The side of the road

Haiti is hard. It is a harsh hot climate that is rough on people and objects. The vehicles here really take a beating. With the roads not being paved (or paved so long ago that it is no longer evident) the potholes are impressive. 

Our vehicles are always needing some kind of repair. Flat tires are such a common occurrence that it doesn't take too long to change them (lots of practice). Many times we have to put air in the tires so that we can go out with the comment that we just put air in those tires yesterday and why aren't they holding. Any time you head out, you know in the back if your mind that there is a good possibility of a break down. We also find that it is sometimes hard to get vehicles serviced here--either we can't get the parts needed or we have to wait for the mechanic to come (if we can't take it there). So far it hasn't been a big inconvenience in getting things done as there is often a vehicle that can be used. Or we rent a tap tap. 

I'm currently in the construction truck with Marty as we drop off water and tools for the workers at Repatriate and the high school. We are stalled just outside of the Doctors without Borders compound and he is messing with the engine. The fuel filter is clogged and it was replaced just yesterday morning. Marty knows the problem but can't get it fixed here. (The coating on the inside of the fuel tank is peeling and it could be switched out in the states but isn't possible here.) The wheel bearings are constantly going out due to the bumpy roads and a need for a new axle/wheel spindle. 

To do their jobs our pastors need their vehicles and so HOM is working to raise money for those. Pastor Profaite just got his new vehicle and is very grateful. You can find his thank you letter here as well as more pictures. Pastor Luc is next in line. 

Luckily for us there are many ways to jerry-rig the engine. Marty pried something up with a screwdriver, poured a little gas in the Diesel engine, and fired it up. Off we went!