This is Really Happening . . . .

All the hard work and patience has paid off.  As we are approaching the closing process for each families' construction loans on October 15, 2014, it seems surreal that we have came to this point.  It seems that the roller coaster ride we have been on for the last ten months is a distant memory as the excitement is at an all time high.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.  Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.         - Romans 8:22-25

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, The Hutchinson News published a story that interviewed two of our families.  When I personally read the story, it moved me to a level of excitement that can not be explained.  Please click on the link below to read the published story:

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/local_state_news/interfaith-housing-families-plan-to-build-homes-with-sweat-equity/article_b9008d82-886d-58b9-a239-4463bbbda7d5.html

On October 13, 2014, the families came together for a required pre-construction meeting.  The meeting is a required attendance by each family before they can begin the sweat equity construction process.  As this is one of the most important meetings they will attend in the course of the build.   Each family signed an agreement stating that they will contribute a minimum of 20 hours sweat equity each week during the construction process of their home. 

Mark Borecky and Jason Chastain with Mark Borecky Construction talked with the families about expectations and the role their company will play with helping each family complete the construction of their homes.

Mark shared a reading with the families for inspiration and motivation:

The Obituary

Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members, Someone Else.  Someone's passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill.  Else has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than a normal person's share of the work.  Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list, "let Someone Else do it".  Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results; "Someone Else can work with that group."  It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the most liberal givers in our church.  Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed Someone else would make up the difference.  
Someone Else was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman.  Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Someone Else.  Now Someone Else is gone!  We wonder what we are going to do.  Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it?  Who is going to do the things Someone Else did?  When you are asked to help this year, remember ---we can't depend on Someone Else anymore

The families also had the opportunity to begin selected their finishing materials for their homes.  Some families picked their siding, brick, trim and roofing colors along with flooring, cabinetry, paint and trim selections.