Sunday, November 14, 2010

November – Roatán

Since getting stuck on the sand bar (see September 2010 entry), we have been hard at work exploring alternatives for getting supplies to St. Helene. A possible solution was considered in October, but rainy season was in full swing and we decided to postpone a delivery attempt. Although we came on home, Kevin remained hard at work and on November, 11th, despite being a rainy day, the seas were calm and the FIRST DELIVERY OF MATERIALS TO ST. HELENE was made!! It was just the first 500 cinder blocks, but it’s a start! Shipments have been scheduled out (weather permitting) for the next 7-10 days: rebar, gravel, sand and cement. By then we will have all the materials necessary to start construction and our crew can get back to work. Many thanks to Kevin Wesley for making things happen, Wally Bodden from St. Helene for the use of his barge, and Kelcy Warren for the use of his ship!

Here is a picture of the ship that took the materials from Camp Bay (Eastern Roatán) to as close to St. Helene as possible.













After the ship came in as close as possible, the materials were transferred to this barge and then escorted in to shore.













The blocks now sit just off the beach, within 100 yard of the new school site.



The people of St. Helene are very excited to see verifiable activity that the school really is going to happen! Their school year is just coming to a close and the new year starts in February. Now that we know we can get materials delivered, barring any unforeseen problems, the kids should start their next year of school in a new school building!