We were back in Tamale today. Japan motors called last week to tell us that the new handle for the van had come in and to set up an appointment to put it on. Today was our day. It takes them forever to do anything at Japan Motors. I decided to sit in the van while Steve got the paperwork started. When the mechanic came out to inspect the van I asked him how long it was going to take to replace the handle. He said that depended upon how many people were in front of us. I told him that I wanted to be first! Then I told him that last time we were here we had to wait 6 hours to get the oil changed and that was just too much! He just laughed and went on checking the van. He checked the horn, lights, wipers, spray, A/C, mirrors, fire extinguisher and who knows what else. Really! All we want you to do is to replace the door handle, who cares if all that other stuff works or not. We just had the van in there last month and all that stuff worked.
It rained on us most of the way to Tamale and it was still drizzling when we left Japan Motors and headed to town. We decided that we would not catch a yellow-yellow (taxi) right away but we would take the opportunity to take our morning walk. Fortunately we remembered to bring umbrellas today. The roads were very muddy and slippery. There were only small portions of sidewalks which made for an unpleasant walk. The first store we went to was not open so we caught another yellow-yellow and went further into town. We were limited in the amount of things we could buy because we had to tote everything. We were very excited to find the communion juice at a reduced price but we could not buy it until we came back with the van.
After we finished shopping we went back to Japan Motors; we looked all around the car lot and in the workshop but we could not find the van. We wanted to put the things that we bought in the van. We went back in the office and asked where our van was. They said it was in the repair bay. We told them that it was not because we had already been out there and checked. We had also checked the washing bay. We asked them if they had sent the van out to another mechanic to do the work, which happens sometimes if their mechanics are not skilled enough to fix the problem. They deny that was the case. We persisted that we wanted to know where the van was. The man finally said that the mechanic had taken the van out for a road test. Excuse me! There is no need for a road test when you replace a door handle. We told him that was ridiculous and that we wanted him to call the mechanic and tell him to bring the van back so we could immediately go back to Yendi! We were not happy. The man went outside to make the call. When he came back in he said the man was coming. A few minutes later we were told that the van was back and that they were processing our bill. At least this time we did not have to wait 6 hours. We were on our way by 11:00; we arrived shortly after 8:00.
Once we had a vehicle we drove out and checked to see if the Konkomba Bibles had arrived yet. The lady at the front desk said that they were still printing them in Korea and that it would take at least 3 months to get them shipped. She was hopeful that the Bible might be available early next year.
Please keep the work in your prayers.
In HIS Service,
Steve, Kandie and Skeeter
The Monkeyshines
I have absolutely nothing to say today! I am too busy pouting to regale you with stories! Mom and Dad left me again today! This time they tried to sneak out of the compound before I was awake. It was still dark when they got up this morning at 5:30. They left at 6:00 and it was raining. Imagine not only did they sneak away in the dark but it was raining and they know I hate the rain! To add insult to injury they left me in my prison cell with no food!
I was happy to see them pull in the drive late this afternoon but don’t tell them because I am still punishing them for leaving me!
My feelings are hurt!
Love, Skeeter
