Art's Thoughts

It has been a day back at normal life, already I miss last week. We were all tired, and all sore. We also did great things. Looking back it was an amazing week. To give it some numbers. We removed and recycled well over 3200 lbs of metal, most of it copper and iron (we got about 750$ towards the new plumbing from this). We filled two 30 cu. yard dumpsters, these are 8ft wide, 22ft long, and 6ft deep. We tore down two porches. We parged (rough stuccoing) walls using between 8-10 mixer loads of mortar. Each load was 94lbs of cement, 25lbs of lime, 15-20 gallons of water, and 27 shovels of sand. We replaced gutters and framed walls on a families house. All in all pretty amazing for 12 people. The shelter/training center when complete will support 5-6 families for about 60 days for each family making a real difference in peoples lives.

We also learned a lot about each other, morning people, night owls, shower hogs, musicians, gamers, geeks, book nuts, among other qualities. But by the end of the week we became a pretty tight community. We look at each other differently when we meet at church on sunday knowing that together with God's help we made a difference.

We also owe so many people our thanks for this trip it is hard to list them all, if I miss anyone I truly apologize, it is not intended.

At Fuller Center New Jersey Pines:

Neil - Our construction lead, teacher, and guardian angel. We owe you big time!

Merle - Our spiritual leader.

Pastor Gary - For vision, hope, and help.

Lord of Life Church - For a great place to stay, eat, and get cleaned up

Redeemer Lutheran - For a place with AC to eat, got us through a couple of really hot days.

Theresa - Thanks for the drive when we were in a tight spot.

At Bethel Lutheran

Everyone - For your prayers for our efforts, keeping us safe.

Cooks - All the food folks made was incredible

Food Donations - It is a huge help to not have to shop when you are hot and tired, your donations are very appreciated.

Peggy - For helping us keep track of things.

Book Donations - Your books and donations helped us do this trip and the books we didn't sell went to McKays and the credits will be used to get kids books for the preschool

Parents - Thank you for your faith and trust in us.

Pastor Jeff - For you spiritual leadership, hard work, and massive help in resolving the CDL issue.

Sharon (my wife) - For all the work you did in arranging all of this. Great job.

Jim Anderson - For all your skill, and your deep perspective on builds of this type.

The Youth

Aly, Danny, Peter, Jack, Olivia, EmmaLeigh, Nick, Ian (our EMT). You all worked so hard during the build, pushing through being tired and sore most of the time. You watched out for each other, kept each other safe. You worked as hard as any adult but you kept us going with your sense of fun (maybe some day radiator throwing will be an olympic sport). The spirit of Christian caring that you show is something I will keep with me always, you are all welcome on any build I am on, I would be honored.