I must admit there were a few nerves here; the Board Retreat had been on the calendar for months. I knew Chris and Leslie were leaving. They left me in charge, not quite as official as it sounds… alongside our foreman Evens. We keep moving to ensure we are providing clean water, because the communities depend on us.
It was quite a big deal because they hadn’t done this in years. If Chris and Leslie had to leave the country, they’d shut down the facility. It was a great feeling to know that I could contribute, nervousness aside. Only three months on the job and they felt confident they could leave (for 6 days! yikes!) and keep the doors open. If all goes well, this means peace of mind for the Rollings and continuous employment for the workers. We are building trust and confidence, on all fronts.
The goals are clear; therefore there weren’t any problems. The guys know the facility and the expectations. They worked as if Chris was sitting in the office and that made me happy.
It was so fun to coordinate what the guys needed, from preparing for installation day to icing the water coolers. Sometimes they asked… maybe thinking I hadn’t done it… and I had!! They laughed! Good job and more ice!!
We begin our day with prayer. Each morning I shared a verse from a few of my favorites, which felt applicable to our day and our mission. The guys thought so too. I loved seeing their smiles light up the early morning skies as I waved goodbye while the big white truck left the yard, wishing them a good day and 30 installations!!
Grateful for Miss Naomi, who was here to stay in the house and watch the kids. Because we think alike and she can cook! We supported each other, shared the chores and took decisions together to ensure life here continues as it should. And Naomi gets bonus points for giving Anna her medicine. I’m still not a fan of dogs.
The girls (some teachers from Canaan) came in for the weekend like a breath of fresh air, full of witty comments, great dance moves and a spirit that can keep you in awe of their courage and zest for life. They filled my soul and made me laugh, often. I am feeling so encouraged for our world’s future with these young women at the helm. They can do anything, and they will!
It wasn’t all about the installation forms, tracking receipts or mixing cement. It’s about a group of people, who believe in a cause greater than ourselves. People who smile when the sun shines, work for the glory of God and find a way to make each other laugh, encourage one another and as my Dad always said build each other up.
So, the books are balanced, filters are delivered, the grass is mowed and the kids survived 6 days without their parents. We claim success.
Leave a Reply