So, many of you are probably wondering how the business has been going. Well, I have been extremely busy the past month. We have been struggling to get sales and this is making it tough to justify keeping the business going. So, as we work through trying to get sales we are also looking at possibly finding someone here in South Africa to partner with and take over running the business. My past month has been very busy with making new business contacts and trying to get our block yard up and running.
I've been putting in long days and nights trying to make things happen. My mornings are usually spent at the block yard making sure things are going okay there. Nkhensani is tasked with owning the block yard and getting everything right. He has never done manufacturing so I just make sure systems are being followed. During the week I work through ideas on improving the process and speed of the equipment. My Saturdays are used to implement and try the ideas so that it doesn't interrupt production during the week. There is a guy right next to the block yard who has a machine shop. He has been very generous to me and lets me use his Milling machines and welding equipment so that I can do small projects.
The rest of my days are usually meeting with possibly clients, running around tying to solve manufacturing issues, and struggling to work with our block yard staff. A couple of times I have worked most of the day making blocks to prove to the guys that what we are asking them to do is possible. It is a new challenge to work with guys who are unskilled and want to get as much from you without doing much work. Daily we have to work through issues with paying these guys and getting them to make enough blocks to hit our goals. They are never getting enough pay and we are always asking too much from them.
Below are some pictures of the block yard and the guys making blocks. We currently have 5 guys doing the work that we were told would take 7 guys.
The sign that is currently getting made. We will hang is on a wall made from our blocks. (Dagga is what they call mortar here)
The equipment with a few modifications to make it faster and more user friendly.
All our blocks. We should be able to run 1800+ in a day, currently 1100 is the best we've done.
The guys making blocks. The guys have trouble stacking in the in a straight line, I was told it has something to do with being carried on their mom's back when they are little and starring at her back all day. It messes with their depth perceptions.
We are trying to make some decisions this coming week that will determine if our family will be moving back to the United States anytime soon. I have a couple of important meetings this week that will help with the decision and we should find out about a large contract by the end of the week. Our family is excited to figure out our future, whatever it may be. We have always felt led to South Africa and hope that our next year does keep us here. We do realize however that our expectations of what we think God wants us to do and what His ultimate plan is can be very different. We also realize that we may never fully understand why we were called to be here, but we are sure that we were meant to come.
We ask that you pray for us this coming week. Not for us to stay or to return to the States, but that whatever the decision is, that it is God's will that is driving it.
Scott
6 comments:
We have been, and we will continue to pray that God's will is evident to you! Thanks for the update!
jen
So much going on and so many decisions to make! It must be a struggle to know what to do. God has been in control of this South African journey of yours from the very beginning and He will continue to lead you in the direction He wants you to go if you seek His will. You're a good man and a hard worker. So glad you've seen some progress lately. We'll be waiting to hear what the plans are later in the week! Love you, Mom D
It sounds like things are moving along and progress has been made recently.
We pray that this week will go well for you and a decision can be made.
Love,
Dad & Mom L
You guys are on my mind all the time - I can't talk to any of my colleagues in Africa and not think of the work you're doing. We certainly do wish you the best in the coming stressful weeks - you are doing amazing things.
:)
Jeni
Thanks for the news and update, Scott. We'll be waiting to see where God wants you in the next year. It's great to know that you're okay with whatever and wherever He leads. Blessings,
Aunt Joan
Uncertainty can be so difficult. I think of you and the work that you're doing often. I pray that God gives you peace in this time of waiting. I'd really love to see this little business flourish but I'll try to keep my prayers neutral:)
Sarah
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