Best day in Liberia

Today I took my final walk to Jayproken.  I went by myself because I was going there only to check on the construction project funded by my very generous friend, Chrissy.  She wired me some money and I was able to get a solar panel for their vaccine refrigerator, refurbishing of the latrines, new construction of a bathing stall for women who have just had a baby, and new welded lids for their incinerators.  Remember this is a village accessible only on foot or by motorbike.  Even the welding machine had to be hauled in by motorbike.  I left them last week with the money and asked (and was assured) all would be done by today.  As I walked in 100+ degree heat over 8 miles to check on the work doubt crept into my mind and by the time I dragged myself up the hill to the clinic I fully expected to see a marginally progressed project.  WRONG!  The latrines were done complete with locking doors, the bathing stall was constructed only missing some paint, the incinerator doors were fixed making it possible again for them to properly dispose of medical waste, and the solar panel was up (they could buy that right here in Fish Town) and the frig was cold.  Here are some pictures-

Latrines in brown on the left, bathing stall in gray on the right.  Two employees of the clinic in blue, the construction guys in civilian clothing.  They were very proud of their hand written signs on paper on each latrine door.  They will last no further than the next rain.  Of note, for the first time since I have been going to Jayproken people are actually using the latrines.  

The incinerators with new welded covers.

James, the officer in charge (OIC) proudly presented me an itemized report of where the money went.  I have no doubt it was padded in spots but he was so enthusiastic and proud I threw in money to cover the $62 over and another $20 for more paint.

Solar panel not visible from any angle, but this is the vaccine frig which they already owned.

The walk back was hell except I was able to pause from my misery to notice that there were very few people and motorbikes along the way.  As I walked I drank over 4 liters of water but the heat still got to me.  Then this loveliness occurred.

6 miles into the return trip I decided it was serving no one for me to bull through so I called Isaac, the motorbike driver.  He took me the last two miles then downtown to get something to drink then back to camp.  I arrived a mess, but after some time In front of the fan, a shower, and more liquid I began to return to closer to normal.  

Here is a bonus round from the day.