One more week at the “Old Hanger Apartment” and then it is moving day for the girls.  Two teachers, one from Nate Saint School and one from Casa de Fe Orphanage, have been waiting for this date for some time.  The renovations will not be completely done, but the remainder is mostly exterior work. 

It seems like the overhaul of this building has taken a lot of time, however, in this land there are many reasons for delays.  Going to the building supply store is not like browsing at Home Depot.  First you must know what you need, go to the counter to ask for it, describe it if they have another name for it, wait until they can locate the item and sometimes you will leave with exactly what you wanted.  Often though, you will accept a substitute and rework that which you have already done to complete the job.  That is in regard to plumbing and electrical parts.   Lumber and millwork are another story! 

Example of termite damage
from one of several walls replaced
a few weeks ago

The renovation to this building was due to insect damage; so all the materials used in the repairs have been naturally insect resistant. The wood is so hard that often you must drill before you nail and it must be custom milled to fit.  Over the last several days we have been making window and baseboard trim.  Prior to that, the doors all had to be framed and installed.  Although this type of work has taken more time, it has been very enjoyable.  As you can see in the pictures, MAF has a well equipped shop for this work.

Step 2- Get a flat, square edge

Step 1- Select termite resistant wood

Step 3- Run it thru' the saw

Step 4- Plane it to a uniform size

Step 5-Push it thru' the shopmade shaper

Step 6- Apply finish

This will be my last week with MAF.  In the new month I will walk the opposite direction every morning and begin      working with HCJB in the hospital.  This promises to be a new challenge in that the entire maintenance crew speaks Spanish.