Man on his Mission

With kuddos to Lori for the great title (and some  photos!)… I’d love to tell you about Phil’s mission trip.

If you missed it, the preview was here.  He chose to work 2 blocks of time; Monday – Wednesday for 2 weeks.

He left here each week at 6:40 a.m. after having either done the outside chores or at least checked the buildings.  He was so excited!  He had his twin air bed, sleeping bag, pillow (or not, forgot it the second week so I took it to him), small suitcase or duffle bag, coveralls, and his tools.

Most of the furniture was first moved out of the way & covered to protect it and keep it clean.

Peeking through the dining room doors, I found a lot of furniture stored in there during the work time.  I just LOVE the collection of these lamps. 🙂

In the first 10 mins of work on the first day, he earned a nickname that he is proud of: Sparky.  Yes, he cut a live wire which he says would have been OK except he touched a ground (or something) at the same time so the cut made a big pop and some sparks.  Of course, many were there watching so that just added to the impact!  🙂 They still trusted him as a few days later, he was working with electricity AND gas lines!

While he was there, he was part of the demolition where the new kitchen would go, helped with the new floor supports, mixed and hauled a lot of cement, wiring, installed a gas heater, helped off-site with the process of staining all the new cabinets, go-fer, cutting the tiles for the new kitchen floor, and lots of other!

One evening I was invited to join them for supper and that was fun.  Louise, the lady of the home, is a FANTASTIC cook so every meal was gourmet it sounds like!  Phil heard a lot more about their ministry and that pleased him.

One such story that saddens us…. they cook well for the pastors that come and stay with them.  Some of the pastors just look at the plate as they never eat so well.  Many survive on hot dogs because they don’t have money for real meat and good food.  So sad.

The nearly complete new kitchen!

Another new bedroom to use since the team added a bathroom to the room.

Phil was up at Deer Ridge again today (2-7 p.m.) with a few more lingering pieces that need finished.  He just LOVED being there. The fun with other friends and working on a great ministry project just delights him.  Thank you again to those of you that helped sponsor him & pray for him.  All was well here at the farm as JP did a great job with handling all the chores.   Nina missed Phil TERRIBLY and was so glad when he got home.