Overwhelmed.

Earlier this week I was overwhelmed.

We have been trying to make progress on framing in the guest room/office in the basement so that our parents will have a place to stay when they come to visit in the next few weeks. Not even attempting for paint or fancy flooring or anything, but at least cover up the walls, maybe hang some drywall, provide a bit of privacy . . .

But it wasn't happening. We tried. Chris took time off work to work on it. And it just. didn't. happen. Call it "Builder's Block" or what you may, but there were too many questions to answer, too many decisions to make, and it simply didn't happen. We made a bit of progress on a few other side items and did a lot of research, but the room remained concrete block.

Sometimes the Lord does that. He wants to make sure you understand that it's not YOU who accomplishes anything. It's Him. After some time in prayer, the Lord prompted us to call some friends to see if they were able and willing to lend some assistance this weekend.

:::

Today I am overwhelmed again.

By the wonderful friends with whom the Lord has blessed us and their willingness to share their Saturday with us and the incredible progress the Lord allowed us to make today! Here's a few pictures . . .

Mr. Jonathan shared dinner with us last night and then made the supply run with Chris--I'm not much for helping load lumber and sheetrock these days. :o) This morning, the kids helped him pull the plastic off the insulation so that it could go against the brick walls and still allow them to breathe.

Mr. R and Mr. Dan were our other two wonderful helpers! Within just a few hours the four men had insulation and studs up on the outside walls.

The kids did great watching the construction and occupying themselves while Mommy worked upstairs. They figured out the seesaw all by themselves!

And Mrs. Debbie brought Evangeline over for the afternoon, so Mommy had good fellowship too! :o) (And MUCH appreciated help with kiddos and in cleaning up from lunch and such!)
Replacing the wall next to the stairs was definitely the trickiest part of the operation, and we ended up needing a few more studs to finish it, but the basic framework is there. (For those who notice and will wonder about such things, the window framing will accomodate a larger egress window to be installed later.)
And here it be, folks! The door will be framed in on the far left of this picture. Studs will fill in the remainder of the wall behind the stairs.
The "closet" opening is framed in here. It won't be a closet though until a good bit down the road when we repeat this process all over again with the front room.
And here's a glimpse of the finangling they had to do with the stairs. Let's just say that the post is not straight. At all. But that's okay. :o) A few more studs and some sheets of drywall and we'll have ourselves a fine guestroom! :o)

Thank you so much, friends!

You were a huge blessing to us today!
(And our parents will be greatly appreciative too!)