Uganda Distribution Journey

The September Distribution Update

Wheels on the Ground

Here at ROC Wheels, we have learned that every battle we face while working the logistics of a distribution for wheelchairs in developing countries can lead to amazing wins when we least expect them. This is the case when you look at our Uganda distribution journey. Over the last 2 years that this has been in the works, we have been dealing with mountains of paperwork, phone calls, and agonizing moments of thinking we would never work things out with customs.

We have some very exciting news to announce. This past week, we learned our chairs were on the ground, unloaded, and in a secure facility now. Chalk this victory up to the Lord, because now we can push through with our Uganda distribution and get these chairs to children that are very much in need of them.

Starting October 10th, our team will come together and join an even larger crew to spend some time distributing chairs to those who are in need. For more information, you can always contact us via email.

The September YEWTH ROC Update:

Gallatin Valley Rodeo Bible Camp (GVRBC) took part in the YEWTHS ROC Program. GVRBC sponsored and build three ROCKIT Chairs in total. The camp director, Clark Mueller, expressed excitement when he saw the impact this program had on his rodeo youth. Gallatin Valley Rodeo Bible Camp signed up to take part with the YEWTHS ROC Program again. We’re looking forward to the possibility of many more years of partnership with GVRBC.

The September ROCKIT Workshop Update

When is a 4 x 4 not a 4 x 4? This summer, the Gallatin Valley Re-Entry team members took on the project of building a workbench for the new shop. The goal was to build a bench strong enough to support a tool board and a large vise. 

The build began with the construction of corner legs using 4 x 4’s. This required multiple cuts in the wood such that the front and side 2 x 6’s would be flush all around the top surface and bottom shelf. Jacob and Dan cut one set of legs while Cole cut the other set. A lot of fine cutting was required to for the boards to fit in the recess.

As they cut the last leg, an emotional voice shouted, “I cut the wrong side!” Indeed, an incorrect cut rendered the fourth leg unusable. “Now what do we do?” One thing that the members never allowed was panic to set in. The Re Entry team has always considered their options. 

Discussions immediately ensued, and they decided the team would “make” a 4 x 4. The team made a “sandwich” of thicknesses to comprise the new leg. Dan helped to guide the way and soon the 4th leg emerged as solid as the other three legs. The framing continued, and they completed the base. Comments such as “wow, that is neat”, “that will hold a ton of weight”, all the way too “now I know how to make a bench for my shop” were all echoed by the team. 

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