Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter!
“If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.” Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NKJV)
Earlier this year, the city flagged two sections of our sidewalk that we needed to replace. Our driveway also had a lot of cracks and needed to be redone. After talking it over with Brian’s dad, we decided to do the project ourselves and replace them. Brian took a sledgehammer and tried to break up a piece of the driveway. He quickly realized he didn’t have the strength or the time to do it this way. We decided to “sharpen our edge” and rented a ditch witch with a hydraulic hammer attachment. This machine easily broke up the old concrete and was worth every penny we spent renting it. It then took us 11 trips to haul away the broken pieces of concrete.
The next week, Brian’s parents came down to help set up the forms, pour, and finish the concrete. Since Brian’s dad is a carpenter, he brought all the necessary tools for the job. For this part of the project, we rented a bobcat to help move dirt and add fill. Brian learned how to drive a bobcat, and again the machine really helped. The inspector came and informed us that we needed expansion board on both sides of the sidewalk going through the driveway. Due to this requirement, we poured concrete on three different days. Brian was able to use a power trowel for the first time and he learned many tips from his dad. It was a great learning experience and we are very thankful for Brian’s parents and the other 5 friends that labored beside us. Our neighbors were watching and we have been told more than once it was great to see our kids working on the project.
In the midst of a concrete project, Luke celebrated his 10th birthday. He wanted 10 different colored cupcakes with 10 different colored frostings. We also held two “tent” garage sales. It was nice to get rid of some of our winter items that didn’t sell last May. We enjoyed sharing the ministry at Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, IA. Thanks again for all of your prayers!
Fulfilling the great commission together,
Brian, Brenda, Amanda, Luke, Nathanael and Rebekah Krueger