Supplies for Liberia

Mom and I got the March shipment off to Mr. Garbla today with only a minor glicth here and there. The barrels that we used this time, were donated from Royal Crown Cola in Winchester. After sitting outside all night in the Meeting House, they were extremely cold when we went to shrink wrap them this morning. All seemed ok until we got to Mr. Garbla's shop and unloaded them from the van. The shrink wrap never got warm enough to bond to itself and the tops just fell off. Imagine Mom's mood at that moment!! After consulting with various Mr. Garbla's (there are several family members who attend to the shop in Md.) it was decided that good old duct tape would fix it just fine. Off to town to hunt down a roll of duct tape. Now, one would think that in an urban area like College Park, MD it would be pretty easy to find a store that sells the tape. No suck luck, I guess the 'Terp students don't have a great need for duct tape. One hour (and a couple of accident related (not mine) traffic jams, we returned, fixed the shipment and off it went!





"I said, that'll be cash on the barrel-head son..." (Excuse the Gram Parson / Emmylou Harris song reference) but that is exactly what is going on below as Mom prepares payment for delivering the shipment: Money well spent to have the very competent Garbla Shipping Co. deliver the goods. Pictured with Mom is Nathaniel Garbla "baby-brother" to Arthur Garbla(Owner). Arthur not only arranges the deliveries, but flies to Liberia and is there to meet the ship when it docks, unloads and delivers.



I thought you all might like to see more of the Garbla Shipping Co.'s main warehouse / auto repair shop / home away from home, located in greater Hyattsville, MD. This place is a trip! Mom and I are impressed everytime we visit with how nice, friendly and eager to help, everyone always is here. Today was no exception, and when our barrel tops failed, they were right there to lend a hand. Notice the stacks of boxes, crates, barrel's, etc. lining the wall........these are all items waiting to be packaged and sent. Outside this building, Mr. Garbla showed us with some pride, a 4 x 4 pickup truck that he was going to pack in the container. I believe he drains every ounce of liquid (oil, anti-freeze, etc.) from the vehicles, stands them on end, pushes them into the containers, and off they go! Amazing!!



That's all for now from me. I'm sure Mom will have postings and other comments (after she finishes her homework). It was a good day for LOEP and a better day for the children in Liberia. Thanks to ALL of you for making it possible!

dad