April 18th...

Though not much work was done today (we did work on some repairs in the Stupa Park) a lot of information was gathered.

The day started with a trip to the Migyur Dorje Stupa to evaluate the condition of the artwork. While we were there David Parker stopped by. He's a practitioner at the Frederick center who has offered to help us with our project here. He's worked in construction for many years, and has offered us much advice as well as offered to help us build platforms from which to work on the upper portions of Migyur Dorje. It never ceases to amaze me how the Stupas find their crew! He came by to see our Stupas a little over a week ago, just out of an interest in them. When we got to talking (we were out there working as usual) it became apparent he would be able to help us solve some difficult logistic concerns. The Migyur Dorje is 38 feet tall, and as you can see from photos, it isn't like a rectangle. So regular scaffolding won't help. And a boom lift runs $2500 for a month, something that would crush our modest budget. So how to get up there??? Along comes David! : )

When Norbu arrived with his truck we headed out to N&S Rentals to rent a sandblaster. They didn't have a compressor that we'd need, so they kindly sent us on over to Rentals Unlimited. While there we found out Norbu's truck, while very handy, wasn't up to the task of towing the compressor (we thought we'd be loading everything into the truck, not towing). Then we found out sand comes in 100 lb bags, and that we'd need a lot of bags. After a quick lunch of McDonalds in the parking lot we decided to go ahead and have it all delivered. So tomorrow morning Norbu will be out there early, waiting for the delivery! No sandblasting today (personally I'm very disappointed, as I work the next two days and won't be there to see this process..). Norbu promises it will happen tomorrow, at least he'll test it out to see. He's concerned about damaging the Stupa. The goal is to get that "stucco" layer off mentioned in previous posts.

Once we got all the rental equipment arranged we headed back to the temple. Our plans thwarted temporarily we loaded up the truck to continue repairs at the Stupa Park. Lisa took the day off to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Prayer Vigil, and we didn't want her talents to go to waste!

I will end again with an invitation. Please come out and enjoy the Stupas! They are here for you, and for all beings, human and non (great to bring your pets). We are working hard to help keep these precious sources of blessings in the world. If you'd like to help repair these Stupas you can use the link on this page to make a secure donation. All proceeds go only to cover the costs of materials and rental equipment, with a small percentage going to cover the mortgage on the land where the Stupas sit. No one gets paid for their efforts, everything is used to keep the Stupas in the world. Offering your prayers for the swift and safe completion of this project are also welcome and essential! The Stupas are always freely available though, to everyone and anyone, no strings attached. We're here to be sure they'll be here for you for generations to come!