Water Tank Delivery

At the first tank delivery, the only one I saw, it was a wonderful whole village effort.  We could not anchor close, about 40-50 villagers swam out, some in canoes.  We lifted the tank and pushed it over the side with the halyard, then lowered it.  At one point it began to pendulum.  The 6-8 locals on our boat chased it and pushed it away from hitting the boat.  We got it lowered to just above the water, then gave a man with a mask a fitting to plug the hole.  He put in the fitting, we put it into the water, untied it, and off they went with a cheer.  It was great to see, everyone was soo happy, excited, and working together.  They were laughing, cheering and generally so excited to be a part of this long swim out and back in with this huge tank.  By the time we got to shore, it was already carried up and in place to catch water at the church (they just need a gutter now).  Apparently part of the reason it had not come was the fact that it costs $1000 US to have it delivered.  Maybe that's why they were so happy.  It was fun and wonderful to see them all working so joyfully together.  I took many photos/videos that we'll try to send.  A group of snorkellers lined up on our back swim steps and asked for a group photo also, then did cannonballs in.  

At the ceremony that followed, the chief said he thanked us for bringing the tank no less than 10 times.  The translator actually got tired of translating it, but the point was made.  We ran a full day clinic, they were happy to have the children playing in the village while we worked, the boys dropped off the second tank in Brisbane, we brought my translator, Nina, out to the boat for dinner and a tour, gave her some children's clothing for her daughter, then settled in under mosquito netting for the night.  

Tomorrow we snorkel in coral filled crystal clear water, play on the beach, then head up to Lamen Bay.  You can see errupting volcanic ash on Ambrym across from us!  We have heard that it's gotten so active you aren't allowed to go up there.  Sounds good to me.  Nina said you could see it when it was errupting from the beach here.  Great stuff!!!!  Looking forward to sleep and snorkeling!

Shannon