Kelvin and Gil traveled to Georgia in November 2008 to complete the arrangements for installation of the new heating system. We met with the attorney and accountant for the orphanage to arrange for the final payment and contract closeout, and make sure the VAT we paid (about $9,000) would be refunded to the orphanage.
When we arrived at the orphanage, it was so cold inside that you could see your breath. We inspected the work that had been done on the heating system so far. The contractor agreed to move up the schedule so that the children would have heat within a few weeks. We also discovered that the underground electric line feeding the building had shorted out, leaving just one 14-gauge wire feeding the entire building. Gil made a temporary repair so it was safer. When we met with the Minister of Education, he said he would try to get the line replaced, but funds were tight.
We took careful measurements of the bathrooms in preparation for renovating them. The existing toilets are Turkish-style (a hole in the floor) and the flushing mechanisms are missing. There is a constant stench of sewage. The plumbing was leaking, so that water and sewage were dripping into the room below. We arranged for a plumber to get that fixed temporarily right away.
We spent time with the children, of course, and were able to take some clothing and other needed supplies brought from the United States.
