The first of two teams, each expected to stay a week, has arrived.
The first team is experienced in Katrina recovery work, having team in New Orlenans, but new to Mississippi. Greg Jackson from Williston, Vermont attends the Williston Federated Church. He is joined by Dave Kay from Virginia, Barb Nuetzmann from Illinois and Steve Matteson of Louisiana.
Word is that the floors are down in the Pittman House, the walls are painted and some doors have been installed.
The clapboard and windows on the outside needed additional caulking and painting. There is still some sofit work on the outside. The rest of the doors, the trim, cabinets, toilets, sinks and countertops all need installation. Finally there is some finish electrical work to be done.
On Wednesday and Thursday a second team of Tony Lamb, Will Metro and Harley Donnelly from Williston, and Bob Platt from Shelburne Vermont will arrive for a second week.
By going we guarantee that the two houses we have an attachment to will be completed before Christmas. One or both may have been completed anyway, but this insures that they are and makes it possible for other houses to approach completion as well.
John the Baptist is working with them on the Pittman House.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
12/01/08 Update
Camp Hope was closed last week so no work was done. We are looking for a small team of volunteers to return in the next two weeks to help complete the work. Contact Tony Lamb alamb@alamblaw.com if interested.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Update 11-25-08
Larry and Ann report as follows:
Vermont house, mudded and finished by experts from International Relief out of San Diego. Also sprayed for orange peel. Ready for painting Friday afternoon. Site shut down for a week. Expect painters the following week. Ann and I built the back deck and finished the front deck.
Waxton house, finished by the same group last week and painted Friday. Most of the junk out of the yard.
Linda's Grandson returning from Iraq in December.
Vermont house, mudded and finished by experts from International Relief out of San Diego. Also sprayed for orange peel. Ready for painting Friday afternoon. Site shut down for a week. Expect painters the following week. Ann and I built the back deck and finished the front deck.
Waxton house, finished by the same group last week and painted Friday. Most of the junk out of the yard.
Linda's Grandson returning from Iraq in December.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Latest Info-11-19-08
Waxton house:
Last week Ann and Larry Barber built the back deck.
It has been taped plastered and expected to be painted Tuesday.
The exterior doors had to be adjusted as they were not correctly installed.
Some outlets and light fixture boxes were sheet rocked over but have been found.
All interior doors were adjusted to fit standard sized doors
Pittman House
Ann and Larry Barber finished the front deck to day and started the back deck which they will finish Wednesday
The sewer, water and electric lines have been buried.
Last week a team from Blacksburg Virginia taped and mudded.
Wednesday a volunteer professional will finish the mudding and it should be painted by Friday.
Next week is shut down and two more weeks of shutdown next month
and then depending on volunteers coming in, the apparent target for completion is January
Ann and Larry Barber have done 20 assessments to date and have three more to go.
Ann and Larry Barber are members of First Church in Burlington and live in Williston. They are long term volunteers in Mississippi, but will be home for the holidays.
Last week Ann and Larry Barber built the back deck.
It has been taped plastered and expected to be painted Tuesday.
The exterior doors had to be adjusted as they were not correctly installed.
Some outlets and light fixture boxes were sheet rocked over but have been found.
All interior doors were adjusted to fit standard sized doors
Pittman House
Ann and Larry Barber finished the front deck to day and started the back deck which they will finish Wednesday
The sewer, water and electric lines have been buried.
Last week a team from Blacksburg Virginia taped and mudded.
Wednesday a volunteer professional will finish the mudding and it should be painted by Friday.
Next week is shut down and two more weeks of shutdown next month
and then depending on volunteers coming in, the apparent target for completion is January
Ann and Larry Barber have done 20 assessments to date and have three more to go.
Ann and Larry Barber are members of First Church in Burlington and live in Williston. They are long term volunteers in Mississippi, but will be home for the holidays.
The Color.
UMCOR normally provides a limited color pallet. White and Beige. We chose to pay for the paint ourselves and give Mrs. Pittman a choice. We showed her the color chips from Lowes and she chose the color. She did not know the significance of the colors name until after she chose Montpelier Peach.
The Last Full Day.
On Friday, we worked as long as we could with the sheet rock that we had and made great progress. Almost the entire inside sheet rock was complete. There are a couple of walls left to do. A group of the team from Shelburne was going to work on Saturday and do what they could to complete that work. There was also about two pieces of siding to be put up on the back and that would be done. Many people worked to caulk seams and around the windows. Some followed along and touched up the prepainted siding.
As we left it looked great.
Next trip
There is a trip planned to Gulfport, Mississippi the last week of February 2009. We will be doing renovations in the same area. The Gulfport site requires us to do some additional chores, including cooking, but the work is the same. For information contact Tony Lamb at alamb@alamblaw.com or 802-878-1251 (nights) or 802-876-1200 (days).
Future of the Blog
I apologize for the not posting recently. The reentry into the “real” world is always a struggle. In order to blog properly it seems that it needs to become a regular part of your routine. For me it was in Mississippi. After dinner, evening debrief, devotions, and a period of rich conversation, the fellowship hall would clear out about 9:30 and I could use my computer. Unfortunately, with the elections and such, there were many websites and news sites to review before I could start on the blog. It was a relaxing end to my day. Try as I might, I would generally not finish until after lights out and I would have to find my wash kit to take a shower in the dark.
Returning home I have not found that routine. I expect to post at least once a week until the house is complete and dedicated. It is possible to “subscribe” to the blog and receive email notification of all future posts.
Returning home I have not found that routine. I expect to post at least once a week until the house is complete and dedicated. It is possible to “subscribe” to the blog and receive email notification of all future posts.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
New Places, New People
One of the joys of mission is meeting new people. John is a long term volunteer at Camp Hope. He is an experienced framer and carpenter. His knowledge has been a great asset to our team. He came as a volunteer in August and just stayed on.
Smiley was a volunteer for more than a year at another camp. She actually ended up marrying another volunteer. She works as the greeter at the Shed and has worked with us for one day, teaching our team how to mud walls. We hope that she will join us again for our last day.
What happens in Vancleave does not stay in Vancleave
Did we forget to mention that there are no secrets on a mission trip. The occasional trip to the Shed for medicinal purposes are a good example. Imagine my surprise when one of our volunteers pointed out grafitti left by one of last week's team.
Do we do good work?
Charlie reported today that the inspectors commented on how surprised they were that volunteers could build with such quality. Indeed, Charlie believes the spent a little more time than the inspection required appreciating the work.
Third Thursday
We were all at the Pitman Vermont House today. The team had completed all of the changes required by the inspection by the end of the day Wednesday.
An additional inspection was completed today so we could progress full speed. The team was divided up into groups and each given a room to insulate and sheet rock. We are using batts of insulation in the ceiling. In the Waxman they are going to blow in insulation into the attic. The walls are also insulated because of air conditioning and some heating.
We have also continued with the siding. We painted it before we put it up and it looks great.
Today we finished the insulation. We have one about 60 % of the ceilings sheet rocked and expect to finish all of it tomorrow. If time permits we will begin mudding the walls.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Third Wednesday
After such a historic election, I am reminded of the Zen thing:
Before enlightenment there is chopping wood and carrying water,
After enlightenment there is chopping wood and carrying water.
Or perhaps after three weeks with the ups and downs I find the words of John Wesley to do as much good as you can for as long as you can to have real meaning.
Today the Vermont house was inspected. They found a few small things wrong, but really admired the quality of the work. Unfortuantely one of the things that they did not like was that the sheathing was laid side ways. This creates seams that do not have backing by the frame of the house. They required us to put studs behind each of the seams. This took most of the day to accomplish.
They did permit us to continue with the siding which is going slowly. The siding is a concrete like product called hardie plank. We use a special clipper to cut the siding, and being stiff requires effort to nail up. But progress is being made.
Tomorrow we expect to be reinspected. The entire team will go to the house. We will then divide up the rooms and insulate and sheet rock them all as far as we can.
