"A little hard work never hurt anyone..."

Yesterday we (Dad, Mom, Trissy, and me) all went to Archer's family's place to help them put the roof on the house they are building. Archer's dad is a great thinker - he's also a Christian, a husband, and a father. All those things come together to make him take the action he does. With the goal of being more self-sufficient, and more private, they're living on a piece of land out in the "boonies" you might say, building a homestead using their own hands, research, and alot of prayer. Bro. S. wants more for his family than the modern 'norm', and takes this mission very seriously. Instead of a TV, they have a trampoline the whole family uses together. Instead of trips to Disney World, they take their kayaks out on their ponds or float the creek. Instead of lots of 'things' to keep the kids busy, they raise produce and animals for entertainment, education, and personal use. And instead of building a small mansion on this beautiful land, they are building a modest, economical farmhouse-style home. Dad really likes to talk with Bro. S. ; his way of thinking is so refreshing and, sadly, so scarce in this age we live in. The family of six is living in a barn already on the property, and a little old camper trailer, until the house is finished.
Anyway, so like I said, the better part of our Saturday was spent baking in the sun, melting from humidity, and helping these dear friends try to knock out the roofing job in one day. It was hot, it was humid, but it was also very rewarding. Archer and Law's two younger sisters, Abigail and Piper, gave Trissy and me the grand tour of their farm (Mrs. S. showed Mom around), in between lifting sheets of metal roofing up to Bro. S., Archer, Law, and Dad, and moving scaffolding and sheet metal around to different positions. Bro. S.'s mother was also there visiting - a really neat lady, very spry, very likable, and a master gardener. We helped pick peas and lima beans while she told us interesting facts about plants and bird feeders. After picking, we, along with Mom, Mrs. S., and the three dogs, ;) sat under a tree and shelled as long as the men didn't need water, recharged batteries for their drills, or more sheet metal. That was really fun!

A couple of pictures from the day (click on them to view them larger):




This is where we were shelling. Abigail, Piper, Bro. S.'s mother, Trissy, Mrs. S., and Louis the dog ;)


I Heart Lima Beans! ;D



The men on the roof while we were shelling. Dad, Bro. S., Archer (behind Bro. S., sitting on the roof to tie his shoe), and Law. Law is getting a little head start on the break they were fixing to take ;) .

Law is a very interesting person - guess it runs in the family; Archer is pretty quirky himself :) . This is kindof a side note, but I didn't record it when it happened (I think it was the same Wednesday night service I told about here) and I'd like to remember it:

Law used to not play his guitar much with the group upstairs on Wednesday night because, for one thing, Japan was the 'regular', and for another, he wasn't old enough yet to be in that class. But then Japan left, so Law started filling in more. He's almost as good as Archer. Anyway, after we finished one song and the 'musicians' were getting ready to move to the next, one of the young people (I don't remember who, but it was one of Law's friends) called out, "Go Law!" kindof teasing him, but as a compliment at the same time.
Law looked up, looked them square in the eye across the room, and in front of everyone, stated emphatically, "This is for Jesus!"
He has a funny accent 'cause they didn't grow up in the south, and that, coupled with the fervor with which he spoke (Law doesn't seem to be one to get riled easily), made me just want to laugh! But I was so proud of him! If he will keep that spirit of the Lord first always, he will grow up to be a great man. God help our young people! May He raise up this generation to accomplish GREAT things for Him!