A mountain to be moved, and a mole hill that is done.

We were greeted with the smiling faces of the staff here. As usual they were very happy to see us coming in.
This is Rankin adding a few things to the blog so you can see what we are up to.
We started on several projects right away.
Flooring
     We are painting and prettying up the stairs in the main hallway.
     We will be putting down carpet tiles in the angel/tea room.
     We will be putting down tiles (on top of cement sheets) in the library
     We are recovering nearly 50 chairs for the tea room
     We are putting up new Window treatments in many of the windows.
     We have already cleaned all the guestrooms and to make them ready for the grand opening.
Here are some pictures to show you  what all is going on.

 As you can see the floor of the Tea room/ Angel room have seen better days. It was also missing several tiles in less than strategic places.

 Several shots of the jigsaw puzzle that I have put down on the floor to make sure it is level for the carpet squares to go down.

 This is what the floor will look like all over. This picture is actually the first half of the room done.

 Odds and ends of the window treatments here on display on top of the new carpet squares I laid down.
We have been playing leap frog and moving stuff back and forth to look like a well oiled machine while all the projects are using the same space. You would think we actually knew what we were doing.

The cement sheet cutting has been quite an eye opening experience, but don't open them too much, because the dust is intense.

And They're Off

At 12:15 pm this afternoon, most of our Scotland Mission Team departed the church parking lot with bags loaded to the limit, and hearts ready for their trip.  They were joined by five more team members at RDU International before they boarded their plane and departed.  Please pray for them as they travel today and tomorrow, and then as they begin their work at Overtoun House.  Check back here for updates!

August 22, 2014

With the publication of Caledonian Adventure: 2014 Mission to Overtoun House I feel that our Scotland mission trip has already begun. The devotionals in this book begin this Sunday, which is apropos since our team will be commissioned on this morning in worship. Then it will be just a matter of packing and praying until we lift off from RDU on Wednesday afternoon. Can't wait to see all the progress made at Overtoun House as it has been 2 years since we last visited. We're thankful for the 21 team members who already have and will continue to invest their time, talent and treasure to this project. Thanks also to others who have given and prayed. Keep checking our blog and we'll keep you informed of what the Lord is doing in, around, and through us as we embark on this new "Adventure in Faith."

Scotland 2012:  Wednesday, July 4th The scene: We've had all the possible weathers today several times each--sun, mist, rain, and a few more.  It rains so much here that even the horses have raincoats. Sightseeing and travel: We left Skye and traveled over the bridge to the mainland.  We visited the Eilean Donan Castle on a beautiful water setting.  Then we traveled back to Overtoun House.  We sang America the Beautiful to honor the success of our country's rebellion today! And had McDonald's burgers and fries for dinner with American flag table decorations. The work:  Tonite we will furnish and finish the library and have a short dedication ceremony. Tomorrow we will fly back to Raleigh.   We are blessed that we've had an enjoyable and safe trip and that God has enabled us to help our friends and their work at Overtoun House.  Thanks be to God and thank you team. MIssion accomplished.  See you back home!

Scotland 2012: Tuesday July 3rd

The scene: A beautiful cool dry day that was sunny for several hours. We actually used sunglasses! After a full Scottish breakfast we set out sight-seeing. First up was the Kilmuir Graveyard, resting place of Flora MacDonald. The Skye Museum of Island Life showed how the residents lived a hundred years ago in thatched cottages. The ruins of the MacLeod castle are on a cliff above the water that was an amazing viewpoint. We toured the northern penisula of Skye with coastal and mountain views that were gorgeous in the sun. We finished up assisting the local economy with a bit of shopping in Portree and Uig, small towns on Skye. Tonite we hear traditional Scottish music. More tomorrow!

Scotland 2012: Monday July 2nd We said tearful goodbyes to the Bob and Melissa Hill at the Overtoun House this morning. Our driver Allen and tour guide Kathy whisked us from Dumbarton at 8am off our tour. Briefly we rode alongside Loch Lomond and then the road to Glencoe--which the tour books call the most beautiful drive in Scotland and then on the Road to the Isles. A ferry took us across to the Isle of Skye. The weather improved as we traveled north and the drizzle ended when we arrived in Skye. The terrain of Skye was very beautiful changing from the moors to mountainous as we traveled north. Some gorgeous sights including sheep and native cattle. We arrived at our hotel and had dinner this evening. More tomorrow.

Scotland 2012: Sunday

The scene:  Cool but very sunny and bright.  Gorgeous sunset!

Brief summary of today:  We worshipped with Bob and Melissa's congregation today in the tea room.  Dr. Hailey gave the sermon .  Afterwards a group went to Dunbarton and Dunbarton rock for an excursion.  Some stayed and finished up work.  This evening we dedicated the finished dining room with a communion service.  Tomorrowam we leave "on holiday" for 2 days on the Isle of Skye.  We return Wednesday evening and will put the furnishings in the library.

Mickey and Riley Pleasants with the mantle they donated.