The team at the Waxman house finished the sheet rock on the ceiling and one complete room. Two other rooms are 80% done.
Smiley taught several of our team to mud the walls and ceiling. Good progress was made on that.
Before enlightenment there is chopping wood and carrying water,
After enlightenment there is chopping wood and carrying water.
Or perhaps after three weeks with the ups and downs I find the words of John Wesley to do as much good as you can for as long as you can to have real meaning.
Today the Vermont house was inspected. They found a few small things wrong, but really admired the quality of the work. Unfortuantely one of the things that they did not like was that the sheathing was laid side ways. This creates seams that do not have backing by the frame of the house. They required us to put studs behind each of the seams. This took most of the day to accomplish.
They did permit us to continue with the siding which is going slowly. The siding is a concrete like product called hardie plank. We use a special clipper to cut the siding, and being stiff requires effort to nail up. But progress is being made.
Tomorrow we expect to be reinspected. The entire team will go to the house. We will then divide up the rooms and insulate and sheet rock them all as far as we can.
The team at the Waxman house finished the sheet rock on the ceiling and one complete room. Two other rooms are 80% done.
Smiley taught several of our team to mud the walls and ceiling. Good progress was made on that.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Third Tuesday.
No pictures today. We spent most of the evening watching the election results.
At the Vermont House they finished the roof with the help of a great crew from Illinois. We are now ready for the next building inspection on Wednesday.
Approval was given for the siding to begin going up and it is going very well.
Once approval is given,insulation of the inside will begin followed by sheet rock.
The plan for tomorrow is for most of the team except those doing siding to go to the Waxman house. Once the inspection is completed, and with approval, most of the team will be called back to the Vermont House-it is about 25 minutes away.
The Vermont House will have batts of insulation installed in the ceiling (the Waxman House will have blown in insulation). This means that the team will be organized to staple the insulation into the ceiling, followed by sheet rock.
At the Waxman house we have resolved many framing problems to let us be able to install all but a few sheets of the ceiling sheet rock. One of the problems that existed was that the doors were not correctly framed in terms of width. Larry and Ann spent a good deal of time resolving that problem.
We use 5/8 th sheet rock for the ceiling and 1/2 inch for the walls. They try not to have both sizes on site at the same time because it is easy to confuse and time consuming to replace.
We are now at a place that we will start putting up the sheet rock on the walls. We have almost all of the insulation in the walls and have a star sheet rocker coming in to assist us with taping the walls.
Smiley has been a volunteer in Mississippi for almost a year. She married another volunteer. We met her at the Shed and she is coming to help move the work on the Waxman house along. We are excited to have her join our team.
At the Vermont House they finished the roof with the help of a great crew from Illinois. We are now ready for the next building inspection on Wednesday.
Approval was given for the siding to begin going up and it is going very well.
Once approval is given,insulation of the inside will begin followed by sheet rock.
The plan for tomorrow is for most of the team except those doing siding to go to the Waxman house. Once the inspection is completed, and with approval, most of the team will be called back to the Vermont House-it is about 25 minutes away.
The Vermont House will have batts of insulation installed in the ceiling (the Waxman House will have blown in insulation). This means that the team will be organized to staple the insulation into the ceiling, followed by sheet rock.
At the Waxman house we have resolved many framing problems to let us be able to install all but a few sheets of the ceiling sheet rock. One of the problems that existed was that the doors were not correctly framed in terms of width. Larry and Ann spent a good deal of time resolving that problem.
We use 5/8 th sheet rock for the ceiling and 1/2 inch for the walls. They try not to have both sizes on site at the same time because it is easy to confuse and time consuming to replace.
We are now at a place that we will start putting up the sheet rock on the walls. We have almost all of the insulation in the walls and have a star sheet rocker coming in to assist us with taping the walls.
Smiley has been a volunteer in Mississippi for almost a year. She married another volunteer. We met her at the Shed and she is coming to help move the work on the Waxman house along. We are excited to have her join our team.
Home sick.
This is my third week working here in Mississippi. We are active so much of the day there is little time to be home sick. I do admit however, that I miss my wife very much. How often do I see or do something during the day that I would love to share or do with her.
To day was election day. The church hall where we eat and convene was a polling place. Accordingly we had breakfast in the warehouse. As we waited for breakfast I wandered outside where I saw the early voters lining up before the polls open. It was one of the few times I really missed being in Vermont. Each election I work at the polls, greeting all of my friends and neighbors, and meeting fellow citizens.
As I saw those voters I suddenly became very home sick. I decided that I would "walk the line" and talk to the voters in line like I do at home. I was actually not sure that I could do it with out getting emotional. But sure enough as I talked with the voters it felt very much like being at home, although with a very different accent.
I did it again after breakfast but realized that I had probably overstayed my visit when I heard someone suggest that I had a career future as a Wal Mart greeter.
To day was election day. The church hall where we eat and convene was a polling place. Accordingly we had breakfast in the warehouse. As we waited for breakfast I wandered outside where I saw the early voters lining up before the polls open. It was one of the few times I really missed being in Vermont. Each election I work at the polls, greeting all of my friends and neighbors, and meeting fellow citizens.
As I saw those voters I suddenly became very home sick. I decided that I would "walk the line" and talk to the voters in line like I do at home. I was actually not sure that I could do it with out getting emotional. But sure enough as I talked with the voters it felt very much like being at home, although with a very different accent.
I did it again after breakfast but realized that I had probably overstayed my visit when I heard someone suggest that I had a career future as a Wal Mart greeter.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Waxman House
Today a small group returned to work on the Waxman house. Although it is the same as the Vermont House in terms of floor plan, it has not been built as well. We have been fixing things so we can hang sheet rock.
We now have two rooms and the hall way almost compeltely sheet rocked.
We now have two rooms and the hall way almost compeltely sheet rocked.
Porch roofs are not a job they are a career.
One of the hold ups on the roof is creating the hip for the porch roof. A fairly complex framining issue, it has required a great deal of time and labor.
We have had a great team from Illinois helping with our roofing project. It really helped us to move along. It has been great to have them work with us. The fellowship is wonderful.
We have started putting up the Montpelier Peach (that's the color) siding. We can only go three or four courses before the inspection occurs and we have to have the roof done before that can occur.
A great deal of prep work inside the house is taking place to enable us to begin sheet rocking. These details all take time and we have many hands working on it.
We have had a great team from Illinois helping with our roofing project. It really helped us to move along. It has been great to have them work with us. The fellowship is wonderful.
We have started putting up the Montpelier Peach (that's the color) siding. We can only go three or four courses before the inspection occurs and we have to have the roof done before that can occur.
A great deal of prep work inside the house is taking place to enable us to begin sheet rocking. These details all take time and we have many hands working on it.
First Injury
The Reverend Greg Smith suffered a signifacant boo boo today. Fortunately Lois was able to kiss it an make it all better.
Reports that Bob Krebs drew a detailed map of southern Mississippi on his head last week with two by fours are greatly exagerated. It was more like a map of the county. For obvious reasons no harm was done.
Reports that Bob Krebs drew a detailed map of southern Mississippi on his head last week with two by fours are greatly exagerated. It was more like a map of the county. For obvious reasons no harm was done.
Week three begins.
All thirty four of our team members for this week are now on site, safe and sound. We begin work on Monday on both the Vermont House and the Waxman house.
Blogging
Blogging requires a certain kind of discipline. Like keeping a diary it is best done every day. Making up days is very difficult and you find yourself falling further behind. Our schedule here is such that it is hard to find time until well after dinner. But by then the good conversations are started and it is hard to leave the fellowship of the group to go type.
It was particularly hard last Thursday. We have worked right to the last minute. We had worked hard all day long and it had been warm and humid. Dinner comes and the meeting after goes. Then the devil suggests we all go for a beer at the Shed. We are all so tired one is all we could have and when we got back at 9 o’clock, bed was all I want to experience.
