vehicle (we dream of someday owning a 4 door pick up, but in the mean time we make due.) Today a very generous commercial farmer near by sent his tractor for us to use in hauling the bricks to our site so we are very thankful for this assistance. As Aaron began loading the bricks I headed back to Mkushi to meet the truck that is supposed to be loaded with all of our cement, timber, door frames, window frames, and other supplies to be transported to the site. Unfortunately, despite having phones to ensure that everything was set for the delivery, I arrived in town to find that there is no cement. We have already been delayed one day as the delivery was supposed to be made yesterday. However, the cement is stuck about an hour away. There are many people in town today waiting for the cement truck to arrive as we have all already purchased the cement and arrived in town to pick it as we were told to. It is a bit frustrating, but they delivery company is being helpful and I'm told the truck has just left and should be here in about an hour so I'm just hoping everything works out ok as far as this delivery is concerned. On that note, I will give a quick personal anecdote about the good days and the bad days. Yesterday when we arrived in Mkushi we had some shopping to do for our own personal supplies. We walked all over town looking for things and could not find them anywhere. We would be sent from one shop to another on a wild goose chase before finally giving up on those supplies and hoping to find them another day. Today when I arrived in town I ran a few errands and then sat down for a biscuit and coke which was my breakfast/lunch. Within 10 minutes of sitting down guys walked by hawking the same goods we spent all of yesterday looking for. So, I am reminded yet again that patience is the most important because eventually things will come together. I just need to try not to get frustrated on those less productive days and remember that other days will come in which everything seems to go exactly my way. I will post photos on the facebook page of our construction progress so please check it out!