Apt. Renovation Project Report

All praise and glory to God for the progress in remodeling, and repairing #18 Rue de Faidherbe across the street from the BLF print shop in Marpent, France.  Only God could take a diverse group of over 20 individuals with varied skills and accomplish all that He willed.  This group worked inside and outside (remember the picture of Bev barely peeking over the weeds!) and even spent significant amounts of time helping in the print shop.

Refreshing your memory, we started last year with much to do to make the apartment at #18 more livable.  If you followed our progress you know we completely removed and replaced the mortar between the bricks on the exterior (rejointoyage) in order to eliminate the water intrusion that was slowly destroying the inside walls.  We also started to install a 2nd bath (who could forget the infamous triple bypass!) and convert the attic into 2 bedrooms.  With Russ Miller's expertise we were able to install a window for the new bedroom on the 3rd floor.  No easy task when the walls are 16 inches thick!  We made fantastic progress last year and are hopeful that we can complete the interior remodel during 2008.

The first BLF Impressions Mission Team for 2008 will be a March construction team continuing the interior remodel and renovation.  This team will tackle the completion of the 2nd story bath, flooring on all 3 levels, and interior decorating.  In their "spare time" they will also be working on the installation of new shelving in the print shop garages to increase storage capacity. 

BLF has a full slate of Impressions Missions Teams for 2008 but there are still opportunities for construction help during the year.  We have to ask that those volunteering are able to work with little direction and oversight since the staff will be busy most of time with the Teams.  Experience with plumbing, painting, carpentry, and landscaping is helpful.  For more information contact Harry Enns at the BLF USA office at harry2@blfusa.org or call the office at 630-221-1980.

We are excited to see what God has in store for France this year! Kevin & Debbi Eggleston, IT & Apt. Renovation Co-ordinators Europe