The weekends present a different problem. We have less of a routine, particularly in the evening. Some of us go to New Orleans to send off the crew from the week before and to greet the new crew. After burning the candle at both ends all week, all I wanted to do on a Saturday night in New Orleans is go to sleep.
But blogging is also fun. It helps us to remember the path, long after our tracks have been covered over by those who are also traveling the path.
It was particularly hard last Thursday. We have worked right to the last minute. We had worked hard all day long and it had been warm and humid. Dinner comes and the meeting after goes. Then the devil suggests we all go for a beer at the Shed. We are all so tired one is all we could have and when we got back at 9 o’clock, bed was all I want to experience.
The weekends present a different problem. We have less of a routine, particularly in the evening. Some of us go to New Orleans to send off the crew from the week before and to greet the new crew. After burning the candle at both ends all week, all I wanted to do on a Saturday night in New Orleans is go to sleep.
But blogging is also fun. It helps us to remember the path, long after our tracks have been covered over by those who are also traveling the path.
Does everything have to happen for a reason?
While on this mission, there are coincidences that seem like god moments. For example we need to complete the roof shingles very quickly and have few people who have any experience. By coincidence (?) there is a “roofing crew” consisting of a professional roofer and 9 experienced helpers arriving at the camp who will help us on Monday.
Mary Ann wondered what called her to come on this trip. Turns out Mrs. Pittman had the very same rare cyst on her spine that paralyzed her, as did Mary Ann. Mary Ann was able to spend a good deal of time sharing experiences with Mrs. Pittman and make a real connection. Coincidence?
This morning one of our team missed their flight and so would be coming in two hours later than expected. It was the one obstacle keeping me from attending morning service at St. Mark’s (more in another post about St. Mark’s). Was that the coincidence or was the god moment the fact that the sermon was about humility.
Mary Ann wondered what called her to come on this trip. Turns out Mrs. Pittman had the very same rare cyst on her spine that paralyzed her, as did Mary Ann. Mary Ann was able to spend a good deal of time sharing experiences with Mrs. Pittman and make a real connection. Coincidence?
This morning one of our team missed their flight and so would be coming in two hours later than expected. It was the one obstacle keeping me from attending morning service at St. Mark’s (more in another post about St. Mark’s). Was that the coincidence or was the god moment the fact that the sermon was about humility.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
New Orlean
New Orleans is a fascinating city in many ways. When you walk the French Quarter, you can see the strong Spanish influence in the architecture. It is fun to walk even the backest of streets because you find so many interesting details and court yards.
I often confuse Burbon Street and the drunken revel with the city. Yet when you walk around during the day you begin to sense the incredible diversity of music. On one street two gentlemen were playing blues and amusing the crowd with side conversations. On another a woman was playing piano accompanied by a man on a tuba. Near the church a mariachi band was playing while a woman on stilts danced.
One night I had the pleasure of joining Hans and others from our group to hear them play at Preservation Hall. It costs ten dollars to get in. There are several rows of wooden benches and then standing room only. The room would feel creepy if it were not so hallowed. It was an amazing experience in the midst of the hoopla that is Burbon Street on Saturday night to hear real music played by real people.
St. Mark's
St. Mark’s is located on Rampart Street, on the edge of the French Quarter. It is an open and affirming church that is truly diverse. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white, every imaginable combination. They serve a meal that is free to all and it is apparent that it is a ministry which is well received, particularly by the homeless. The man I sat next to told me he is blest. He has a roof over his head, food to eat and his social security. It was apparent that he had little more.
When I see the ministry of a church like this, working with the poor and the hungry, the homeless, I realize how much more there is to do in the world, but where to begin. It is a very small church inside and I suspect that it does not have a large membership. Several groups support them in their missions.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday Friday
Last thing Friday.
We have really worked hard the last two days. Friday was very warm and really sucked the energy right out of us. We carry many bottles of water and drink regularly but some how it often seems to get ahead of us.
We have been pushing to get the roof done. It is a hip roof which means that is slopes inward on the ends. The structural frame is complicated to build and for the inexperienced is very time consuming. We were able to complete the main roof structure by the end of the day on Friday. We still have to build an another hip roof over the pourch before we begin laying shingles. Our hope is to have it completed on Monday so we can have the house inspected on Tuesday.
Right now all of the rough plumbing, heating, and electrical work is done. All of the walls are up. The inspector needs to see the huricane straps that hold the walls to deck and the roof to the walls before we can begin sheet rocking.
All of exterior windows and doors are in. The house has been "wraped".
We have started painting the siding-Mrs. Pittman chose "Montpelier Peach" without even realizing the connection. Turns out is is a simlar color to Pastor Joan's office.
Friends.
John, Sam, and Chuck.
We have been blessed this week to have been joined by three friends, two old and one new, on the job site this week.
Chuck is from Iowa and worked with us last December and signed up as soon as he heard about our project. He will work next week with the Catholic Diocese here on the Gulf Coast and then either visits friends or find another place to work for a week. His construction expertise has been invaluable to us. It is a pleasure working along side of him and learning from him.
Sam is from Glasgow, Kentucky and worked with us before as well. He has excellent fine carpentry skills and brings a strong sense of fellowship to the work. He too worked with us at least twice before.
We are really excited that both of them arranged their schedule to be with us on this trip.
John is a “long term” volunteer. This means he is unpaid staff here in Vancleave. He is a professional carpenter and has been a big help in moving the project along. We have truly enjoyed his company on the site and look forward to working with him next week as well.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A Few Small Gifts
During a break today, gifts were given to Mrs. Pittman. They included note card pictures of Vermont, Vermont Cheese, University of Vermont shirts for the grandchildren, and a prayer shawl.
Raising the rafters
The roof rafters come in pre-built in a kit. While not particularly heavy the are awkward. A group of seven or eight pick them up and carry them to the side of the building. One roof team member stands on a step ladder and those on the ground push one end up to where they are hanging over the side of the house. The person on the roof, pulls the end up further on the roof. The people on the ground push the rafter up until it almost balances on the edge of the wall. Then they use long two by fours to push the rafter up when it is out of reach. A second person further across the house, standing on another ladder helps feed the rafter across the house. Once it is up, a second and third are stacked on top. Once they are up, the crew raises them and nails them in place and then braces are nailed across the top.
New Friends
Many of us have enjoyed making new friends. Nichols, who lives next door and works on this 1950's tractors has joined our work crew. He is always willing to take a break and show us the communal sugar cane patch. He cuts us a stalk, peals it, and then gives us a chunk to chew on. It tastes like sugar water, which of course it is. He is great to work with.
Today we were trying to decide whether and where to rent scaffolding for working on a couple of different parts of the house. Up walks Don. A neighbor and mason. He offers us just enough staging to make the work fly. Of course he is a great worker as well and worked with us for most of the day.
Pastor Joan also made a new friend:
Today we were trying to decide whether and where to rent scaffolding for working on a couple of different parts of the house. Up walks Don. A neighbor and mason. He offers us just enough staging to make the work fly. Of course he is a great worker as well and worked with us for most of the day.
Pastor Joan also made a new friend:
Road Crew
"When green and white just isn't enough!"
Nothing like a little color to cheer us up. On the way to work this morning we came accross a department of corrections work crew in their orange jump suits picking up trash along the side of the road. The guards were sitting in their cars. Will suggested that it would not be a good idea for Sally to get out and ask for directions.
Nothing like a little color to cheer us up. On the way to work this morning we came accross a department of corrections work crew in their orange jump suits picking up trash along the side of the road. The guards were sitting in their cars. Will suggested that it would not be a good idea for Sally to get out and ask for directions.
Second Wednesday
The weather to start this morning was frosty. We even had frost on the windows of our cars. Fortunately it warmed up to around seventy while were working.
Work continued on the roof. It is a hip roof which means that the ends slop out towards the end of the house rather than having two flat sides. We have ready made trusses for everything except the very ends. Creating the framing to hold the ends up in time consuming, but fun.
