Busy few weeks

In case you'd wondered where we've got to we are still busy out here......just not done a blog update recently! Since we got back Cheryl has changed her job. Instead of Watsan co-ordinator she's project manager of the Nias programme. This is an interim position until a couple comes out in August to take over. Chris is still her boss though!

Mays been a busy month. Cheryl and Chris were over in Aceh to make sure a donor visit went well and hold a few decision making workshops. This is while opening a new project site up in the hills of Nias. There is a welcome cold breeze up here at 800m and we even need blankets. Its so great to be cold again!! We've traded in the sound of the city for the sounds of the countryside.
The noises start about 5.30 with the pig feeding. They just go crazy and sound like they are being strangled. This is followed by some energetic cock crowing. Just as you turn over to go back to sleep the neighbours start the morning singing practice at full volume.

The nights are not much better as our large team squashes four to a room and you can hear everyone’s movements and snoring throughout the night......It was funny the other night as a mouse was gnawing loudly through one of the beams. Our resident animal hunter, Russ, was first up to sort it out. It took four failed attempts of him upzipping his bug hut, turning on the light, bashing the broom around a bit, thinking the gnawing had stopped, getting back into bed, only to have the mouse start over again. By the fifth attempt he’d resorted to using a spade…..The mouse finally went silent.