I know it's a bit cynical, but it's true! NBS is what happens whenever we start a new house. Everyone gets all excited about a new home coming out of the ground and gets the lion's share of attention. Fortunately for all involved, however, we are not in control of scheduling these events. It is surely God Himself that is driving our latest start. It is called "Let's Get Jackie in by Christmas". Jackie Wright was raised in the home that was razed last week. She, her sister and three adopted nephews had been living in the home that was beyond repair and that cost them $500/mo. on utilities alone- gaping holes in the walls, holes in the floor- no insulation, etc- The folks at Calvary Baptist church had been trying to keep it repaired over the years but finally figured out that it was wasting funds and that a new home would be the solution. Billy Hatmaker, who is a professor at the UA here, and a long time memeber of Calvary, got together a number of their congregation and they have raised $60K for the project. Also, the business school is a partner, and they have raised another $15K. Finally, Habitat/Tuscaloosa is the third partner. Calvary will also provide most of the volunteers for the two week build. Brandon, our construction director was in Haiti last week working on the annual Jimmy Carter Work Project. Before he left, he gave me a list of stuff to prepare for this build. One little "Ooops" moment was that after we had torn the house down, dug the footers and laid in the re-bar, the city inspector dropped by to inspect and, oops, the footprint of the house did'nt fit on the lot. We put in for a variance at the city council, and were the 14th and last case to be heard Monday night- and- Who is in control?- PASS! 5 out of 5 yeas to allow the shorter set back at the back yard. It rained a bit Tuesday, so we poured the concrete Wednesday, Laid all of the 5 courses of cinder block on Thursday and Friday, and formed and poured the saferoom slab. Received the material for the floor and practiced more of my skidsteer (bobcat) skills on the rented machine. Brandon will be back tommorrow for the start of the prebuild week. The Blitz starts Monday, Dec. 10th which allows 14 days to finish the house before Christmas. No problem. After that, I promise, (if it be His will) that we will get back to the old babies (the four or five homes in various stages of completion with homeowners asking where we are).
      Enjoyed a beautiful spirit-filled service at Capstone this morning at the start of this advent season . That's all for this week- Peace, Out.   Peter http://www.habitattuscaloosa.org/Get_Jackie_Home_for_Christmas