By the end of the day all of the main trusses were in place and one end was almost complete. A good deal of sheathing was placed on the middle portion of the roof.
We have competed all of the interior walls and the contractors came and began work. This includes the plumbers, electricians and heating and ventilation people. We hope they all finish tomorrow because then we can be inspected and begin the process of sheet rocking the interior.
We finished sheathing three sides of the house and put tyvek on two sides and put in four of the eight windows. We expect to compete the sheathing early tomorrow, and have all of the doors and windows in.
We will then begin putting up the siding. They do not use vinyl down here because unless it is put on perfectly it comes off in their wind. Umcor prefers masonite, but we opted to up grade to hardie plank. It is a cement like product and very durable. It will look wood clapboard when we finish. We plan to paint it before we put it up. Mrs. Pittman has picked a color: Montpelier peach-no kidding. It really is a very pretty color.
Work continued on the roof. It is a hip roof which means that the ends slop out towards the end of the house rather than having two flat sides. We have ready made trusses for everything except the very ends. Creating the framing to hold the ends up in time consuming, but fun.
By the end of the day all of the main trusses were in place and one end was almost complete. A good deal of sheathing was placed on the middle portion of the roof.
We have competed all of the interior walls and the contractors came and began work. This includes the plumbers, electricians and heating and ventilation people. We hope they all finish tomorrow because then we can be inspected and begin the process of sheet rocking the interior.
We finished sheathing three sides of the house and put tyvek on two sides and put in four of the eight windows. We expect to compete the sheathing early tomorrow, and have all of the doors and windows in.
We will then begin putting up the siding. They do not use vinyl down here because unless it is put on perfectly it comes off in their wind. Umcor prefers masonite, but we opted to up grade to hardie plank. It is a cement like product and very durable. It will look wood clapboard when we finish. We plan to paint it before we put it up. Mrs. Pittman has picked a color: Montpelier peach-no kidding. It really is a very pretty color.
Away
Although we are 1,500 miles away, we pray for those at home who need our prayers but especially for Don, may he recover from his fall quickly and may he be comforted.
Gladys
I met Gladys, Mrs. Pittman’s granddaughter who lives with her, for the first time to day. What a sunny person she is. I promised to put this picture of her and her cousin,Jasmine, up on the blog today and so here she is with our Pastor Joan:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Second Tuesday
Today was the day to finish the interior walls and work on the trusses.
First the walls all had to be straightened and braced. The trusses will hold them in position, but they had to be correct before we added the trusses. Work continued on the few remaining interior walls. Bath tubs were delivered and put in place. (This is easier than trying to move them in after all of the walls are up.)
In addition, a second top plate was nailed into place. The purpose of this place is to lock into place the different wall sections. This creates a very tight structure.
Worked continued on the sheathing.
Roof rafters were then lifted to the top of the walls and worked across so that they spanned the building. They were then stood on end, lined up with previously marked spots on the tops of the walls, toe nailed and braced into place.
Lifting them was more awkward than hard, easy for someone on the ground to say. Six men would lift them up and then two men on the tops of the wall would try to slide them into place. A couple of people on the ground and deck helped with long two by fours, by pushing the rafter up off the wall so it could be move.
Good progress was made today. Tomorrow the trades, plumbing and electrical begin work. They have been laying out the work, including placing electrical boxes for outlets and switches, but tomorrow they begin in earnest.
It will be important for us to compete enclosing the building by the end of the day.
As we went home on Tuesday it looked like this:
First the walls all had to be straightened and braced. The trusses will hold them in position, but they had to be correct before we added the trusses. Work continued on the few remaining interior walls. Bath tubs were delivered and put in place. (This is easier than trying to move them in after all of the walls are up.)
In addition, a second top plate was nailed into place. The purpose of this place is to lock into place the different wall sections. This creates a very tight structure.
Worked continued on the sheathing.
Roof rafters were then lifted to the top of the walls and worked across so that they spanned the building. They were then stood on end, lined up with previously marked spots on the tops of the walls, toe nailed and braced into place.
Lifting them was more awkward than hard, easy for someone on the ground to say. Six men would lift them up and then two men on the tops of the wall would try to slide them into place. A couple of people on the ground and deck helped with long two by fours, by pushing the rafter up off the wall so it could be move.
Good progress was made today. Tomorrow the trades, plumbing and electrical begin work. They have been laying out the work, including placing electrical boxes for outlets and switches, but tomorrow they begin in earnest.
It will be important for us to compete enclosing the building by the end of the day.
As we went home on Tuesday it looked like this:
Utes
It seems appropriate to speak of the “utes” since it was in the South that My Cousin Vinny took place.
Our nine “utes” are now gone and we miss them. Their work ethic and good humor made them a joy to have on the work site and back at the dorm. I feel that they learned a lot about painting and hammering and have some real skills. They accomplished a great deal. One group painted the entire inside of a 1400 square foot home in two days. The group also completed the nailing down of the deck sheets on the new home in a few hours. They never seem to quit.
They looked after each other and made sure that each was included. They led us in singing grace three times and one did grace by herself twice. One night they stayed up past lights out at 10 watching a movie. Not one person heard them when they went to bed.
It is interesting to hear the adults talk about how hard the “utes” work and yet the adults down here are working just as hard. Some times the exceptional becomes common and we fail to notice it. We noticed our “utes”.
Our nine “utes” are now gone and we miss them. Their work ethic and good humor made them a joy to have on the work site and back at the dorm. I feel that they learned a lot about painting and hammering and have some real skills. They accomplished a great deal. One group painted the entire inside of a 1400 square foot home in two days. The group also completed the nailing down of the deck sheets on the new home in a few hours. They never seem to quit.
They looked after each other and made sure that each was included. They led us in singing grace three times and one did grace by herself twice. One night they stayed up past lights out at 10 watching a movie. Not one person heard them when they went to bed.
It is interesting to hear the adults talk about how hard the “utes” work and yet the adults down here are working just as hard. Some times the exceptional becomes common and we fail to notice it. We noticed our “utes”.
The Second Monday
The first day of framing was greatly anticipated. Thanks to the efforts of the team last week all of the door frames and window frames had been built and braced to keep them square.
Today the team was divided into two primary teams. Each worked on a long wall. (the house is 28 by 50 feet). They layed the top plates and bottom plates down. Then they placed the standard studs in between. The places there were windows and doors they place the prebuilt frames at the right locations. They then nailed the top and bottom plates to the studs and frames. They were guided by lines drawn on the deck by the prep team. The wall was them slid to the edge of the deck.
After a brief warning about how to lift, both teams lined the top of the wall, lifted to their waist and then pushed the wall up as they moved towards the edge of the deck. It took but a few seconds. The wall was then checked for vertical and braces placed to hold it in place.
Debbie the case worker was standing next to me when the wall went up. She started to cry. Even as I teased her about it, I understood. There was so much symbolism in that first wall. New beginnings. The combined efforts of the twenty that made it possible for the wall to go up. The realization that this was really going to happen. It was a giant step forward in the process.
Next the other long wall was raised. Work then began on the two short walls. By eleven thirty all four walls were up and in place.
Work then began on the interior walls. Work on the porch was begun. All of these needed to be done before the roof trusses could be added.
Sheathing was nailed to the sides of the walls.
By the end of the day almost all of the interior walls were in place and much of the sheathing had been complete.
Another great day.
Today the team was divided into two primary teams. Each worked on a long wall. (the house is 28 by 50 feet). They layed the top plates and bottom plates down. Then they placed the standard studs in between. The places there were windows and doors they place the prebuilt frames at the right locations. They then nailed the top and bottom plates to the studs and frames. They were guided by lines drawn on the deck by the prep team. The wall was them slid to the edge of the deck.
After a brief warning about how to lift, both teams lined the top of the wall, lifted to their waist and then pushed the wall up as they moved towards the edge of the deck. It took but a few seconds. The wall was then checked for vertical and braces placed to hold it in place.
