Thursday, February 7, 2008 – From the Helm (cont.)

Last night, we had a great service onshore after dinner.  We decided to halt the well digging operation until this morning.  The men were tired and, quite frankly, the idea of having a crew working all night was not appealing – a lot like busy work to me…

This morning, all teams were on location by eight o’clock.  The well digging team began setting the drill pipes once again.  When we tuned on the water pumps to begin the drill, it blew a seal.  After a couple of hours of attempted repair, we abandoned the effort.  Without water pressure to keep debris out of the whole, it is futile.  We will attempt this well again another day.  For now, we’ve done all we can do.

Judy and I addressed the ladies of the community this morning.  They get a kick out of me translating all this intimate info as if I were one of them.  For me, it’s just a good day when I immerge from the gathering in one piece, not having been the venting object of their frustrations and vengeance upon the male creation in general.  I love it.

Abraham, Pedro and I were asked to an audience with the Chief, his Captain and the Health agent for the village.  I never know the subject of these meetings until I arrive.  It was all good.  The Captain asked us to help them build a building in which to worship.  The Health agent asked if we could leave some medications behind.  The Chief just nodded a lot, even when it wasn’t quite appropriate.  We said “yes” to all the requests and even said “yes” to whatever the Chief seemed to nodding about.  Whatever that part was, will come out in the wash sooner or later…

We all had a great time here in Aru.  These are people are especially loving and kind.  Humble and unassuming.  An easy people to love and share with.  We were able to treat the entire community before departure.

- It’s now 2:30 PM and we are underway to the Capital of the Mundurucu Nation, Kwata, to visit with Grand Chief Manuel and his precious mother, Mama Ester.  I am looking forward to introducing our team to these dear friends.  ETA is set for “dark” or maybe a little before of after – we will get there when we arrive.

<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-4.366667,-59.233333&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>