Prayer Letter

The construction for the small section of the planned prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) building is going well and nearly finished. All that's left is the last stage of electrics and metal grills, then we'll be able to do the fixtures and fittings to be able to properly use the space. We were very fortunate to receive some large metal tables from an expat missionary family who were leaving Chad, which we can adapt to become the work benches and shelving that we'll need. It's exciting seeing it all coming together, especially as we placed the order for the machinery and tools from Switzerland in mid-March. All being well, these should be flown over shortly. How long the process will take to get it through customs at this end can be quite variable, but we will be using a local transiter as it's a complex process, which should hopefully speed it up. Ideally, we'll have the building set up, as well as a small consignment of componentry we plan to order from China, before we head to the UK for home assignment in mid-June. That way it'll be ready for us to use once we're back.

We're really looking forward to being back in the UK for a couple of months and visiting many of our supporting churches while we're there. It's a shame we can't visit everyone, but we're grateful we'll be able to share with many a more in-depth explanation of the work we've been doing over here.

Despite the heat, we have been fortunate to have a short stay at the AIM guest house (African Inland Mission) on the other side of N'Djamena. It sits right on the river's edge and overlooks some open space. The main draw for us is their small swimming pool, complete with a little 'water slide', which really helps cool you down in the high temperature! The kids swimming skills have improved, and Mark can now swim without any aid. He had started swimming lessons when we were living in England, so although access is much more limited, it's great he can still develop some essential life skills in this location.

Praise God:

That the building work has been going well (and within budget) and is almost finished.

That we were able to have some time of refreshment at the AIM guest house.

Prayer Requests:

That the people of Chad will be able to cope and stay safe in the excessive heat of hot season.

That the importation of the tools, machinery and componentry from abroad will go smoothly and without issue in the coming weeks and months.

For our family as friends leave Chad with the ongoing American visa issue and transient nature of mission communities. Pray particularly for the boys who recently found out that another set of friends (who also go to their school) won't be here when we return at the end of summer.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support, we're really looking forward to being with you in the UK over the summer months. It'll be great to be able to put faces to some of the names we have corresponded with during our time in Chad!