Debbie the case worker was standing next to me when the wall went up. She started to cry. Even as I teased her about it, I understood. There was so much symbolism in that first wall. New beginnings. The combined efforts of the twenty that made it possible for the wall to go up. The realization that this was really going to happen. It was a giant step forward in the process.
Next the other long wall was raised. Work then began on the two short walls. By eleven thirty all four walls were up and in place.
Work then began on the interior walls. Work on the porch was begun. All of these needed to be done before the roof trusses could be added.
Sheathing was nailed to the sides of the walls.
By the end of the day almost all of the interior walls were in place and much of the sheathing had been complete.
Another great day.
Monday, October 27, 2008
We're on TV
Today the reporter from WLOX visited our work site and took video.
type in the following site.
http://www.wlox.com/
It should be good for a day or two.
type in the following site.
http://www.wlox.com/
It should be good for a day or two.
Friday, October 24, 2008
No pictures
It is almost midnight-too much story telling, not enough time to post pictures. Hope to post some tommorrow, but Preservation Hall in New Orleans calls. Stay tuned.
Friday
The last day of the week in Vancleave always seems to come fast and go fast. We always talk about safety on Friday, especially if things have gone well. We have been blessed that except for some sore muscles or minor cuts and bruises the week went well and all will go home in one piece.
Our complete team went to The Vermont House site today. Our task was to work with the contractor to complete the decking on top of the foundation. First we had to help nail all of the joist hangers under each of the joists running between the stringers which are supported by the 12 X 12 posts. If you look at the pictures you can see how many joists there are. There is a hanger at each end and each one takes twelve nails.
Once that was done then sheets of tongue and grove decking could be glued and nailed down. These are large sheets of plywood with a tongue on one edge which slips into the grove in the sheet next to it. Each row of sheets is off set by two to four feet. These keep the joints tight.
The contractor used a nail gun to nail the ends down. Then our team would put nails every eight inches or so across each sheet across each joist.
Our team would feed the contractor and his helper the sheets as they needed them and then followed along behind pounding nails.
Deb tried to have everyone hammer in sync, but general chaos ruled.
I spent some time talking with Nichols, the neighbor. He is retired and has three older tractors he is working on. There is some sugar cane growing down the street in what appears to be a communal garden. He took us down and cut a stalk. He showed us how to peal it and then cut it into small pieces to chew on as a snack. It had a very sweet watery taste.
After about five hours we had the joist hangers nailed on and the deck nailed down. In addition we have put together all of the window and door frames (they are held square by extra removable cross braces.). On Monday, the next team will lay down the top plates and the bottom plates, put the precut studs between them, place the window or door frames where they belong and simply nail the plates to the end of the studs and frames.
Each wall will then be ready to raised and nailed in place.
We are very excited because that is as far as we planned to go this week and with the delay earlier in the week we were concerned that we might fall behind. Instead we are where we want to be and even made some progress on the Waxman (tent) house.
One of the things that worked well this week was having the Waxman house as a backup work site. Any time we did not need all hands at the Vermont House we could have them continue working there. We expect to have it available as a work site for the next two weeks. Our connection is tangible and I feel a need to complete it as well.
After we completed work Kim led us in a closing service with communion. We gathered in a circle on the grass across from the work site. The alter was two saw horses with two two foot two by twelves laid across. The work site was behind the alter. The new deck shining bright in the afternoon sun. We invited the contractor and his helpers to join our circle.
After a prayer and scripture reading, we passed the candle that fits in the hurricane lamp that acted as the chalice. As we each held the candle we expressed a hope for the family in their new home, and mentioned something we appreciated that we had seen this week. What struck me most was the hope that the family would achieve some degree of normalcy in their new home. A sense of peace and security.
We then had communion. The bread and the chalice held by Sara and Shelby.
We were joined by Robert, the grandson of Ms. Pittman. He was grinning ear to ear at the progress. He was so appreciative.
Afterward the youth had a chance to visit the beach in Biloxi after a week of very hard work. Charlie and Hilton spent an hour beginning to lay out the house on the deck in anticipation of next week’s work.
Breakfast at 6:30 tomorrow and then the team is off to Vermont via New Orleans. I meet most of the new team at the airport and the cycle begins anew.
Our complete team went to The Vermont House site today. Our task was to work with the contractor to complete the decking on top of the foundation. First we had to help nail all of the joist hangers under each of the joists running between the stringers which are supported by the 12 X 12 posts. If you look at the pictures you can see how many joists there are. There is a hanger at each end and each one takes twelve nails.
Once that was done then sheets of tongue and grove decking could be glued and nailed down. These are large sheets of plywood with a tongue on one edge which slips into the grove in the sheet next to it. Each row of sheets is off set by two to four feet. These keep the joints tight.
The contractor used a nail gun to nail the ends down. Then our team would put nails every eight inches or so across each sheet across each joist.
Our team would feed the contractor and his helper the sheets as they needed them and then followed along behind pounding nails.
Deb tried to have everyone hammer in sync, but general chaos ruled.
I spent some time talking with Nichols, the neighbor. He is retired and has three older tractors he is working on. There is some sugar cane growing down the street in what appears to be a communal garden. He took us down and cut a stalk. He showed us how to peal it and then cut it into small pieces to chew on as a snack. It had a very sweet watery taste.
After about five hours we had the joist hangers nailed on and the deck nailed down. In addition we have put together all of the window and door frames (they are held square by extra removable cross braces.). On Monday, the next team will lay down the top plates and the bottom plates, put the precut studs between them, place the window or door frames where they belong and simply nail the plates to the end of the studs and frames.
Each wall will then be ready to raised and nailed in place.
We are very excited because that is as far as we planned to go this week and with the delay earlier in the week we were concerned that we might fall behind. Instead we are where we want to be and even made some progress on the Waxman (tent) house.
One of the things that worked well this week was having the Waxman house as a backup work site. Any time we did not need all hands at the Vermont House we could have them continue working there. We expect to have it available as a work site for the next two weeks. Our connection is tangible and I feel a need to complete it as well.
After we completed work Kim led us in a closing service with communion. We gathered in a circle on the grass across from the work site. The alter was two saw horses with two two foot two by twelves laid across. The work site was behind the alter. The new deck shining bright in the afternoon sun. We invited the contractor and his helpers to join our circle.
After a prayer and scripture reading, we passed the candle that fits in the hurricane lamp that acted as the chalice. As we each held the candle we expressed a hope for the family in their new home, and mentioned something we appreciated that we had seen this week. What struck me most was the hope that the family would achieve some degree of normalcy in their new home. A sense of peace and security.
We then had communion. The bread and the chalice held by Sara and Shelby.
We were joined by Robert, the grandson of Ms. Pittman. He was grinning ear to ear at the progress. He was so appreciative.
Afterward the youth had a chance to visit the beach in Biloxi after a week of very hard work. Charlie and Hilton spent an hour beginning to lay out the house on the deck in anticipation of next week’s work.
Breakfast at 6:30 tomorrow and then the team is off to Vermont via New Orleans. I meet most of the new team at the airport and the cycle begins anew.
Tears
Most of the time this project has seemed very normal and almost ordinary in its scale. A series of small problems to be solved, like how many cars are needed and when do people arrive at the airport. Who do we need in which team and what needs do we have today. This has been true from the time that we announced it ten month ago.
There are times when I find myself in awe of it. I know the first time was when I saw the lady who had been living in the tent for two years. Another was when I listed for the Official Board the number of people and churches involved, and how much they had raised and done for this trip. I realized then that there was a power greater than ourselves at work. That my contribution was so small relative to the result that one could only be humbled.
Today as I stood in the circle with our team of nine youth and twelve adults,in our closing celebration and communion, I was struck by the reality and enormity of what is occurring. We are building a home for a family. We are doing it far from home with a collection of people and churches, with little or no connection, other than their faith (and not all of us share the same religious faith) and our determination to respond to human suffering as directly as we can.
