August update - walls are standing

Its August, 2016 and we have walls!

This week the plumbing workers start installing pipes for the roof drains and the drain pipes that will be under floors. This will be an important step because we need the roof drain pipes in place before any beams are poured and the drain pipes will need to be properly sloped, and we have a limited depth in which to run them.

We are also working with our structural engineer and architect on the structural beam designs, there are some details that we need to clarify so that we build these as specified. The 2010 earthquake in Haiti impacted all construction here in the DR, and there are some details that we need. Once we have the answers we need carpenters will begin forming these beams that will span all window and door openings as well as where we will have the translucent domes. 

The picture above  is the result of my first attempt at flying a drone over the site. It is a basic drone so flying it is a bit tricky and the pictures aren't 1080p, but it is really neat to see the building from above. I hope to post more pictures or even a video later this week.

Please stay tuned for more updates!

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Thank you for prayers and financial support. Because I am volunteering here, please consider a monthly gift or a one time gift that will help with our living expenses here in the DR. You may do so online or by sending a check:

(you can click one of the links below:)
Solid Rock International

Second Presbyterian Church - Roanoke, VA

GoFundMe.com

  

Block Walls update July 12 2016

70,000 block are now onsite and most are laying in walls! Our three mason crews are each finishing up their section of the building. Cleanup and filling of the block cells with concrete continues. 
We will now begin forming the beams that will span doorways, windows and the skylight-type structures so these can then be filled with concrete. 
During this same time the plumber can begin digging properly sloped ditches for the many drain pipes and then install these pipes now that the 40+ masonry workers are done with this portion of their work.

Here is are a couple of videos, one showing a brief overview of the building site and the work by volunteers and another is a one minute tour - hang on tight!

Around the Site:

A one minute walk-thru:

Thanks for the prayers and support - 

both greatly appreciated!

update July 5 2016

Some pictures of work on the building over the last few days.

What you see when first driving onto the property

Standing at the southeast corner, looking at the large conference room and exam rooms

Setting up to start 3 more courses of block  on the east wall looking north

Taken from atop the warehouse looking west

Mixing mortar mix for the block masons

Sifting sand that will be used by the masons

Our diesel mixer is used to mix the concrete that is poured into the block cells

The ER area

Mixing mortar for the ER area

A bunch of mortar waiting to be used in the west part of the building near the kithen

Building walls for the private room section

 And Finally, a time lapse from work on Saturday, July 2nd.

Going Up

The block masons are moving along very well.

As they lay block we are locating doors, windows and plumbing pipe locations. Electrical locations will utilize the voids in the block that are not filled with concrete. 

Here is a time lapse from this morning:

Will post another video soon!

Wall update June 18

Work is moving along with much to do. We have three subs each with their own crews working on the block work, so there are about 50 workers onsite. They are laying a bunch of block daily, so we have been working hard to stay ahead of them laying off doors and plumbing locations and confirming final locations and information of many details. Everyone is working well together, Our team of three engineers are overseeing the work and are onsite the entire day, checking that work is properly done.

Here is a quick video of the site from above ...

Stay tuned for more good news!

Keep up the prayers and support, Thanks so much!

The WALLS are underway!

It has been a long time coming, but on Monday, June 13, 2016 we started building the walls. We are officially above the foundation walls!

Mixing mortar - powered mixer optional

Here is a short video from Monday afternoon:

And some other pics ...

Some of the team from Pine Hills assembling a column

A heavy rain offers a good source of water for mortar mixing

End of the day on Monday, nice.

Lets get this started ... WALLS!

I'm excited!



We are at the end of a slow period during which we changed engineer/builder so that construction will go as efficiently as possible. It was a difficult decision, but necessary. 

My optimism is strong - there is a new level of commitment and drive to ensure that that the project happens as efficiently as possible.  Frank and I feel like the team we envisioned is now in place. 


Masons are lined up, block is arriving, the plumbing and electrical engineers are finalizing details ... we are like the space shuttle that is T minus 10 seconds and counting. I can't wait!  Here is a little video summary.













T minus 9 ...

WAIT! - Don't close this without a short prayer!

ok, thanks. :)