Jamaican Mission Program

As with most trips to Jamaica, I am quickly reminded of things that I should appreciate back home but have become accustomed to. Today, 2 big things come to mind. #1 – There is a wonderful company in Richland Center called Richland Redi-Mix. We got the electric mostly run very quick today (again thanks to Mark Miller). This meant a full day of helping pour a 3″ inch thick floor across the entire 12 foot by 48 foot coop. As most people who know me can attest, I hate sand especially between my fingers and toes. I hate cement even more. A cement truck would have been awesome but the “Jamaican Cement Mixers” worked hard and fast and got the job done just before the rains. #2 — Reliable running water. When taking a brief break today from the sun, I sat next to the water tank for a few minutes and realized why it was necessary. Every 5 minutes the water would stop running for about 5 minutes. 5 minutes of weak flow sure would make for a very poor shower and without the tank would result in dehydrated chickens. Thanks again for everybody’s support and in a few days, the rest of the crew arrives and the coop should be done quick. Since, the chickens arrive 9/16/13 — we better get moving!

By: Bryan Myers

Setting the sill plate. Thanks to Junior for the lesson on Jamaican construction. No pole buildings here. Something about hard ground and hurricanes.

Jeffery put in a very hard day hauling material. I wish I was still young and energetic.

The Jamaican way involves a lap joint when we splice the sill plate. Notice the lap joint made with a machete.

Yes I did work today. No pool bar for me!

Small trees did a great job holding up the ceiling forms.

The floor pouring begins.

I hate concrete but it had to be done.

Progress in the very hot sun.

All hands on deck.

Creative Jamaican bed. At lunch Jeffery made a bed from lumber and concrete bags. On the cool floor, I bet it felt good. The wet bags is from sweat. Did I mention the heat?

The dark clouds reminded us why we started at 5:30am. The afternoon storms would be coming soon.

Storms coming — high gear boys!

Jamaican cement mixer.

That’s some rain!