I stood there and could see the finished deck and the wonder of what is occurring before me and I cried.
Peace,
Tony
There are times when I find myself in awe of it. I know the first time was when I saw the lady who had been living in the tent for two years. Another was when I listed for the Official Board the number of people and churches involved, and how much they had raised and done for this trip. I realized then that there was a power greater than ourselves at work. That my contribution was so small relative to the result that one could only be humbled.
Today as I stood in the circle with our team of nine youth and twelve adults,in our closing celebration and communion, I was struck by the reality and enormity of what is occurring. We are building a home for a family. We are doing it far from home with a collection of people and churches, with little or no connection, other than their faith (and not all of us share the same religious faith) and our determination to respond to human suffering as directly as we can.
I stood there and could see the finished deck and the wonder of what is occurring before me and I cried.
Peace,
Tony
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The rest of the team.
Today the majority of the group went to The Vermont House but a few of us went to the Waxman House. The members that went to the Waxman house were Tony, Lois, Holly, Kim, Sandy, John, and me, Andrew. It was a frustrating day for us at the Waxman House where progress was impeded by numerous setbacks and learning how to do what our job was. The main job was to put sheetrock on the ceiling. The first part of our day went slowly, as we were learning how to hang sheetrock on the ceiling, and then came several setbacks; the chop saw broke around lunch time, requiring pretty much a full stop on work for about an hour while Tony got a new one. In the meantime we decided to have lunch, whereupon I discovered that Tony left with my lunch in the car! The problem was quickly solved with a quick run to McDonalds. Another problem we encountered was the fact that the exterior walls were out of plumb. It seemed as if every time we started to get into a rhythm that we would have another problem. We ended the day frustrated but looking forward to another day.
Andrew
Andrew
The Vermont House has a foundation.
Yesterday, the concrete was poured around the posts. Today the posts were cut level with a chain saw. The team them leveled the dirt under the house using rakes and shovels.
One of the contractors cuts the posts to accept the long beams. I suggested that they carve religious art in the posts, but no, not even a bear.
In this picture the posts have been cut off level using a laser level and a chain saw. The long beams are then put in place. Joists then run between these beams and the deck goes on top of this structure.
Team members add the joists that run between the long beams. Laurie cut them all to length and the youth carried them to the workers who hung them.
Charlie stands in front of the finished product. Tomorrow we will begin adding decking to these floor joists. Monday we will begin raising the walls on this deck.
Prayers
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am doing a "cut and paste" of the Friday evening prayer services that will be held here in Williston starting tomorrow night. Please know you are being held in prayer daily.
Peace, Joan
Service of Prayer
Williston Federated Church
Williston, Vermont
October 24, October 31, November 7, 2008
A Time of Prayer in Partnership with our Volunteers in Mission
in Vancleave, Mississippi
Greeting
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Opening Sentences
All: Our help is in the name of the Holy One, who made heaven and earth. Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of God’s favor.
*Hymn
Scripture Readings
(For October 24: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Matthew 22:34-46)
(For October 31: Psalm 34:1-10, 22; Matthew 5:1-12)
(For November 7: Psalm 78:1-7; Matthew 25:1-13)
After each reading, please observe a few minutes of silence
Prayers of the People
All: Lord, You have always givenbread for the coming day;and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming day;and though I am weak,today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenpeace for the coming day;and though of anxious heart,today I believe.
Lord, You have always keptme safe in trials;and now, tried as I am,today I believe.
Lord, You have always markedthe road for the coming day;and though it may be hidden,today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightenedthis darkness of mine;and though the night is here,today I believe.
Lord, You have always spokenwhen time was ripe;and though you be silent now,today I believe.
(A time to offer our own prayers - spoken or in silence)
And, we pray for one more thing tonight, that your blessing be with the Pittman family in Vancleave, Mississippi and all the volunteers who are rebuilding homes and lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our brother and Savior who taught us to pray…The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn
Closing Blessing
See that you be at peace among yourselves, my children,and love one another.Follow the example of your faithand God will comfort you and help you,both in this worldand in the world which is to come. Let us go in peace. Amen.
I am doing a "cut and paste" of the Friday evening prayer services that will be held here in Williston starting tomorrow night. Please know you are being held in prayer daily.
Peace, Joan
Service of Prayer
Williston Federated Church
Williston, Vermont
October 24, October 31, November 7, 2008
A Time of Prayer in Partnership with our Volunteers in Mission
in Vancleave, Mississippi
Greeting
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Opening Sentences
All: Our help is in the name of the Holy One, who made heaven and earth. Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of God’s favor.
*Hymn
Scripture Readings
(For October 24: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Matthew 22:34-46)
(For October 31: Psalm 34:1-10, 22; Matthew 5:1-12)
(For November 7: Psalm 78:1-7; Matthew 25:1-13)
After each reading, please observe a few minutes of silence
Prayers of the People
All: Lord, You have always givenbread for the coming day;and though I am poor, today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming day;and though I am weak,today I believe.
Lord, You have always givenpeace for the coming day;and though of anxious heart,today I believe.
Lord, You have always keptme safe in trials;and now, tried as I am,today I believe.
Lord, You have always markedthe road for the coming day;and though it may be hidden,today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightenedthis darkness of mine;and though the night is here,today I believe.
Lord, You have always spokenwhen time was ripe;and though you be silent now,today I believe.
(A time to offer our own prayers - spoken or in silence)
And, we pray for one more thing tonight, that your blessing be with the Pittman family in Vancleave, Mississippi and all the volunteers who are rebuilding homes and lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our brother and Savior who taught us to pray…The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn
Closing Blessing
See that you be at peace among yourselves, my children,and love one another.Follow the example of your faithand God will comfort you and help you,both in this worldand in the world which is to come. Let us go in peace. Amen.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time for the blog.
The Blog
Some have asked about updates to the blog.
Our day begins at 6:30 am. Breakfast at 7. We eat at large tables of 6 to 8. The fellowship and conversation keeps us there to 7:30 when we have devotions and announcements. The announcements are when the final schedule for the day is announced. Then there are the chores, cleaning the dining hall, the dorm rooms and bath rooms.
Those not involved begin gathering tools and materials from the warehouse. The cars are loaded and with luck we are on the road by around 8:15. It is about 25 minutes to either job site. Work begins pretty quickly and we have no formal breaks until a decision is made to break for lunch. We usually eat on the site. Then work begins again. There may be an occasional break for a trip to a near by church to use the bath room or a parts run to Lowes.
About 4:30 we begin to pack up tools and supplies and head back to the camp. Back about 5 may take a break and shower. Team leaders meet with each other and camp leaders and begin to map out the work for the next day. Dinner at six. Devotions right after and so it is not to at least 7 that most of us have any free time. Mississippi is an hour earlier than Vermont. So new stuff is not posted until around eleven Vermont time.
We have also had some practical problems posting pictures.
We will keep working at it.
You can post comments by clicking on the word comment on each post.
Be sure to check out the older posts at the bottom of the page as even new posts are pushed back as we reach a limit for one page.
Peace.
Some have asked about updates to the blog.
Our day begins at 6:30 am. Breakfast at 7. We eat at large tables of 6 to 8. The fellowship and conversation keeps us there to 7:30 when we have devotions and announcements. The announcements are when the final schedule for the day is announced. Then there are the chores, cleaning the dining hall, the dorm rooms and bath rooms.
Those not involved begin gathering tools and materials from the warehouse. The cars are loaded and with luck we are on the road by around 8:15. It is about 25 minutes to either job site. Work begins pretty quickly and we have no formal breaks until a decision is made to break for lunch. We usually eat on the site. Then work begins again. There may be an occasional break for a trip to a near by church to use the bath room or a parts run to Lowes.
