The past few weeks I have been reviewing quotes and trying to arrange for a contractor to come and redo my gutters. The old gutters were probably 30 years old and rusty. Some spots had holes 3 feet long so yes, it was definitely past time to replace the gutters.
This was a very important task because this is how I collect water. I have a big water tank under my front porch which collects all the rainwater from the roof. Up until today, most of that rainwater was going straight through my gutters to the ground.
I was getting settled on a quotation which I found through investigative work that PVC/plastic gutters were less expensive than steel/metal gutters. I was pleasantly surprised by this and glad too. I know PVC gutters will never rust. So I got the quote and was expecting a high price which it was. I figured I will buy the materials and they can do the labor. And yes the contractor’s price was about 3x the amount I paid for one 3 meter gutter length. Contractor quoted K120 or $60 per gutter. I found them for K40 or $20 per gutter. It doesn’t take a ‘very smart’ missionary to figure out which is the better deal.
As I was dealing with the contractor and he said, when you buy the materials give me a call. Then he started talking about a plumber. I first thought, he must be talking about his next job or something. But no, he said my gutter job would require a plumber. I said, a plumber? He said, yeah this is a plumber job, it deals with water.
After I told that to our Technical Services (super maintenance man) Bob, he laughed and said, plumber for what? Nonetheless, Bob said he would help me on Monday to put up the gutters if only I would first remove all the old metal gutters.
On Saturday, I climbed up and down the ladder all day to remove the old, rusty gutter in preparation for Bob and his team to come hang the new PVC gutter. Monday at 9 am, the crew showed up to hang and install the new gutter that I provided. All went well and I never knew it would take three ‘plumbers’ to install gutters.
I told Bob, Tech Services guy, if it takes a plumber to install gutters then I guess it takes an electrician to install a septic tank. Go figure.
Tyler and Emily in PNG 
good to hear from you again. congrats om getting the gutters installed. all is well here as spring is arriving. been a pleasent winter. we are praying for you and your concerns and plans. you will soon be on the way home. it will be great to see you and Emily and to learn of your plans. stay well, travel safely. keep faithful. love and prayers. grandpa hewitt.
Out of necessity, you are learning so much that is invaluable whether you’re in PNG or the US. It’s a good thing you have your Dad and Grandpa’s genetics to figure things out and do it yourself….so proud of you! How far away from your house is your job? Go there by walking or bicycle? You have a vehicle of your own to use? God is with you each day, in each challenge, and sufficient for each need as it arrises. I can imagine you miss your Emily so much and are counting the days until you are together again. You’re going to Hawaii first, then Alaska, or how to you have your trip planned after you leave soon on furlough? Thanks again for your weekly letters-we really look forward to reading them! Love, Becky