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Excerpt of letter from the DeWalts
Addla A baba, Ethiopia
June 29, 1974
There are unbelievable problems here. First, it takes forever to get parts and/or equipment, transportation is never sure or on schedule, and the government red tape is the worst we have ever encountered. It takes 2 days to buy travelers checks, and 45 minutes to cash a check if you are lucky, and when you start looking for supplies, it’s a nightmare. Doug paid $25 a bag for cement today, tried 8 stores for a hammer handle and never did find one. We paid $88 for a canvas camp cot and food is almost a luxury. A can of Crisco 3# size is $8.75 and a jar of Miracle Whip is $6.20. Of course these prices are Ethio money and their dollar is about half U.S. but even so, it is high at best. You can see we have encountered many problems already here in the city.
At Chiffra, where the men are drilling is quite another story. They have to drive 11 hours to get there, and then they work 12 to 16 hours a day in 85 to 115 degree heat, chase the tarantulas out of their tents and clothes frequently and keep an eye out for any unfriendly natives. Actually, the Danakils, where they are drilling now are noted for being pretty primitive and formidable, but they are treating the crew like royalty now. One little girl traded them some camel’s milk for a skin full of water. It’s crazy how different this side of the world is. There are hundreds of shops, people selling in the streets, beggars, thieves and some of the most beautiful people in the world all right here.
While I am writing, I would like to extend an imitation to any and all drillers who can spare the time and money???, there is a desperate need for skilled help here. Machinery is available, expenses in the field are covered, so the big thing is transportation and many churches are helping with that. We simply do not have enough trained people here to run the equipment or train the natives how to do it. If only you could see the poverty and need, you would surely understand. A lot of churches are working together here to provide as much help as possible, but water doesn’t come cheap or easy.