 |
| Alvin and Michael (son-in-law) built these steps up the one side of the waterfall |
 |
| Maxine, Alvin, and Maxine's husband Wayne work at putting rock in place |
 |
| Alvin uses the excavator to place rock, as Wayne directs him |
 |
| hooking up the liner to the top of the tank for the water |
 |
| a little dirty ... pressure washing up close got me pretty mud splattered |
 |
| even Maxine's dog Duke loves to come out to work |
 |
| Maxine put in endless hours on this hill |
 |
| grasses were placed, and then later were dug into the ground - waiting for rock to be placed |
Hot days have been enjoyed in Manitoba. We are not complaining even though we have enjoyed out air conditioning a lot! I figure that we need to continue to cherish these days and remember them as we get closer to fall and winter. Yes, sorry to say - we are getting closer to that too!
Lots of rocks have been brought onto our property. We purchased several loads of river rock and were thankful for a good deal per yard from Reimer Soils. We also got the gift of 3 pallets of quarry rock from Mariash Quarry. Alvin and I took our flatbed trailer and picked up about 3 tons of it, which he then unloaded manually. Maxine, along with help from Wayne (her husband) and Alvin (my husband) and myself - placed each one in a particular place. Nothing has happened without much thought, believe me. We continue to thank God for the gift He has given us through Maxine and also her husband Wayne. Maxine's help, hard work, tons of volunteer hours, prayer, and creative design has blessed our ministry. We can't say thanks enough.
One of the most exciting things that has happened, is that we have out waterfall going!! It is unbelievable - and I love the sound. As my grandson noticed, "Granny, one side is faster than the other side." It was intentional - and we love the sound that it makes as it falls down each side. It is truly music to our ears. It was so exciting to see Maxine's creation come to life!! We are still working on it - you really should come take a look!
 |
| coffee break for hard working volunteers |
We have picked more weeds than we care to say!! Huge tall ones - fluffy ones - prickly thistles - so many weeds. There are many "teachable moments" while pulling weeds. I totally understand why Jesus used the story about the weeds when illustrating to the people. We have had some extra help pulling weeds. Anna-Christina and Olivia have given us a hand - and would be here every day if they could be. It has been fun getting to know them, and love them! I have enjoyed the help as I just can not keep up with it myself!!
Mosquitoes have been crazy around here. Today as we worked - they were fine until the end when we walked through the grass to the back to measure something out. They were absolutely crazy and truly sent us back, brushing them off as we went. I guess it makes sense as we were overwhelmed with so much rain on the weekend.
What is new and happening? Well, we have decided to put a "prayer path" in the back. The path itself will occupy a space about 40' by 45'. The most exciting thing that just happened is that our friend Elmer (and our son-in-law's dad) went to speak with the Barkman family - and they have graciously given us all the patio stones needed for this project. Believe me - this is not a project without prayer and we are so thankful to Barkman Concrete for their generosity. NOW we can hardly wait to get going!! I am also very thankful to our friends Elmer and Jeannette who are volunteers here, and great friends - and we appreciate their help in this endeavour (and adventure!!)
Sometimes in the thick of things, the yard is a little overwhelming. We have more plans than time it seems. And perhaps more dreams than we have money!! But it is good to dream. We also believe that God is in this outdoor sanctuary - and for that we praise Him and dedicate this space and our work, and our vision for it - to HIM. To God be the GLORY!!
We can always use volunteers - to help weed, to help with projects i.e. paths. We will find a job for you - just give us a call!!
With that, I am signing off !!
blessings,
Joy
** Sorry, I tried to put in a beautiful video of our waterfall here -
but just could not get it to load
so if you are on Facebook - go to our page and watch it!!
OR come and see for yourself!!
