Rafters put up :)

Hello!

Today was a long day but productive. All the rafters were put up. We were wondering how they would get the very heavy rafters lifted up to the roof. The men carry a rafter to the area and lift it up to the men above. When it is high enough then they flip it into a V and it balances on the two walls. Then it is ready to flip upright and put in place. There was one time where the rafter fell but thankfully, no one was hurt. Ray and Pete helped put the rafters up (and can tell you in greater detail how it all works) and hammer them in place with the supports. A few layers of brick are placed above the rafters to hold them in place well. These had to be spooned as well.

Francine and Carolyn painted one side of all the doors to dry for tomorrow when the other side would be painted. They also, along with Lisa, painted the support beams for the roof of the church. Francine and Lisa went up to the roof to finish the last three rafters which had not been painted the previous day. They stood on some boards and the brick wall and while it was a difficult procedure, managed to paint them all.

Carolyn and Francine pumped bucket after bucket of water from the pump and Lisa, Marg and others threw the water on the inside walls of the church. The walls need to be wet because it helps the cement stick better to the walls.

Marg spent time with the Bolivian church leaders planning the service and dedication for the service on Saturday. The kids helped her pick out songs. Our service Saturday will begin with the dedication of the church at 3:00 and then the worship service to follow supper.

We all worked until dark and the family had prepared a meal for us there. We ate rice, yucca, veggies and wild pig (boar). It was delicious! They set up candles for us on the table to see.

We got home and took turns with showering. Then it was off to bed...