Week 1 Update
What a grand first week we have had with the Christian Home! The ground breaking last Sunday was a total blessing. So many of you were there to join us in celebrating the day! A huge thank-you to Jimmy Brooks, Mandy Wilkins and Boyd Smith for help with the set up and Charlie Upchurch for joining me on stage. It is always wonderful to call out the troops and for you to respond! Of course, our very own Lisa Teal was the official photographer. She has a web site that you can link to if you would like to see more of that beautiful day.
Monday and Tuesday were spent gathering permits, laying out the house and batter boards, grading the crawl space and digging the footings. Madison Co. allowed us to pull the Health Department and Building permits at no cost under the leadership of County Commissioner Anthony Dove. Many of you remember David Hoechst. He came out of retirement to help me with the lay out. Charlie Callaway of Athens Building Supply supplied our batter board materials. Ray Brooks and Johnston Dove of Madison Co. Towing did the grading, and Calvin Fleming of County Line Enterprises dug the footings. By Wednesday, we were pouring concrete! I believe these footings could have been the most expensive that I have ever poured labor wise…if I had to pay! My laborers led by Calvin, were Keith Burgess of Classic City Pools, Danny Rogers of USA Concrete, and my husband Doug! They actually did a pretty good job! USA provided this round of concrete for the footings but three of our concrete companies, Lafarge, Thomas Concrete of GA and Ready Mix USA are sharing this build together. That is what this home is all about…as our bracelets say, “Community built”!
On Friday and Saturday, Pat Halloran himself, of Halloran Masonry and 5 of his FOREMAN went out to lay the block for the foundation. Steve and Cathy Banks of Quality Block supplied the block, morter and sand. Their very own, Craig Cleveland joined us on the farm Friday at lunch and cooked ribs with all the trimmings to feed the masons, the other crews of the week, and friends and family of the Christian family. It was totally delicious and enjoyed by all! Pat Halloran asked that each craftsman involved with the building of the Christian Home, take the time to teach little Wyatt, almost 3, part of his skill. “Wyatt will remember building his Mom’s house for his Dad….a special memory for his entire life”.
Monday started us with a new week and the framing crew, but we were rained out by lunch. We are looking forward to getting started with the lumber! Little Wyatt has learned to lay block and now is ready to hammer! The framing will take 2 weeks and then we will be working on exterior trim, cornice, siding etc. If you have not been contacted and would like to help with the labor or material of the exterior trim, please give me a call…. 706 202-7339….we would love to have you join us. More on the framing donations in my next update! They have truly been amazing!
Many Blessings,
Karen
Halloran Crew and Craig Cleveland from Quality Block with the Christian Home foundation. Halloran supplied the labor and Quality supplied the block, morter, and sand for the home. It was a pleasure working with you men. Thank you, thank you!