About 4:30 we begin to pack up tools and supplies and head back to the camp. Back about 5 may take a break and shower. Team leaders meet with each other and camp leaders and begin to map out the work for the next day. Dinner at six. Devotions right after and so it is not to at least 7 that most of us have any free time. Mississippi is an hour earlier than Vermont. So new stuff is not posted until around eleven Vermont time.
We have also had some practical problems posting pictures.
We will keep working at it.
You can post comments by clicking on the word comment on each post.
Be sure to check out the older posts at the bottom of the page as even new posts are pushed back as we reach a limit for one page.
Peace.
Wednesday
Wednesday.
Today began with a group visit to The Vermont House site in Three Rivers. It was expected that the inspector would finally come and concrete would be poured around the peers which make up the foundation.
We left a crew there and the rest of our team returned to the Waxman house where work continued on the interior. We are insulating the walls and completing details of the framing before beginning to sheet rock the walls.
Around noon Charlie called down a eight of the team joined the seven already at the Three Rivers site. The worked on building the frames that hold the windows in the walls of the house. The plan is that on Monday when the next team arrives, they will lay out the base and top plates. Lay down the precut studs, put the already constructed door and window frames in to place and then simply nail the plates to them. Almost no cutting before the wall is raised into place and then sheathed. This prep work will enable the work to go quickly, but also be done in a way that later work will be facilitated as well. For example there will be no need for extra nailers to added before we can sheet rock.
The work continued all afternoon, even through the light rain. Tomorrow it is hoped the foundation contractor, Allan, will come and level the pillars. He uses a laser to mark the peers and then cuts them off at the right height. The deck supports are then added. The decking on top of that. Unfortunately, the forecast is for rain for tomorrow. We are a little unsure what this will do to our schedule.
At the other site, the remaining five team members worked on the frame prep. 44 sheets of sheet rock were delivered and had to be carried into the house before it rained. Fortunately, a couple of young men visiting the home owner helped move it into the house. We expect to begin hanging the sheet rock on Thursday.
Today began with a group visit to The Vermont House site in Three Rivers. It was expected that the inspector would finally come and concrete would be poured around the peers which make up the foundation.
We left a crew there and the rest of our team returned to the Waxman house where work continued on the interior. We are insulating the walls and completing details of the framing before beginning to sheet rock the walls.
Around noon Charlie called down a eight of the team joined the seven already at the Three Rivers site. The worked on building the frames that hold the windows in the walls of the house. The plan is that on Monday when the next team arrives, they will lay out the base and top plates. Lay down the precut studs, put the already constructed door and window frames in to place and then simply nail the plates to them. Almost no cutting before the wall is raised into place and then sheathed. This prep work will enable the work to go quickly, but also be done in a way that later work will be facilitated as well. For example there will be no need for extra nailers to added before we can sheet rock.
The work continued all afternoon, even through the light rain. Tomorrow it is hoped the foundation contractor, Allan, will come and level the pillars. He uses a laser to mark the peers and then cuts them off at the right height. The deck supports are then added. The decking on top of that. Unfortunately, the forecast is for rain for tomorrow. We are a little unsure what this will do to our schedule.
At the other site, the remaining five team members worked on the frame prep. 44 sheets of sheet rock were delivered and had to be carried into the house before it rained. Fortunately, a couple of young men visiting the home owner helped move it into the house. We expect to begin hanging the sheet rock on Thursday.
The Vermont House Banner
We have a banner announcing our project. We called it the Vermont House before we knew the name of the family. We renamed the project "Mrs. Pittman's Vemont House" to remind us for whom we are doing this.
Where The Vermont House began.
The tent the woman lived in for two years after the hurricane can still be seen at the right of the top picture. This inspired the Vermont House project. We are blessed to be able to work on the house that is being built for the woman we met. We put the finish coat on the exterior and are now working on preparing the interior for sheet rocking.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday.
The second day is always a big jump from the first. The team knows the routine. Breakfast at seven. Devotions, today by Charlie, at seven thirty, briefing for day and then we start. While some do chores, others gather tools and equipment for the day, while others make lunches and fill coolers with ice and water. Our work is twenty minutes away. And the goal is to be working well before nine.
Once at the work sites everyone knows the routing. Unpack the vans and start the work. Today we forgot to start with a prayer circle, but more about that later.
One group went back to do inside painting working to complete the walls. The second group went to the “Waxman House” to finish the outside painting and start work on the inside.
The Waxman House has the exterior finished and is framed on the inside. Unfortunately some of the doors needed to be reframed and we needed to add a good number of “dead wood” pieces to screw the sheet rock to. We also had to add the blockers which are behind cabinets and are screwed into to hold the cabinets in place and hold them up.
Charlie and Ruth went to the Pitman Vermont House to await the foundation inspection and delivery of a framing package. The inspection fell through and the package did not arrive.
When they brought the news to the team it began as a downer. We so look forward to working on the Vermont, and to be delayed another day felt as though we had been delayed a month. It was then we remembered we had not begun our work with our circle and a prayer. We had forgotten why we were they and who we were serving.
We gathered in a circle and I shared the news and talked about our plan for the rest of the day. We began to realize that there may have been a reason we were where we were. Linda, the home owner had been waiting almost a year for her house and progress was very slow. We had been waiting two days, she had been waiting ten months. She told me that her son would be returning from Iraq in December and she hoped it would be finished before then. It became apparent that we could make a major difference in the progress of her house. With our good size team working in small teams we could finish all of the many small details to enable us to begin hanging sheet rock.
We finished with a prayer. Charlie then suggested that we step closer in the circle and all turn in one direction. We then put our hands on the shoulders of the person ahead of us and massaged the shoulders. We then did an about face and repeated the massage. It felt great.
We then returned to work. We were blessed in that our crews had work from the previous day to complete. This meant that Hilton could start workers, mostly youth, working on a particular project and then once they were trained, he would work in a new worker as they finished the job they had been working on.
Sandy learned how to use the chop saw. What is there about women and chop saws? Once they learn how to do it they begin to think they are the only ones careful enough to make the cuts accurately. Hopefully her husband will buy her one of her own for Christmas.
The group doing the interior painting joined us at the Waxman house about 2:30. They had finished painting the ceiling and walls of a small home with the final coat of paint. The owner is in a wheel chair and so there is a wheel chair accessible shower. Special flooring will be installed by a contractor. Our work there is done.
They explored the house, went out and got their tool belts and joined in the effort as though they had been there all day.
When we closed the day, we had completed so much work that we scheduled the delivery of the ceiling sheet rock for the next day.
We left tired but satisfied with what we had accomplished.
Our expectation is that on Wednesday the inspection will take place and work on the Vermont House will begin with a few members of our team. The rest will return to work on the house that inspired us.
The second day is always a big jump from the first. The team knows the routine. Breakfast at seven. Devotions, today by Charlie, at seven thirty, briefing for day and then we start. While some do chores, others gather tools and equipment for the day, while others make lunches and fill coolers with ice and water. Our work is twenty minutes away. And the goal is to be working well before nine.
Once at the work sites everyone knows the routing. Unpack the vans and start the work. Today we forgot to start with a prayer circle, but more about that later.
One group went back to do inside painting working to complete the walls. The second group went to the “Waxman House” to finish the outside painting and start work on the inside.
The Waxman House has the exterior finished and is framed on the inside. Unfortunately some of the doors needed to be reframed and we needed to add a good number of “dead wood” pieces to screw the sheet rock to. We also had to add the blockers which are behind cabinets and are screwed into to hold the cabinets in place and hold them up.
Charlie and Ruth went to the Pitman Vermont House to await the foundation inspection and delivery of a framing package. The inspection fell through and the package did not arrive.
When they brought the news to the team it began as a downer. We so look forward to working on the Vermont, and to be delayed another day felt as though we had been delayed a month. It was then we remembered we had not begun our work with our circle and a prayer. We had forgotten why we were they and who we were serving.
