WorldWide Drilling Resource

by Tim Rasmussen A letter from Gary in Guatemala: "Coming up slowly" is a phrase Berny often uses when working to get our shipment out of customs at the port, and that's how our first few days have gone. We arrived at ICAP [campus where Water For Life is located] in the evening. The remainder of the week we cleaned apartments, sorted through the items that came in our earlier container, and took all the medical equipment and supplies to the health ministry and government hospital in Poptun. This week, we tucked more things away from the shipment and began getting the trucks ready for the drill crew; aired the tires and replaced some batteries, broken mirrors, windshield wipers, etc. Bucky's rig was on blocks in the shop where we need the space. I asked Edgar to get the brakes done, and he's making progress on it. The rig is out of the shop now, but waiting for Bucky to bring a part. When I was here a few months ago, the pump truck brakes were not so good and I asked Edgar to check them. We changed a hand pump that wasn't working in Secoyob this week, and the brakes still weren't good. We've had brake problems on the truck every year, and we've had different shops work on them. I asked Huberto, a man we're going to try to train to op- erate a well drill, to work on the brakes. He's very thorough and experienced, and found the right rear drum was extremely worn to the point of having a hole in it. I've never in my life seen that. We're trying to find parts now. Who knows, we may find other problems too. The Mayhew 1000 rotary came out of customs and made it to ICAP in the wee hours of the morning. Headlights didn't work so the fellows tied a light on the grill and came to the shop with that. When they left the port, they filled two diesel tanks, not realizing there were three tanks. When the truck quit, they used their water bottles to transfer 100 gallons of fuel to the proper tank. Seth will come Tuesday and begin drilling in the El Chal and Poptun districts Wednesday. Last week, Steve Willis and his family finished doing well surveys at sites where we plan to drill this season. They are mis- sionaries here and live in the Antigua area. We truly appreciate their professional assistance. We'll see how the season goes, as some drill helpers are not able to come this year. Health issues, weddings, etc. will keep some away. Today, the six of us will empty the north container and begin building shelves. We have many things to put away yet, and are in desperate need of more organization. Friday, a couple of workers laid out the footprint of the kitchen by our apart- ments, and began digging footers. It will be a welcome addition, saving much time getting things out of storage and putting them back each year. We appreciate your prayers. Until later, Gary If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-466-5075 or 509-939-1941 Tim Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 23 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JUNE 2019 Temporary headlight attached so they could drive the rotary drill from the port. WTR August Issue Deadlines! Space Reservation: June 25 th Display & Classified Ad Copy: July 1 st