Another Day. Another Deck.

Momma Jane here. It's 8 pm and we're cleaning up our "leftover" dinner. Thanks a second time to the outreach committee for the chili and to whomever sent us down here with the spaghetti sauce. The meal also included leftover half runner beans, leftover chicken, and leftover rice and beans. The highlights, however, were Troy's steamed asparagus with Hollandaise sauce (wow!) and Lucas' broiled Italian bread with onion, garlic, and olive oil (mmm). Tomorrow, after our visit to the coal mining museum, we're having an barbecue and on Friday Anita said she'd like to make us a special treat -- chicken and dumplings and sweet tea (especially for Maddie).

We worked up our appetites today at Mrs. Myrtle Cardi's home, where we destroyed an existing deck and built her a new one. Our ranks have been expanded by one -- Patrick's father, Charles Massey, drove up from North Carolina yesterday to join us. It's been great getting to know him and especially nice to have an experienced set of hands. Although, with two decks now under our own tool belts, the kids could almost build the one we're starting tomorrow on their own.

Tomorrow's deck will be roughly the same size (8'6 or 8'8) as the two decks we've already built. But we're upping the game by adding a handicapped ramp. Mrs. Cardi is getting a scooter soon, and this will allow her to take the scooter outside. Not sure if this will take us into Friday or whether we'll finish it tomorrow. Time will tell.

I must say, I've always been proud of these kids, but I can't say I've ever been prouder. Their compassion, their politeness, their willingness to learn new skills and to work hard, their sense of humor, and their dedication to a common goal has made this trip one for the record books.

To Ben and Karen, Lisa and Dave, Heidi, Steve, Jim (and Karen), Jackie and Steve: You done good.