Mark Lauder and Construction Workers
Here is the latest update from Sharon reporting on development progress at the Mossy Foot Project property in Soddo, Ethiopia:
“I am really excited that we are starting to build on the Mossy Foot property! It will be a blessing not to have to rent property in town. Also, we will be able to install the right electrical wiring so that we can use all of our shoe making equipment. That will enable us to produce more shoes for the mossy foot patients at the clinics.
This past week we got estimates on all the things we will need to build the rock wall, the guard house, and “shint bate” (out house). On Friday, materials were being delivered and by Monday a lot of work had already been done.
Sharon literally between a rock and a hard place
I am grateful to have Mark Launder here overseeing the building, expediting the progress, and ensuring good quality. Since he is well acquainted with the culture and how things operate, he is able to navigate challenges that might stop someone else.
The work is labor intensive–with capstones being hand-hewn out of rock, cement mixed by hand, and large rocks being chipped by hand to go in the base for the wall. I tried breaking the rock with a mallet for about 20 seconds and that was enough for me.
I am hopeful that my time in Ethiopia will be fruitful and that good progress will be made on the land.”