Mission accomplished. As of the end of today,
-all 100 roof shingle panels are painted (blue)
-all ceiling joist are in place
-all roof ridgepoles and beams are in place
-all roof trusses and rafters are in place
We were also able to stock additional block on top of the house to complete the gable end walls and prep old cocrete forms for use as roof purlins.

Yuri’s expectations for our team were certainly exceeded, but we all would love nothing more than to see the completion of this home. And, after tonight’s very emotional farewell to Max and his family, it is even more of a burden on our hearts. Thier faith was an inspiration to us all. What an amazing story this family has to tell; a story of allowing God to lead them towards specific children for adoption, trusting God in prayer to heal their son so that he could walk, and seeing the fruits of their faith in this new home from Hope House. And yet they still give God all the glory first!

On a personal note, I would like to thank all the members of my team, Yuri and his staff, and Hope House International for making this experience possiblem. We started as a group of individuals with open hearts, but came together as a solitary unit for one purpose.

I would like to thank the following;

Mickey and Ben: for letting me watch a father and son grow closer together while serving others, and their willingness to establish international relations with the Hope House neighbors.

Shawn: for his sound medical advice, his extensive knowledge of construction, and his amazingly dry but hilarious sense of humor.

Billy, for his infectious positive attitude that affected us all and the joy I received from watching the Lord working on his heart. Buddy, I so appreciate you doing everything asked of you, and then doing so much more than expected.

Josh, for bringing your knowledge of cocrete and construction, and then making our job foreman, Sergey, comfortable enough to let you work alone as a second foreman. Thanks for being so dedicated and consistant in being willing to crawl up the wall every morning so I didn’t have to.

Chris, for picking up the slack (and everyone who’se holding onto it!). Because of your physical strength and presence, it was as if our team went from eight to ten men. Your comic relief kept it light, and it kept us all laughing.

Brian, my friend, you were the first one I asked to go on this trip, and the first to accept. You were my roomate and my second in command. Our conversations and your wisdom were welcomed, needed, and appreciated. Because of your humor, you kept everthing light.

Thanks again to everyone both here and back home. Thank you to our families for allowing us this amazing opportunity.

Ken