Today, Tuesday, was a 'weather grace gift' as it was the first work day that it did NOT rain! God is good! (But we knew that already, didn't we?!)

A lot was accomplished today as Byron, Ed, Mark and Doug worked all day and were joined in the afternoon by Ron and... another new face at the work site... Pastor Richard! You can tell from the sweat on his T-shirt that he "...didn't just come for the photo op. Hand me something and tell me what to do!" As is typical of the Pastor, he doesn't let any grass grow under his feet, and he didn't let any grow under ours either! For some strange reason, he really took to the hammer stapler, stapling the house rap up. He was going at it with a vengeance and it seems that with every swing and blow he mumbled a different Deacon's name. (Not quite sure what that meant but it couldn't have been a positive thing!!!)

We found out at lunch today that Carol's Deli has undergone a name change. We feasted on homemade beef BBQ sandwiches and drinks. It is now Carol's Grill and Catering. (Thanks again!)

With superb teamwork, excepting a small portion of the left side of the house, we completed all the work necessary to begin putting up the Hardi Board siding. As you can see from the photos, we had to replace the framing around the sliding patio doors around back and for most of the morning there was a gaping section with no wall. There are a couple of photos that show the 'pass through' that was created and then the final cover-up and wrapping. I just realized why Ed spent most of his time working on that this morning. It was the only spot on the work site that was air conditioned!!! (That's why he's the superintendent.) Anyway, as you can also see in the photos, everything now is wrapped up and waiting to accept the siding.

Now what would my blog posts be without a little humor, hummm? There is a photo posted today of the typical Ron pose... sitting! I feel slightly bad in that we don't have a recliner on site for him like we've had in the past. (Sorry Ron, we love you anyway. Maybe the next project we can find a recycled recliner for you in a dumpster somewhere.) Seriously though, while we are good at ribbing each other we have worked hard and the fellowship has been tremendous. Truly this a ministry not only to Ken and Marie but to those of us who have been working and hopefully to the neighbors.

Speaking of ribbing, I usually get needled about something and usually it's about something that's not even apparent. For several days now I have been teased about a 'pink extension cord' that I own. Has it been with me at the site? No. Did that keep anyone from talking about it anyway? No. Did I cower and leave it at home? NO WAY! I brought that pink cord with me today and even posed for a photo with it. (It was a great value... an excellent cord for a low price. Even then, Ron said he wouldn't have it even if they had given it to him. Whatever.) Someone else asked today if the pink meant this was a Powderpuff Ministry.

Well, I'm going to close today's post with a reminder and a realization that this is truly a ministry, an opportunity for us to put action to our words. Thanks to all who are involved, whether you're on site, making meals, contributing dollars, supporting us with your prayers, offering encouragement, or any other way.

God is good!