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This week, we have people from Idaho and Pennsylvania. 4 young guys and the rest are well ahead of us in age. :) I have been hammering earthquake strapping, again, helping Wes build stairs, cleaned up the tool shed on the site, since you couldnt even walk in it let alone find anything. Wes is the crew leader this week, so he is all over the place and building stairs in between. I have discovered a new muscle in my hand that I never knew I had. The one you get from endless hammering and air nailer use. Its very very very sore. And BIG. That's one muscle that can grow pretty quick! Wednesday night we had the case worker manager from the red cross, come out for supper and talk to our group. It was interesting. We have quite the goofy group of men here this week. Never a dull moment I tell you. I sit on our couch watching tv, writing this blog while Wes is busy doing dishes with 2 other men. And he even volunteered himself. Today we finished building the stairs in Chris's house, to the 1/2 story. Our group also got the 2nd wall put up on the 2nd story. Chris came to watch and visit, and he just stands in awe. He is soooo thankful and overwhelmed. You can see it on his face in one of the pictures. Just keep in mind when you see the pictures of his house, that this is not a typical MDS house. Originally,after the fire, a friend of Chris's made up the house plans, and got the permit. Chris's Church had comitted to building his house and paying for the supplies. That Church got estimates from contractors and found out it was way over their budget. So they left him hanging. Long story short, 3 more churches did the same thing. His case worker came to MDS and asked if they would build this house. MDS said no. They were asked again. So they asked if, because they had the permit to build, if MDS could build one of their houses instead. That was not an option. It was either this extravagant house, or none at all. So MDS finally said yes. This is a very big exception. Sometimes its hard to work on this house, knowing all the background stuff behind it all, but we try to work with willing hearts and do our best, despite the situation. The days continue to fly by with about an hour, maaaybe 2, to spare before bed. I am really looking forward to having regular evenings someday, which I took for granted while at home. Time to do whatever you feel like. Time to do nothing. Here it really is just go go go. And go some more. And when you think you can't go anymore, go somemore. Even if you don't know how your legs will take you there, all rubbery and such. :) But we will enjoy our time here, making the best of all situations. Please please continue to pray for us, as our time away gets longer. We continue to need your prayers, especially for energy for Wes & I. Most evenings and mornings we wonder how we will stand up and walk! Okay maybe more me than Wes, but I know he is tired too. He is just good at keeping it inside! We are looking forward to a "family skype session" with my family on Sunday. Hopefully we get to see their faces!! Thanks for all the emails and comments on our blog :) We cannot tell you how much we appreciate this, it makes us feel supported by you all. Thanks again :) Hope you enjoy the pictures!