The work all started with a lot of instruction in teaching them about measurements, fractions, design layout, figuring materials lists and finally a material cut list. Then the day came to make the first cut on the plywood. The boys all helped Preston in making a cabinet in order to learn the fundamentals of cutting and assembling a cabinet. We have divided the boys up into 4-man teams and assigned each team a project. They will build 2 very large pantry cabinets to store the tools and supplies for the school, as well as a large cabinet in the laundry room to store away brooms, ironing board, ladder and other materials.
Beginning in December, January at the latest, we anticipate the quality of the boys work to be acceptable to the point of building an entire sample kitchen display of base and upper cabinets.
On our second visit to Nicaragua almost 3 years ago, Preston had to make cabinets for the kitchen area of the rental we had at that time. There was a shell of a room and he turned it into a kitchen. During the building process, as he was working on the sidewalk outside of the house, people would walk by and inquire as to what he was doing. There was a lot of interest and several expressed a desire for him to make them cabinets. We explained to them that we were not able to help them at that time.Now, as we train the young men in carpentry, we want them to be able to build cabinets and turn it turn into a source of income for the ones that choose to stay on in the apprentice phase of the program.
In Nicaragua, the cabinets that are found in stores are usually of a hoosier type unit. Or as in the rental house that we now occupy, there are one piece base cabinets installed upon cement with no "floor" or "backing" to the cabinet. Thus you have a very damp and musty cabinet. The concept of individual cabinets in specific sizes that the customer can purchase, take home and install themselves will position the boys to be prepared to meet the future changes that are coming to Nicaragua. By having individual pieces, the customer can buy a single cabinet to meet a present need and add to the cabinets as their finances will allow.
We speak to the boys about them being chosen by God for "such a time as this". We consider it an awesome privilege that God has chosen us to train up these young men. Most every day, there is a lesson within the class or a life experience that can be used as a biblical principle.
These young men are special to God and He hears their prayers.
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