Internet service is available where we are staying, so I figured that I would post. We are all doing well- everyone is healthy and well rested. It has been cool at night (70F), which has made for good sleeping weather. We have had two days of clinic so far, and have seen about 310 patients. We leave this afternoon for Gilbert, a community at the top of a local mountain (5000 ft. above sea level, difficult and expensive to get to a local clinic). It will take us some time today to get there- the roads are pretty bad, steep, and rough. We are using a 2011 Landcruiser diesel, with ARB lockers and a 12,000 lb Milemarker hydraulic winch- one sweet vehicle. Too bad they won't bring those into the states.
I have a technical question, if anyone knows Dodge diesels thoroughly. The missionary that we are staying with had previously received an email from another new missionary, who had just received a Dodge diesel truck. It had been driven from Michigan to Florida, and then put on a boat. When it arrived at Port Au Prince, it wouldn't start. I know my way around 12 valves, but not enough about newer trucks. I do not know what year truck, so I don't know what engine it has. The owner is assuming that it isn't getting power to the fuel pump- do the newer CP3 trucks use an electric lift pump, or are they also mechanical? It could also have an aftermarket lift pump, and have an electrical issue there. I just don't know enough information to give any helpful advice, but things like this are always a desperate issue here. If anyone has any helpful advice, I'll pass it along.
Because it is an American truck, it can be extremely expensive to repair here.
Thank you for your prayers- we received some very helpful, spontaneous input last night. One of the local pastors that we work with affirmed that this work has long lasting effects- it strengthens the local churches. While the medical work is very short term, the relationships built are long lasting and far reaching. Affirmation like that makes the work worth it and an investment.
Mark
