Finishing the Basement

new dining hall

serving line

new kitchen

One year ago we began the second phase of construction on our new dining hall and retreat center. Prior to this, we built the structure and had a shell waiting to be filled. All phases of construction (plumbing, electrical, insulation, sheetrock, flooring, painting, etc.) were feverishly tackled to get the dining hall and kitchen completed by summer 2011. We did it...mostly. This past summer we were able to utilize the new facility which is capable of seating 200 people. In the past, if we pushed it we could squeeze 80 into the outdated, cramped and very hot old mess hall. This was a wonderful and glorious improvement. The sweet ladies that have slaved for years in poor(er) conditions sang praises as they sliced meat and diced vegies in the air-conditioned kitchen that was nearly as big as the entire old building.

The sinks in upstairs bathrooms

Toilets that will be downstairs

where the sinks will go

The space for the thrones

One of the family rooms

showers in basement are installed

This winter our goal is to finish the downstairs (Retreat Center) portion of this facility. I am happy to report that really most all of the construction aspect is completed down there. The electricity, plumbing, sheet-rock and showers are installed. What we lack is the interior doors (8), toilets (11), sinks (14), paint and floor covering. My goal for the pictures above is not to display beautiful porcelain art, rather, to help you see where we are and what we will be doing.

Many of you have purchased a toilet or sink before so you know the cost of each item. Realize then what buying 14 of them would do to your budget along with the installation and the incidentals and you know where we are. In March 2012 we will have one of our first big groups of the spring. My hope is that we can band together and finish this project for the groups that will be able to grow while using it. Obviously, finishing this now and using it as it was designed will be a much greater tool than allowing it to sit another year.

my wife Andrea Henson cooking

Lastly, if you have been involved with the camp in the past 3.3 years you have probably met my wife Andrea. She'll kill me for posting this but she is worth mentioning. She goes to great lengths to save camp money, keep me on task (most difficult task) and raise our children in the Lord. She is a great asset to camp and to the kingdom...and (mushy time) I love her!