Weekly Update: 4.13.24
It was one of those unexpectedly difficult weeks. Apparently, our nephew brought home a germ from a family Springfield trip, and it has been working its way around our family. At the same time, both of our folks are dealing with what appear to be overuse injuries -- and both are either having to rest or move more slowly than usual. We did our best to stay positive as we tried to get a few things done in spite of the difficulties.
On Monday, we enjoyed watching the eclipse. We were hard at work when it started, but we took a long lunch break to watch the 96 percent coverage here in Dade County. With all we had going on, it felt like such a treat to just stop and enjoy something beautiful as a family. We all sipped coffee and munched on Moon pies as the show unfolded. We even heard a few crickets begin to chirp.
We made some progress in the bunkhouse this week. Our dad helped us install the washer box and vent in our little laundry closet. Jeremiah drilled all the holes for our main hot and cold water supply lines. Levi drilled the holes for all the fixtures. We insulated behind our bathtub. We also figured out where exactly our vents and chimney will be located, and we reinforced the roof framing for the rubber boot flashing we will be installing after the metal roof.
Grace cut the rafters for both of the bunkhouse sleeping lofts. She whitewashed all of them as well as the plywood siding we will be using as the loft subfloors.
Outside the bunkhouse, several of us worked in the garden when time, weather, and health allowed. We also did some camp organizing. We packed up some of our winter clothes and unpacked our warm weather items. We handwashed loads of sweaters, ponchos, hats, and wraps to put away. These chores take longer without a washing machine, but aside from the lost time, we have been pleased with the results.
We had several appliances quit on us recently -- including an almost new vacuum cleaner and a cooler/heater. Everything is still under warranty, so we have been jumping through hoops -- contacting companies, sending photos, and answering questions. Before moving out here, I had never followed up with a warranty. Usually things lasted long enough for me to be satisfied. But our tight budget has forced us all to learn how to get the most out of our investments. I've been surprised about how easy it is to have things replaced if they honestly malfunction.
It wasn't the week we hoped for, but we are thankful for the progress God helped us make -- as small as it feels. I was outside late on a particularly long day, and I saw something glittering in the trees. Bonnie-Jean was walking by, and I asked her to look, too. I thought maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me. It looked like fireflies -- but it seems too early. And yet, there they were. We stood there watching as the tree line began to sparkle. It isn't the light show we will have in summer, but it was there in front of us -- lights flickering out of the shadows. To my weary heart, it felt like a whisper of hope. Throughout this project, one thing we are consistently practicing is trust in God's providence and plan, even when He allows us to be slowed down time and again. We know His timing is always perfect.
