After a very successful World Team LEAD conference we returned to Suriname on April 29th. We thought we had Monday for shopping, Tuesday a national holiday and Wednesday, May second would fly back to Apetina. That was our plan, but our MAF pilot got ill, so our flight was delayed until Friday, May 11th.
We could stay in our World Team colleague’s apartment, which was a huge blessing. We could use our extra time in the city to prepare for the projects funded by a Dutch broadcasting company, that is funded by Dutch donations. We don’t know the exact amount yet, but it will be around US$ 115.000,– ! We’re so thankful for this outcome. With this money we’re able to realize three projects:
1. A training for young boys and girls to learn how to repair an outboard engine at Lawa in cooperation with trainers from Yamaha from Paramaribo. Three trainee’s will be coming from Apetina and nine from Lawa and surrounding villages. 2. The printing of a Childrens Bible in the Wayana and Trio language. 3. A dormitory in Apetina for the Education Centre.

Happy birthday!
We thought we would have a quiet birthday May 24’, but around 10 o’ clock the schoolchildren and their teachers came over to sing for Marco before the kids went home for their breakfast during the morning break. We invited the teachers over for lemonade and ‘boterkoek’ (a dutch treat). Marjolein was very glad she baked a big batch! It was a very pleasant surprise.
Once in a while our house needs maintenance. During our stay in Paramaribo woodlice found their way into our cupboards. So we needed to thoroughly clean our house. One of the cupboards was so infested that we threw it out to be burned. Before we had a chance to do so, one of our neighbors asked if they could take the cupboard home. We warned them about the woodlice, but they thought it was no problem. There went the cupboard, on it’s way to a new home.

For quite some time Marco wanted to renovate our watersystem. He planned and calculated and planned some more. During our long stay in the city he bought all the materials. If he would miscalculate, the whole project had to wait for a next time because there is no store around. Luckily he calculated well and now we have a smooth working watercloset again. Time and again we thank the Lord for the gifts he has given Marco also in the practical realm.
Our waterbarrels need a more sturdy foundation. In the beginning of next month we want to do this. On the flight of Sean and Heather Christensen, our World Team colleagues who come to visit us, 3 more bags of cement (21 kg) will fly in. It will be a hot and sweaty job because everything will be done by hand.
Last Wednesday we could officially hand two hand sewing machines and a spinning wheel over to the women of Apetina in their women’s centre. We’re looking forward to see what they’ll make with these and other machines. They also received two electrical cassava grate machines that day.