Another cyclone is heading Madagascar’s way. At this time it looks like one of the worst cyclones to hit Madagascar with a rating of 7 on the Dvorak scale, 8 being the highest classification. Cyclone Freddy,(I think the name should also be upgraded to Fred considering its strength), will make landfall towards the south of the country after impacting Mauritius and Reunion, move across the country and at this stage appears to then head on to Mozambique. We won’t really experience the effect of this cyclone, being right up in the north, but please pray with us for the people who live in its path. If the predicted course will be followed, the outcome for Madagascar would be devastating.
We also had a storm a few nights ago with very strong wind which even toppled a tree in our back garden. Dries thought the angle of the masts on Gabriel seemed somewhat off the next morning and made a beeline for the boat. One of the deadeyes which connects the cables of the mast to the boat, were torn of. Dries is in the process of replacing all of these deadeyes and tied some extra ropes to secure the masts a few weeks ago. We thank God for this insight as the rear mast would have fallen and I don’t even want to go into the possible outcome of that. Please continue to pray with us for what lies ahead; taking Gabriel out of the water, assessing the repairs needed and the actual work that needs to be done. As I mentioned before, at least eight months will be required to do this.
You can see the precautionary ropes which Dries tied and down below the deadeye in the middle which tore right off ths boat.
There is also another complication which could be a game changer for us. We have heard rumours amongst boat owners of the government taxing foreign boats. We did not pay much attention as we thought that it would only affect charter boats. Well, the authorities dropped the bomb regarding that this week and we are worried. By registrating the boat as a Madagascar vessel, we could avoid the full tax or leaving the country every six months. It will still require lots of paperwork and a minimum of 5% tax on the value of the boat. The scary thing is that the authorities will value the boat and although we don’t have a fancy boat like most yacht owners here, the cost could turn out to make it impossible for us to continue. Simply put, it could mean that we have to face some big decisions. To leave Madagascar, would be the first option, but for obvious reasons not one we would like to consider. We have an unfinished school on Nosy Be, Lovako school in Russian Bay that still needs us and a broken boat that can’t go anywhere soon. We feel the pressure from all sides. The government gives boats until the end of this year to comply, so there is not even a lot of time. We need God’s direction as we can’t even think straight amidst all of this at the moment. Please share your thoughts, Scripture and what God lays on your heart concerning our situation.
God bless!
E-posadres: lynettedj@gmail.com
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