We gathered in a circle and I shared the news and talked about our plan for the rest of the day. We began to realize that there may have been a reason we were where we were. Linda, the home owner had been waiting almost a year for her house and progress was very slow. We had been waiting two days, she had been waiting ten months. She told me that her son would be returning from Iraq in December and she hoped it would be finished before then. It became apparent that we could make a major difference in the progress of her house. With our good size team working in small teams we could finish all of the many small details to enable us to begin hanging sheet rock.
We finished with a prayer. Charlie then suggested that we step closer in the circle and all turn in one direction. We then put our hands on the shoulders of the person ahead of us and massaged the shoulders. We then did an about face and repeated the massage. It felt great.
We then returned to work. We were blessed in that our crews had work from the previous day to complete. This meant that Hilton could start workers, mostly youth, working on a particular project and then once they were trained, he would work in a new worker as they finished the job they had been working on.
Sandy learned how to use the chop saw. What is there about women and chop saws? Once they learn how to do it they begin to think they are the only ones careful enough to make the cuts accurately. Hopefully her husband will buy her one of her own for Christmas.
The group doing the interior painting joined us at the Waxman house about 2:30. They had finished painting the ceiling and walls of a small home with the final coat of paint. The owner is in a wheel chair and so there is a wheel chair accessible shower. Special flooring will be installed by a contractor. Our work there is done.
They explored the house, went out and got their tool belts and joined in the effort as though they had been there all day.
When we closed the day, we had completed so much work that we scheduled the delivery of the ceiling sheet rock for the next day.
We left tired but satisfied with what we had accomplished.
Our expectation is that on Wednesday the inspection will take place and work on the Vermont House will begin with a few members of our team. The rest will return to work on the house that inspired us.
Monday
Monday.
This morning we visited the site of the Vermont House for the first time. The foundation is 12 X 12 pressure treated pilings place in large holes drilled in the ground and then filled with concrete. Unfortunately, although the pilings had been placed in the holes, the necessary inspection has not taken place. Accordingly, no work was to begin on site today.
Instead we divided up into three teams, with Charlie and Hilton working on arranging details for the construction.
One of our teams, Ruth, Sandy, Andrew, Tasha and Jordan, was assigned to visit two sites to clean up construction debris left by previous teams. They filled and entire dump trailer at one site. At the other the owner had made arrangements for the material to be removed.
One of our teams, Laurie, Ellie, Sara, Shelby, Miranda, Emily and later Tasha was assigned the job of painting the interior of a home nearing completion.
A second, which was the rest of the team, was assigned the job of painting the exterior of the “Waxman House.” Little did we know as we left the Vancleave church that was the house built for the woman who had been living in the tent that inspired the Vermont House. Her house is still not complete. Our job was to paint the exterior of the house. We were joined by the team doing construction clean up after lunch.
All in all we had a very successful day.
This morning we visited the site of the Vermont House for the first time. The foundation is 12 X 12 pressure treated pilings place in large holes drilled in the ground and then filled with concrete. Unfortunately, although the pilings had been placed in the holes, the necessary inspection has not taken place. Accordingly, no work was to begin on site today.
Instead we divided up into three teams, with Charlie and Hilton working on arranging details for the construction.
One of our teams, Ruth, Sandy, Andrew, Tasha and Jordan, was assigned to visit two sites to clean up construction debris left by previous teams. They filled and entire dump trailer at one site. At the other the owner had made arrangements for the material to be removed.
One of our teams, Laurie, Ellie, Sara, Shelby, Miranda, Emily and later Tasha was assigned the job of painting the interior of a home nearing completion.
A second, which was the rest of the team, was assigned the job of painting the exterior of the “Waxman House.” Little did we know as we left the Vancleave church that was the house built for the woman who had been living in the tent that inspired the Vermont House. Her house is still not complete. Our job was to paint the exterior of the house. We were joined by the team doing construction clean up after lunch.
All in all we had a very successful day.
Photo album
To view photos of our work click on the link below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/thevermonthouse/VermontHouseI#
http://picasaweb.google.com/thevermonthouse/VermontHouseI#
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The first team has arrived.
The first group of volunteers has finally arrived safely in Vancleave. After spending the afternoon in New Orleans, we met those who had driven down at the Shed and had dinner before competing the drive to Vancleave.
They are still working on the foundation and so our first day will be spent on four job sites. On two we will be cleaning up construction debris. On one we will be painting the interior.
The last one is the Waxman house. This is the site where last December we saw the tent the family had been living in since Katrina. We will be painting the exterior. This is where we first had the idea to build The Vermont House. We have come full circle.
They are still working on the foundation and so our first day will be spent on four job sites. On two we will be cleaning up construction debris. On one we will be painting the interior.
The last one is the Waxman house. This is the site where last December we saw the tent the family had been living in since Katrina. We will be painting the exterior. This is where we first had the idea to build The Vermont House. We have come full circle.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
"I will always have my memories."
The dump trucks, bulldozers and back haulers pulled onto the property at about 10:00 a.m. on Monday October 6th. I was standing in the front room with Ms. Pittman, holding her hand and letting her take in all of the memories that her home has held for her over the past 40 years. She began to sob, praying silently that the Lord would be with her and most importantly her children, to keep them safe, and secure. All I could do was hold her and let her cry, shedding tears myself.
The contractor walked up and saw the scene and silently backed out of the room, letting her have a few more moments. I asked her if she wanted to be alone and she looked up at me and said "Angel, if it wasn't for you, I couldn't lay my head down at night without worrying about the rain pouring in on my children. No, don't worry about me. I will always have my memories."
We then walked out of the house, shutting the door for the last time. We walked across the yard to get out of the way. I signaled to the contractors that they could start. Those first few minutes were probably the hardest but as the house came down, a new sense of hope settled among all, but especially the homeowner. She had a big smile on her face and looked toward the heavens and thanked God for people who still have compassion for those who are less fortunate.
As she walked away, heading to her car, she turned back one more time. I could see the tears in her eyes. But me, as a case manager/social worker couldn't tell if they were joyous or sad. But me, a Christian, could tell they were both. Letting go of the old is hard sometimes but knowing that God knows our future as He states in Jeremiah 29:11, makes it a little easier.
Thank you to all in Vermont who are working so hard and diligently to make this happen. Thank you to all of my volunteer friends all over the world who are praying that this is a smooth build, with no accidents or delays. But most of all, Thank you, Lord for giving me this opportunity to see Your hand move in such a powerful way. It's to you, Lord that I give all of the praise, honor and glory.
Deborah Hatcher
Case Manager Specialist
Ms. United Methodist Disaster Relief
Jackson County
The contractor walked up and saw the scene and silently backed out of the room, letting her have a few more moments. I asked her if she wanted to be alone and she looked up at me and said "Angel, if it wasn't for you, I couldn't lay my head down at night without worrying about the rain pouring in on my children. No, don't worry about me. I will always have my memories."
We then walked out of the house, shutting the door for the last time. We walked across the yard to get out of the way. I signaled to the contractors that they could start. Those first few minutes were probably the hardest but as the house came down, a new sense of hope settled among all, but especially the homeowner. She had a big smile on her face and looked toward the heavens and thanked God for people who still have compassion for those who are less fortunate.
As she walked away, heading to her car, she turned back one more time. I could see the tears in her eyes. But me, as a case manager/social worker couldn't tell if they were joyous or sad. But me, a Christian, could tell they were both. Letting go of the old is hard sometimes but knowing that God knows our future as He states in Jeremiah 29:11, makes it a little easier.
Thank you to all in Vermont who are working so hard and diligently to make this happen. Thank you to all of my volunteer friends all over the world who are praying that this is a smooth build, with no accidents or delays. But most of all, Thank you, Lord for giving me this opportunity to see Your hand move in such a powerful way. It's to you, Lord that I give all of the praise, honor and glory.
Deborah Hatcher
Case Manager Specialist
Ms. United Methodist Disaster Relief
Jackson County
The Demolition of the Home of 40 Years
On Monday October 6th the demolition of Mrs. Pittman's home of 40 years took place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
