So we’ve done it!!! Finally, after months and months actually more like a year of searching for the perfect used vehicle in good condition we’ve found one and it has been purchased!!!! I can’t belive it Nathan, Moises (our mechanic), and I are trilled to show you the truck which we are now using as an ambulance and teacher transport. It doesn’t look like much I must say but this is it. We are still finalizing all documents because our Moises had to purchase the truck for us, so the vehicle is still being transferred into our names however we’ve got it and have been using it. Funny story about the purchase is it had to be bought in Moises’s name otherwise the original owner of the truck would have sold it to us for $10,000; however since Moises is Nicaraguan and not a Gringo he was about to talk the price down to $7,300, which is totally within the budget. The original plan was to be able to raise $10,900 however I was only able to raise $8,300. So this leaves an extra $1,000 for repairs and such.
Since the purchase of the truck we have made three runs to the hospital. The first being for Nathan himself, he had an ant which tried to build a home in his ear so we had to bring him to the hospital for an emergency ant removal. It sounds really funny and disturbing at the same time, however it is true, scary but true! Second trip was for Maria Jose Asetuno Carrbio, our neighbor. She went into labor only about 10 days after purchasing the truck so I rushed her to the hospital and an hour later out popped Junior Jose Lopez Carrbio. Please note the above photos. He is soooo cute and small and well he’s a baby what more can I say. Out most recent trip has been for Elizabeth Oviedo who was also pregnant, however, she is not originally from Jiquilillo and was just visiting so I’m unaware of the turnout of this trip.
The truck is also being used to bring the teachers into the community so they arrive to school on time. This project has been hard, because we need to leave Rancho Esperanza at 6:15am in order to get them to school on time. I have a feeling unless we find another driver this project will not remain a daily thing, as when I’m not here Nathan has a hotel to run as well. Yes, for those who know me well it’s amazing I know I actually get up willingly between 5:30 and 6:00 here to work. Scary hugh?
So far the truck has held up well and we’ve only had one major repair of replacing one four-wheel drive unit the part itself cost $52.50 and Moises has a deal worked out with Nathan at the moment so labor was free. Otherwise, it’s just a few small tweeks left of the back windows sticking and one door won’t unlock. Simple (I think) but not necessary to be functional!
I’ve worked out a deal with Rancho Esperanza for them to cover the majority of gas consumption. This is working by The Assist Jiquilillo Fund renting the vehicle to the hostel for use during the day when it is not being used for emergency runs (after 3:30) or for transporting the teachers (early morning). So far it is working well, and I’m sure this will continue to work in the future.
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