Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Olive Tree Update as of Jan 23 08

Well folks it's been a while since my last update on OT. We are very excited with all the work that has been done. Except for some painting and base boards, the Dorm Rooms are finished. The floors need a good cleaning but, tht'll come.

Over here in the Sanctuary Building we are getting there. All walls in Volunteer Lounge, Office and Community Outreach Room and handicapped shower room have been sheet rocked and primed. The pantry walls are done but we are at a stand still presently. We have had to go out and find a new plumbing contractor as our last we unreliable and did some poor work. However, all of our appliances, stove and it's hood system are here, the dishwasher and the dishes are on their way and our ice machine arrived. We are installing new furnaces and A/C units which is starting today. Henry & Tom, and Joe who did not return after Christmas break,of Schaefer Construction have been great with all of the work they put into this project. They have put in many hours and have helped myself in too many ways to list.

I also want thank all of the Volunteers who came here and put time and sweat into Olive Tree, helping us along with building bunks, cleaning everything from windows, floors and ......We have had several groups help with the painting also which is very time consuming

The best news is we are nearing completion and, believe me that is very exciting.

We have started a custom borrowed from Orange Grove where we have our first Totem pole and it's almost full. Of the 16 teams we have had since opening in October, seven have rebooked and I know of two more who are going to be rebooking.

Enjoy the pictures below and drop a line once in a while.

Until next time, Jeesie and I hope the your New Year got off to a good start and that 2008 is one of many blessings for you and yours.

Charles



This a picture of the office. Once finished it will be a great asset for the staff and give an outside view to the yard.



Here, I am standing where our new 32" flat screen will be placed. This picture gives you a view of the Volunteer Lounge and hallway by the Managers' Office



A typical room with double vanities at the end and door to restroom on the right.
In the next picture you can see the bunks and the new swing out doors equipped with panic bars. Each room has its own lock with Maangers having a master key to all locks.




For those who know, you can see where the window A/C units are gone and the door in front of the wheel barrel has been taken out.



Manager's Trailer on Right Worksite Manager's on the Left. The fence was extended back 30 feet by 50 feet to make room and free up parking area.

United PC, Rice Lake, WI


David Butler's team of 7 were a very dynamic group of hard workers. Leslie was a bit out numbered but, she kept the guys controlled. David, an excellent guitar player kept us and LeCluyse team entertained through devotions as well as after. As you can see by their picture, they like our PDA trucks.

Mountain View PC, Scottsdale, AZ





The College Crew Mission of 12 were lead by Eileen (Buzzy) LeCluyse. A very well organized team who enjoyed hard work as well as fun. Buzzy's daughter Megan celebrated her birthday while here. I'm certain that many have climbed this living oak in Luling but this was a team of natural tree climbers.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Lindsey Smyth, Wayne PC, Wayne, PA


Lindsey and her team of 14 were a lively group as their photo shows. They were actually from two churches Swarthmore being the other church. This team also helped around OT their first day here and did an amazing amount of work for which we are truly greatful.

New Year's Eve 07


As you can see we brought in 2008 with a little champagne. We had lots of dips and different snacks. Both the Ed Zimmer's Manitoba team and Jim Berkshire's Ohio team were here to celebrate New Year and made it very special for us all. We played games (cranium) a big favorite. And, of course, at midnight many lined the second floor balcony in the Dorm building to watch the abundance of fireworks going off all over the area.

Sugar Creek PC, Kettering, OH


Team Leader Jim Berkshire had a team of 11. They worked their first day at OT cleaning and building bunks for me and a couple worked here for part of the second day also. They were a great help to OT and I think them very much.
The house they did work on way a big job and by weeks end they had accomplished much more than we had anticipated. They were a team who loved to play Cranium and had a lot of fun with it too. They young men with them were excellent workers and one no names could eat enough for three people and still want dessert. I believe that he truly had a hole in the bottom of his foot.

The Manitoba Connection


Ed and his team of 23 hail from Brandon, Manitoba. Because PSL was on Christmas break we did jobs provided by the Lutheran Christian Missions just down the street from OT. They worked on three homes during the week and accomplished a lot of work in a short time. They had ten young adults who also took some extra time and went off to Disney for a few days. Did I forget to mention that they drove 32 hours to get here and turned around and drove the same back. That is dedication. Thank Y'All for a great week.