Transformation begins

We started renovating the Kailua house with a group of friends. That made it much easier to take. Here we were in the house we lived in 15 years earlier, doing all the stuff you dream about doing to a house. We tore out the old carpet, removed a partition wall from the kitchen, and added a new room to the large living room that would be our son's bedroom. Even in this smaller house, each kid would have their own room. We added a french door that opens to the lanai (patio). It was so exciting.

 

 

Then it was time to put things back into the house. We painted every wall and laid 1600 square feet of laminate flooring. We could not have done it alone. Folks showed up and helped just when we needed them. We had friends do the electrical, plumbing, framing and the drywall mudding. 

 They spent their weekends on us. It was so humbling. In record time, we were ready to move in. The place was transformed.

"Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches.  

Those who remain in me, and I in them, 

will produce much fruit.  

For apart from me you can do nothing." 

                                          - Jesus,  John 15:5

 

I'd like to name this house The Branch House. I love the imagery of a tree. A tree gives life, it gives cool shade on a hot day.  It even makes the air we breath. Jesus said, I am the Vine and you are the branches. This house is to be an extension of the Vine. It sits on the corner of our church property. It's like the branch office of the church. It's the place that can bring life and refreshing. I'm looking for the fruit this tree will produce in our family, our faith community, and our neighborhood.