Sorry for the long delay in posting an update! The past 1-2 months have been absolutely draining. Productive, but draining. I've been on a couple of deadlines...another coming up this Friday. In the mean time we've gotten quite a bit accomplished at the house.
The picture above is actually a bit out of date! Regardless, you can see that the downstairs is now completely tiled, drywalled, and primed. Since this was taken, we've finish painted all but one wall of the downstairs - still waiting on a color selection there. A faithful brother from Christ Community, Chuck Clark, took a few days of his time to install doors and trim throughout. Only paint remains for the trim. Carmen's mom and my sister did a great job of scrubbing the grout haze off of the tiles - they look much better now than the above and only need some spot cleaning now. See below for a better idea of the current state.
Also high on the list of of accomplishments in the past few weeks was exterior painting. Last weekend Matt Bernstein, Dan Hyer, my dad and Carmen's dad helped during a concentrated effort to paint the exterior of the house. We got a late start on Saturday due to a very cool morning which we used to complete some additional cleaning and demo on the exterior. By end of day Sunday, we were able to get the front and back completely painted as well as most of the first floor on the side. Carmen was actually able to hop in a paint Sunday evening while my sister ran around with Norah. It was great to be working along side Carmen. She is typically caring for Norah while I'm working so it was a treat to have her by my side with a paintbrush. At this point, we're just praying for a couple more well placed 60+ degree days to finish the job.
Primary focus for the next few weeks will be the kitchen. We have moved all of the boxes of cabinet pieces and parts to the house and look forward to a cabinet blitz this upcoming weekend! I'm hoping to get the carcasses assembled and hung by end of day Sunday. Anyone that hase Ikea cabinet assembly or general cabinet installation experience would be welcomed with open arms!
Please keep us in prayer for strength and stamina over the weeks ahead. We're keeping our chins up, but the past four months of working evenings and weekends is starting to take its toll on all areas of life. We're surrounded by faithful friends and family who renew us daily, evidence of a faithful God who loves us deeply. As I was writing this, the Lord brought to my mind the narrative from Exodus 17:12 where Moses holds up his staff to the Lord, bringing protection to the Israelites as they fight off an attacking army. Moses, however, grows tired and cannot hold his staff alone any longer. As his energy fades, Aaron and Hur come to his side, holding up Moses' arms as he holds his staff. The staff stays raised and the Israelites steal victory from those who attacked them. What a brilliant picture of the weakness of humanity, the strength of unity, and the beauty of a God who chooses that picture to be the conduit of His strength.
Our arms are weary, but we feel you at our sides. Thank you. Praise God.
Blessings,
Justin
ps - Worth another shot - here are links to the latest albums:
Photos - 10/09
Photos - 10/15
Photos - 10/22
