We quickly settled in and prepared to go to work. Upon returning to the orphanage and the work site we were in for a surprise. You see they poured the cement but the leveling left a little to be desired. Also their way of wall preparations was slightly different from ours. They decided that the mortar had to have something to grab hold of so they peppered the walls with holes. It looked like a bunch of woodpeckers had a party. However this caused the walls to be crumbly. Well, so much for preparations.

So we had to reevaluate the situation and create a new plan. There was only one answer, drywall and steel studs. But also another problem was found. Above the window where they had knocked the plaster loose we saw a decaying frame. After a closer look it was determined new windows would be a necessary addition.

Also in the prep work was some plumbing. However as is the common thing here they used old steel pipe welding them together. They would rust out in a short time. The sink that was donated was the old galvanized folded metal type. It too was ugly, with a rusty frame, and would not wear long. More unexpected items were added to the list of needs.

Upon examining the needed materials and our financial provisions we knew it was a challenge. But it's God's challenge not ours. And He has not missed one yet. What a wonderful opportunity this was. The team joined hands and prayed in the very room where this bakery would eventually be. We prayed for His favor, His provisions and His guidance.

With our list in hand we returned to Ufa.