Extreme MakeOver = Extreme Gift

When we moved into our home, the deck was in bad shape. Neither waterproof nor weather treated, it was warped and cracked.

The summer I was pregnant with Tuck, we improved our outdoor living as well as our budget allowed: we flipped over each board and re-installed each one with the existing screws. I remember this well because I was Big Pregnant - as in, he was born in September, and we took on this project in July. I remember well the kneeling, squatting, and nailing involved. (And I say that with the afterword acknowledgement that I did only a fraction of the work involved.)

Robb has maintained it through the seven years, replacing boards, sanding, and repainting. And the task for the summer of 2011 was to finally replace it.

Southeast Christian Church set out to complete this task on Robb's behalf.

Insert: Community Impact Day.

Two dozen people showed up at my house, and together they demolished the deck, built a new one, and landscaped our backyard. All in a weekend.





Before:


After:

Before:


After:Before:

After:
Before:


After:

Before:

After:



This team of people exchanged water bottles and Advil, power tools, pats on the back, and encouraging words.

They transformed our outdoor living space, giving room for growing boys to run, climb, play and get dirty.

They cared for a widow in the church; they provided for the fatherless.

They served the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and strength.

Thankful and humbled do not begin to describe.