Slab #2 Finished

 All I can say is "Thank you Lord for the strength!". I was so tired at the end of this when I was doing the final smoothing... legs were failing (balancing on two steel beams). 

I used to be a perfectionist. In 6th grade I made an intricate kite of bended bamboo, a butterfly. It was an expensive project and also took a lot of hours to put together. But, when I tried to fly it, it was unbalanced. I got angry and burned it! 

In my recent years I have been overcome by disappointment and hardship and had trouble finishing anything. This new season I am relying on God and not myself because I know my weak legs, my weak heart. Lord, help me finish the task you have called me to!

Today is my 58th birthday. I am thankful in the midst of the pandemic and the economic disaster, thankful for life and Gods' provision! He is worthy to be praised!

Slab #2 Ready to Pour!

Yesterday I drilled holes in the new steel frame (the correct thickness) and moved it over.  After lots of digging and rearranging the pipes, rebar is finally tied and foundation is ready to pour. I made it! 

Pipe Problems

When I tried to remove the cement frame on slab #1, it was stuck. The drain pipes were bumping it so that I couldn't slide it off the rebar. I had to dig the pipe up and cut off some of the rebar. After that I had to lower the other pipe and remove a lot of dirt and rock. I am getting there! Tonight or tomorrow I should be finished digging and leveling.

Prayer Request

 When you think of us, I appeal to you to pray for us. I, personally need Gods' heart and strength to finish the tasks he has given to me, to fulfill my part in giving out the good news of salvation. Thank you!!!

Completing the Task God Gives Us - Decision Magazine

First Slab Finished!

 Made it! I got the first slab poured. We did not mix the cement ourselves this time. The cost was about US $125 and $30 for the rebar, $7 for tying wire... total cost about $162. This was my first time to do everything. It turned out well. Next I will do the slab in the center where the drain pipes run.

Joey and Giffy helped me repaint the front of the building where are classrooms are. It looks so much better.

Rebar Supports almost finished for #1 slab

 Almost ready to pour! Yesterday Joey helped me compact it. 🙏

🙏

Bobby the pug says Hi!

Surface Prep

I started to put together the forms for the first slab and found out I had a lot more digging to do. I am finally finished with the leveling. I had a break mid-day when the water pipe broke and I was greeted with fire ants up my leg trying to escape the flood. Next up is the rebar grid for support.

I realized today that since I started this physical work I have gotten a lot stronger and healthier. At first I was taking afternoon naps because my body was wrecked. But now I am working throughout the day and even exercising in the evenings. Thank you Lord!!

In the midst of digging, this creature showed up, sitting on a pebble. He doesn't look happy.

Cement Forms

Today I did more digging of the ditches and a lot of sitting and looking, trying to figure out what to do. Tonight I dragged out the old cement forms and pressure washed them and hammered off some cement. And in the picture I am welding on pipes for using to rebar them into the ground.

Some of this stuff I just don't know how to do so I do my best and look for help on the internet.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Drainage Ditch

Most of the leveling is done. Now I am digging out the drainage ditch and making the rebar with my homemade (not great) bender. I hope I can make covers that will support a car driving over. I am working at night because it is cooler and so I have more energy.

Oops

 I was cutting down 2 trees yesterday and had an accident. I cut a large limb and was trying to push it as it so it would not hit some plants nearby. I was successful but forgot about my foot. The cut end wacked me right across the toe joints on my right foot. I gave out a "yelp" and Joey came out to see what happened. I was just dancing up and down the driveway for about 5 minutes and humming a tune. Fortunately I think nothing was broken. That following morning I had to drive Mary to the hospital 3 hours away to get the stitches in her eyes from her surgery removed. We left at 3am and driving was painful. I removed my shoe but it didn't help much. We are back home now at 10pm and I am feeling much better. Where was Jesus? I think he was watching and shaking his head and maybe even laughing at my stupidity! This is part of our life as faulty beings. I bet I never do it again! 

Psalm 37:23-24

The Lord makes firm the steps

of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Jack Hammer Fun

 It is taking a long time to get through the piles of dirt and rock to dig down and level-out the front area in preparation for laying down the cement slab. The tool which I am so thankful to have is the electric jack hammer. We bought this tool when we first started working on the place years ago. Today was a challenging day but got the pipes at the right slope and buried them.

Rainpipes are in!

First started by removing the plants we wanted to keep. Next we saved the good soil. Finally dug trenches for the pipes which bring water down from the roof (12 meters) and cut and glued the pipes. 

Next step is to finishing leveling the front area, pack it down.