another wednesday motley update
October 17th, 2007 by Team MemberChris has already posted such an eloquent blog for today that anything else just wouldn’t compare. He is Longfellow, Shakespeare and the Hulk all rolled into one. Today was another great day on the build site, with the team and all of our hosts. Josh is the go-to guy for Sergei when he needs some help and he is learning lots of new techniques from our Ukranian friends. It is amazing to see the efficiency that they have with materials here. Everything is used and nothing is wasted and many things are used multiple times. It is pretty amazing how much has been accomplished by the build teams so far. Our own version of Extreme Home Makeover (the Ukrain version).
We have one more full day of work and we are looking forward to seeing the house really start to look like a home as we add the roof structure. We’re still not sure who is going to get up on the roof to set the panels we have been painting. Stay tuned for the details of that adventure.
Ben and Mickey (aka Michael not the Mouse) have gotten to know some of Max’s neighbors and leant a helping hand in moving some furniture and trying some traditional food.
The food, fellowship and work have all been great. We couldn’t ask for better weather or a better cause to be here. Ken has been an ispirational leader to all of us and his language skills are a huge asset. There is also no way Ken could ask for so many different dairy products without the language skills. All kidding aside, we joke about Ken in these blogs because we all love him and we are so glad the he has had such a role in putting this great team together and been such a positive leader for this trip.
Look for another update shortly as we complete our work days on the project and start our travels home.
**Disclaimer: Any spelling errors above are partially due to the small blackberry keyboard and also because after a tremendous number of years of schooling, I would lose any scrabble game to a third grader.**
October 17th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Another wonderful couple of blogs you give us to read. Thank you for the heart with which you gentlemen communicate your experiences each day. Ken, I just want you to know how proud I am of you for being such a great leader. I’ve always known you to ONLY be a positive person and it’s fun to see others see that wonderful quality in you. You go through life – in good seasons and in difficult ones – with a remarkable attitude. (An example to us all). And you apparently build houses the same way. Sorry to spend so much time on this blog talking to Ken, but it just makes a sister so proud of her brother. I know how you prepared for this trip and to lead well — and the Lord has honored your faithfulness on so many levels. Mark, Andrew and I visited with Tommy and Mollie Watson yesterday. They send their love to you!
Thank you to each of you for all that you have done this week and the giving heart with which you do it all. I talked to Yuri on the phone late this afternoon and he is soooo enjoying each of you! He did try to worry me by telling me in his ‘urgent voice’ that it was snowing and I should really pray for better weather, but I’ve learned not to believe him any more…..smile.
Much love and appreciation,
Deneen
October 18th, 2007 at 6:27 am
It sounds like you all are doing great! Ken said that the team has gotten so much work done and that he couldn’t have asked for a more cohesive group. The fact that you have all been so faithful to tell us about your days in such detail is in much appreciation. Although we are not there physically we are there in spirit and, through your blogs, we can get a brief glimpse of your experience. The “lightness” in your blogs is such a testimony to your attitude regarding the work you are there to do….no grumbling or complaining….just gratefulness to be doing God’s work and great joy in how HE is working in your lives. You know you can talk to some people over and over about the Lord but so often it is SEEING those who love Him do His work with love and gratitude that can change a person’s heart and life. I know that He is working mightily through you all and in you all. Ken, we miss you so much. Hunter working so hard with Carter on Monday…..he was a wild man! He has several activities planned for you and he when you get home. I miss being able to just pick up the phone and call you. I’m so proud of you…… I hope you guys have a great day of work today. Take care!