Benches

Benches

So…yesterday the weather continued its windy and wet pattern.  We decided to hang out at the marina one more day and I woke up saying to myself:  “This is the day the Lord has made for making a bench…at the bus stop.”

The idea goes back to last year when, several times, we found ourselves waiting at the bus stop right outside the marina parking lot.  At the eastern edge of the island, they don’t come often.  Lots of taxis whiz by on their way to and from the airport (farther out).  But the buses out here run less frequently, especially in the middle of the day when we’ve wanted to use them.  Early morning and late afternoon are the busy times as the buses shuttle people to school and work.  But even then, there aren’t that many.

We’ve waited as long as 35-40 minutes.  (That’s twice as long standing as we ever had to stand for one of our sermons).

As I got to know the owner of the marina, Tim Penn, I started playing with the idea of building a bench.  And, that I wanted him to help me.  I figured he is well known around here and if the neighbors see that he’s involved, they’ll leave the bench alone…

Just across the street from the marina is another bench – concrete blocks supporting some loose boards – and it is home for several unemployed fellows.  I’ve watched them talk and stare into the day – well, for as long as 35-40 minutes.

Tim agreed, but then the time slipped by last year and so, with a bit of boredom and frustration with the weather patterns, yesterday was the day…

I called Tim and he agreed to bring his truck from home.   He knew where the lumberyard on this end of the island is located and we drove there.   We picked up some two by fours (at $9.00 for a 10 foot board) and a box of 3 ½” screws (at $24.00 a box!).  I brought my power tools from the boat, and we “set up shop” in the back area of the outdoor restaurant that’s part of the marina – not yet open for the day.

As we started, the manager of the restaurant got interested, offered to help, and we had a team!  Anthony is a great guy, dreams big for the restaurant, and brought his design ideas to boot.  The next hour was great fun as we cut boards, screwed them together and then carried the bench to its new location!

At the end, the discussion returned to security.  Tim and Anthony took the lead.  Tim found a piece of chain and a padlock and the bench is secured for its immediate future. 

It felt good to do something on land.   It felt good to do something for the people of this wonderful island.  It made for a nice day.

Afterwards, my accountant (Marney) asked how I wanted this recorded in our budget.  I replied, “how about:  bench -  a charitable gift to the people of Tortola”.  Let’s see if the tax accountant will accept that in our 2018 tax return!

Fair winds, calm seas  (they’re on their way)

Dave

Tim Penn, Anthony, and yours truly!