My first summer work week was an eclectic hodge-podge of odd jobs. BFA’s unique way of providing affordable Christian international education means that staff members become Jack-of-all-trades, or in my case, Jill-of-all-trades!
Last Monday, I started off the work week in the Maintenance department. Kurt Strietzel was in charge of a group of 4 of us. He trained us to help him with oil changes. He’s leaving for 6 months, so he wanted to change the oil (and the filters) and check over every singe school vehicle before leaving… that means he tackled 28 oil changes in 2 weeks, along with several other miscellaneous repairs.
To make the process move along more quickly, the 4 of us filled oil containers, dumped dirty oil into the barrel in the garage, set up the ramps, found the correct filter for each vehicle, checked all the lights in the cars, checked the tire pressure, labeled the # of km till next oil change, poured in more windshield washer fluid, checked the brake fluid level, and drove cars in and out of the garage.
Monday, we worked with Kurt and did about 3-4 cars (I forget now). Tuesday, the team at Sitzenkirch (elementary school) needed more painters, so Alyssa (art teacher) and I painted the gym white. Wednesday, we were back at Maintenance. We did 7 oil changes! Thursday, Alyssa and I went back to Sitz and did another coat of paint in the gym. We also helped move bookshelves from the old library into the new library. On Friday, we moved a bunch of books onto the newly placed bookshelves.
Kurt gave Alyssa this paint suit to keep her clothes clean. Trendy, isn't it?
Alyssa paints the first coat on the gym wall.
I could have used the ladder, but then where would I have put the paint brush and tray? Ok, I admit it, I really just wanted an excuse to climb the wall.
We filled the library shelves with many armloads of books.
We moved this large pressboard desk down a flight of stairs. We had to be careful because it is heavy and fragile. Fortunately, the desk retained its proper shape, and so did those carrying it!
